If you’re a fan of vampires, castles, and Transylvanian legends, then you’ll want to check out Bran Castle. It’s famous for being the setting for Bram Stoker’s Dracula, but it’s also a genuinely fascinating place to visit.
There’s even a real human heart kept inside the castle! Read on to find out how to make the most of your trip!
1. Get to the Castle Early
If you're planning to visit Bran Castle, you need to get there early. The queues are usually quite long and you may have to wait a while before your turn to enter the castle.
To avoid this, book your tickets online and arrive in the castle 10 minutes prior to your entry time. If you're lucky, you might even be able to skip the line.
Once you arrive in Bran, it's a short walk uphill to the castle (which is totally unmissable)! You can also stop by the gift shop where there's plenty of Dracula-themed merchandise.
2. Arrive in the Village
If you're a history buff, it's hard to resist a trip to Bran Castle. It's known for its association with Bram Stoker's vampire lore and its medieval architecture.
Located on the border between Transylvania and Wallachia, the village of Bran is about 30 kilometers south of Brasov.
Travelling by train from Bucharest North Gara A takes 3.5 hours and costs 40 lei (10EUR/$12). Buses leave hourly between Autogara 2 in Brasov and Bran and cost 7 lei (1.5 EUR/$2) one way.
You can also drive your car to Bran Castle, although the journey can take up to three hours. You'll also get to see Sinaia and Peles Castle, another former royal residence, along the way.
3. Explore the Castle
One of Romania’s most popular attractions, Bran Castle has a reputation for being the resting place of the infamous vampire Dracula. If you’re planning to visit this Gothic fortress, here are some tips on how to get the most out of your experience.
It’s a good idea to get here as early as possible as the castle can be very busy and you’ll need to queue for a while. You can also pre-book tickets online, which will save you time on the day.
If you’re visiting during Halloween, don’t miss the atmospheric events that take place in the castle. You can learn about Queen Marie’s heart that she buried here and see her old furniture, armor and daggers. There are also 57 rooms that you can explore on your tour.
4. Visit the Village Museum
The best thing to do after visiting Bran Castle is to visit the village museum next door. Located near the entrance to the castle, this open-air Ethnographic Museum offers an insightful exhibition of 16 old local houses displaying furniture, household objects and costumes from the region.
You will find plenty of souvenir stalls selling gimmicky Dracula merchandise and you can also sample some traditional Transylvanian snacks. Despite the gimmicky nature of this museum, it's worth a look.
Bran Castle is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Transylvania and it's certainly a must-visit if you're a fan of the horror genre. It's like stepping into a fairytale and some of the biggest Dracula enthusiasts travel to Romania just for this reason!
5. Take a Drive
Shrouded in dark myths and the eerie love story of Count Dracula, Bran Castle is one of the most impressive fortresses in Transylvania. Located in the village of Bran, it is a tourist destination that attracts legend-seekers and history enthusiasts alike.
A visit to Bran Castle is not just about the imposing architecture, but about learning about the historical events that took place there. This is why you should take a guided tour of the castle with an expert guide who will be able to explain the history of the place and tell you all about Dracula.
As one of the most popular places in Romania, Bran Castle is a must-visit. However, you should be aware that there are a lot of people visiting the castle every year so it is advisable to get there as early as possible.
