Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle)

Planning a visit to Transylvania? 

Visiting Transylvania can be an exciting and enriching experience, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and charming towns. 

Transylvania is beautiful year-round, but the best time to visit depends on your preferences. From May to October it offers pleasant weather and is ideal for outdoor activities. However, be prepared for crowds during peak season. Winter is perfect for winter sports enthusiasts. The snow-covered hills of winter are also a magnificent sight, especially around Christmas time.

Transylvania is a large region with many interesting destinations. Some of the must-visit places include Brasov, Sibiu, Cluj-Napoca, Timisoara. Each of these cities has its own unique charm and historical significance. Don't forget to explore smaller towns and villages like Sighisoara, known for its medieval citadel, Bran, home to Bran Castle (also known as Dracula's Castle) or Sinaia where you can visit the impressive Peles Castle.

Transylvania's mix of history, culture, and natural beauty ensures there's something for everyone to enjoy during their visit to this enchanting region.
 

Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle)

Well known around the world, the castle is a “symbol” of Romania.

Surrounded by an aura of mystery and perched high on a 200-feet rock, Bran Castle became famous due to its imposing towers and turrets, as well as to the myth created by the English novelist Bram Stoker and his Count Dracula character.

The castle was first mentioned in an official document issued by King Louis I of Hungary in 1377, who gave the Saxons from Kronstadt (Brasov in German) the privilege to build the citadel on the site of a Teutonic Knights stronghold dating from 1212. During the first decades of the 20th century, the castle served as a royal residence for the Romanian Royal Dynasty, a gift of the people of Brasov to Queen Mary of Romania, wife of King Ferdinand I.

Narrow winding stairways lead through 60 timbered rooms, many connected by hidden passages, housing collections of furniture, weapons and armor from the 14th to the 19th century. The castle guards over the picturesque village of Bran, which can be described as an open-air ethnographic museum, consisting of old local-style village houses, complete with furniture, household objects and costumes.

Although Bram Stoker never traveled to Transylvania, he relied on research and his vivid imagination to create the dark story of Count Dracula, leading to the persistent myth that Bran Castle was once the home of Vlad Tepes, the ruler of Wallachia. While the historic association with Vlad Tepes, as well as the fictional one with Count Dracula are sketchy at best, the castle continues to hold a strong attraction among all fans of the Count.

Bran

Bran is a small town in the Brasov County of Romania and is located in the heart of Transylvania. It is best known for its famous attraction, Bran Castle, also referred to as Dracula's Castle.

The town of Bran has many other attractions, such as picturesque streets lined with traditional houses, local markets, and museums. The town's natural scenery is also a highlight, with opportunities for hiking and trekking in the surrounding forests and mountains.

Overall, a visit to Bran is a must-do when traveling through Transylvania, as it offers an exciting blend of history, culture and the beautiful mountainous landscape.

Brasov

Brasov is a picturesque city located in the central part of Romania, in the historical region of Transylvania.It is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations, known for its stunning natural landscapes, well-preserved medieval architecture, and rich history. 

Brasov is situated in the Carpathian Mountains, which provides a dramatic backdrop of mountains and forests. It is surrounded by the Southern Carpathians, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The city is located approximately 166 kilometers (103 miles) north of Bucharest, the capital of Romania.

Brasov  was founded by the Teutonic Knights in the early 13th century and has a long and storied history. It played a vital role in the development of Transylvania and was a major trade hub during medieval times. Over the centuries, Brasov has been inhabited by various ethnic groups, including Saxons, Hungarians, and Romanians, which has contributed to its rich cultural heritage.

Brasov is renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture, particularly in the historic center, known as the Old Town (Centrul Vechi), a charming area with well-preserved buildings, colorful houses, and cobblestone streets.

Some of the city's most iconic landmarks are:

• Council Square: Piața Sfatului, or Council Square, is the heart of the Old Town and a bustling area filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops. This central square is surrounded by colorful baroque buildings and it’s a popular gathering place for locals and tourists alike.
• Black Church: The Biserica Neagră, or Black Church, is the largest Gothic church in Romania and a major tourist attraction. Its name comes from the dark color of its walls, a result of a fire in the 17th century. The impressive church is also known for its remarkable interior and collection of Anatolian carpets.
• Brasov Fortress: A historic citadel overlooking the city, offering panoramic views of Brasov and the surrounding mountains.
• Rope Street: Widely considered one of the narrowest streets in Europe, this charming alley is a popular spot for tourists.
• The Tampa Mountain: With the "Brasov" sign and the Hollywood-like letters overlooking the city, is a popular spot for panoramic views.

Brasov's combination of history, culture, and natural beauty makes it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Romania, and it offers a unique glimpse into the country's rich heritage and stunning landscapes.
 

Transylvanian Castles & Brasov Day Tour

Enjoy a full-day small-group tour from Bucharest to the historical region of Transylvania, an excellent way to explore the region's rich history, stunning architecture, and beautiful landscapes in a single day.

The itinerary for this day tour includes some of Transylvania's most famous castles and the charming city of Brasov.

Begin your day tour from Bucharest, the capital and largest city of Romania. Be picked up from the comfort of your hotel and sit back and relax on the drive to Sinaia in the Transylvanian Alps.

Your first stop should be Peles Castle in Sinaia, a picturesque town in the Carpathian Mountains. Visit the stunning Neo-Renaissance Peles Castle, considered one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. Explore the intricate architecture and opulent interior of this Neo-Renaissance masterpiece, including the Grand Hall, Music Room, and Imperial Suite. Admire furniture, ornamental objects, carpets, tapestries, sculptures, paintings and collections of weapons from the 15th to 19th centuries. Don't forget to wander the beautiful castle gardens!

Head to the medieval Bran Castle (better known as Dracula’s Castle). While the connection to Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) is tenuous, the castle itself is an impressive fortress. Explore its eerie chambers, towers, and history. Admire the castle's romantic setting on a forested hill. Gaze up at its imposing towers. Admire the picturesque village of Bran, located at the foot of Bran Castle, and immerse yourself in traditional Transylvanian rural life.

After exploring these historic sites continue to Brasov and explore one of the largest medieval towns in Romania on a walking tour. Discover Brasov's charming Old Town, walk around the Council Square, admire the Black Church, and stroll along the cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings.

Take in gorgeous mountain scenery as you drive back to Bucharest.

This day tour offers a well-rounded experience of Transylvania's history and culture, with a mix of stunning castles and the vibrant city of Brasov.