Look at the carved stone sculpture in front of you. At first glance, it looks like a stack of books placed one on top of the other. But this is not just a sculpture — it is a kilometre marker from one of Romania’s most ambitious trail projects. This marker belongs to Via Transilvanica, often called “the road that unites.” It is a long-distance trail stretching about one thousand and four hundred kilometres across Romania, running diagonally from the southeast to the northwest of the country. The route was created to reconnect people with places that are often overlooked — small villages, remote landscapes, and regions that have slowly emptied due to economic challenges. The trail is designed for hikers, cyclists, and even horse riders. Along the way, it is clearly marked with painted signs, direction posts, and these distinctive stone markers. Every single kilometre has its own carved andesite stone, and no two are exactly alike. Because of this, the trail has been described as a kind of open-air art gallery — possibly one of the longest in the world — guiding travellers step by step across the country. These stone markers are one of the defining features of Via Transilvanica. They were created during sculpture workshops organised as part of the project, with artists carving each piece by hand. Placed roughly every kilometre, they help travellers stay oriented while also giving the trail a strong visual identity. There is even an adoption programme linked to these markers. Local people and supporters can “adopt” a kilometre stone and take responsibility for maintaining it throughout the year, creating a strong sense of shared ownership and care for the trail. So if you’re feeling adventurous during your time in Romania, you could always follow these markers and see just how far they lead. Now, let’s continue to our next stop — Casa Hirscher.