Transylvania and Dracula’s Castle Day-Tour from Bucharest

Transylvania is surrounded with majestic mountains, embraced in a thick fog, with gothic castles set against overcast skies, and small surrounding medieval villages looking as if time has not touched them. Transylvania gives a good blend of myth and reality when it comes to Dracula too. Today, there are many one-day tours you can book from Bucharest and enjoy Transylvania’s surroundings and the famous Dracula’s Castle and its history. Once you catch your Bucharest airport transfer and rest from the trip, we suggest for you to go through these solid ideas for a one-day journey to Transylvania.
 

Brasov

Brasov is a wonderful city surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, about 2 ½ hours north of Bucharest. This place is a great base for exploring the top sights of Transylvania. Brasov radiates with amazing scenery, with a nice pedestrian zone offering old world charm. The local Town Hall Square is an amazingly picturesque town square at the beginning of the pedestrian zone. Brasov’s most famous landmark, the Black Church, is located here, along with the Old Town Hall sheltering the Brasov’s History Museum. Many shops and restaurants are to be seen in the pedestrian zone. During the warmer months, you can sit out on the main walkway to enjoy your meal. If you wish to avoid this place being crowded, try visiting during chillier weekdays, and avoid the weekends.

When in Brasov, try hiking to the top of Tampa Mountain, a place where the large Brasov sign stands above the town, and where the original fortress was built. At this very fortress, Vlad Tepes attacked the city in 1458-60, destroying the citadel and impaling 40 merchants on top of the mountain. You can walk for an hour to the top or opt to take the Tampa cable car to the peak (3,000 feet).
 

Bran Castle

The Bran Castle is located about 16 miles northeast of Brasov, and it is the castle that served as the inspiration for Dracula’s Castle in the Bram Stoker’s novel, “Dracula”. Although it existed during the life of the real Dracula, Vlad Tepes never resided here. Nevertheless, this does not make the Bran Castle any less vampire-lair worthy. The castle stands up from a rocky area and is sitting right at the edge of town, at the Rucăr – Bran passage. While taking the tour inside, the visitors can enjoy rooms dedicated to Transylvania’s most famous count and experience vampire-like surprises, including a hidden staircase, ancient torture devices, Queen Marie’s Tea House, and a glass elevator known as the “Dracula’s escape route”. At the base of Bran Castle, there’s usually a souvenir and local crafts market, where you can purchase various Dracula souvenirs, since you won’t find a collection like this anywhere else in Romania.
 

Sighisoara

Sighisoara is located 72 miles northeast of Brasov (about a 2 hour drive). Many tourists visit this town since it is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. Additionally, it is a World Heritage site. Being a UNESCO protected town, Sighisoara is not just Dracula’s birthplace. It is also one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, offering a stunning view over its nine towers, winding cobbled streets, burgher houses and ornate churches. Some of the attractions here are the home of Vlad, the Church on the Hill, the 13th century Venetian House, and the Church of the Dominican Monastery. Organizing a visit to Sighisoara takes you back in time, making it a town not to be missed on your journey through Transylvania.
 

Rasnov Fortress

Sitting on a rocky hilltop at the Carpathian Mountains, located 9 miles northeast of Brasov and 650 feet above the town of Rasnov, you’ll see the restored Rasnov Fortress. The fortress was not only used for defense, it was also a place of refuge at periods throughout its history. Hence, it is no wonder that it resembles a fortified small village, with many homes, a school and a chapel. When you step into the Rasnov Fortress, you’ll be able to embrace some of the greatest views of the valley. Same as with any attraction, there’s a souvenir shop within the fortress which is a bit kitsch too.
 

Peles Castle Romania

Resting at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains, the Peles Castle found its home in a picturesque town that is also a popular ski resort during the winter season. The surrounding scenery at Peles Castle is mesmerizing and yet eerie as the fog creeps down the sides of the mountains. The castle has 160 rooms which are tastefully decorated with European art, Murano crystal chandeliers, German stained-glass windows and Corboda leather-covered walls. If you wish to take photographs inside the castle, you’ll have to pay a fee to do it. So be fair and pay the fee, since you’ll eventually regret if you miss the chance to photograph the beautiful rooms inside this castle. It is amazing how each of them offers unique charm and character, from the Turkish Salon to the Theater Room and so much more in between.

When your journey in Transylvania comes to an end, you’ll end up with a camera full of amazing photographs and a head full of memories. And the tales of encountering with the undead, werewolves or vampires remain to be simply tales. Transylvania is a wonderful region in Romania, it is very safe and extremely visited. Hence, if you find yourself visiting Bucharest this season, make an effort and leave space in your agenda for a day-trip to all beauties Transylvania has to offer. Once you are done with your Romanian experience, the Bucharest airport is just a taxi ride away.