About this experience
"Transylvania, like a magnet, attracts all the superstitions of the world and represents a whirlpool of fantasy," writes the famous Irish writer Bram Stoker in his book "Dracula". Let's embark on an adventure together to the town of Bran - the wildest and least explored area of Eastern Europe!
What to Expect
Navigate carefully through the mazes of Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle! Climbing up the secret staircase, passing by tightly closed rooms, and peeking into bricked-up well, you will undoubtedly feel that these gloomy walls and towers hold many secrets.
Traveling from Brasov to Bran, we will not only admire the surroundings but also talk about the reign of the most ruthless ruler in Romanian history - Vlad the Impaler III, who became the real prototype of Count Dracula for Stoker's novel. By the way, Bram Stoker himself was a very interesting personality, and his appeal to the vampire theme has its roots and prerequisites.
We will try to answer the question of why Transylvania is associated with vampires and what was happening in the mysterious chambers of the ancient castle.
More about the Castle
In ancient times, trade routes connecting the Romanian principalities of Transylvania and Wallachia passed through the mountain gorges. A fortress was built on one of these roads under the guidance of Teutonic Knights, whom the King of Hungary invited to protect the southeastern borders of the kingdom as early as 1226. The castle, where the garrison was located, not only defended against enemies but also served as a customs point. Today, Bran Castle is a valuable monument in the history of Romania.
In the 1920s and 1930s, Queen Maria, who owned the castle, restored it and assembled here the richest collection of antique furniture and utensils. The biography of the Romanian queen, the granddaughter (on her father's side) of Queen Victoria and (on her mother's side) of Alexander II, resembles an adventure novel. She was respected by the great of this world and loved by the people. In Europe, there were few beauties who could rival her. The fearless behavior of Queen Maria during the First World War surrounded her name with a heroic halo. The history of her difficult life is revealed in the exhibition halls and rooms.
From the height of the castle's top floor, a panorama of incomparably beautiful landscapes opens up. Descending to the ground and wandering through the park pondering the meaning of existence, you can also visit the Village Museum located nearby, and then buy traditional Transylvanian ceramics, masks, wooden crafts, and other products of folk crafts. And don't forget to try the local cheeses in wooden bark!
If you are traveling by car, on the way back from Bran, we can also visit another fortress in Rasnov (paid additionally - 35 €).
Organizational Details
How the Tour Goes
- From Brasov to Bran, we will take a suburban bus, which leaves from the bus station every half an hour. The one-way trip takes 48 minutes.
- The tour of the castle, including a stroll around the market, will take about 1.5 hours, visiting the fortress in Rasnov (if you are in a car and want to visit the fortress) - another 1.5 hours.
Additional Expenses
- bus tickets - 13 lei/person (2.5€); guide tickets are also paid separately
- entrance tickets to Bran Castle: adults - 55 lei/person (11€), seniors 65+ - 40 lei (8 €), students - 30 lei/person (with document), children 7+ - 15 lei/person (3 €)
- the guide enters the castle for free
