A Visit to Dracula Castle Romania, have you ever considered where the real Dracula’s Castle is in Transylvania? The one that Bram Stoker used as an example for Count Dracula’s house? The castle is in Romania, in the Carpathian Mountains, not far from Brasov. It’s called Bran Castle. The most well-known ancient castle in the country, over 800,000 people visit it every year, making it a must-see. During your walk, you can learn about Romanian royalty, Transylvanian legends, and the literary links to Count Dracula, the famous vampire who loves blood. You may be into vampire stories, so coming here was a dream come true. Now you know everything you need to know to go to Dracula’s Castle in Romania or Bran Castle in Transylvania!
Where is Dracula Castle in Romania
The Dracula Castle Romania is in Transylvania, close to Brasov, one of Romania’s best places to visit. In pop culture and this piece, it is known as Bran Castle. Transylvania is not a country; it is an area in the middle of Romania in Eastern Europe. In his book Dracula, Bram Stoker used this real area as the setting for the Dracula house. Stoker wrote a lot about a castle in Transylvania where Dracula lived and about the time that Jonathan Harker, a real estate agent from London, went to see Dracula’s house.
History of Bran Castle
Teutonic Knights built a wooden lookout tower in 1212 to keep an eye on trade lines in the area that were often in danger. This was the first fortress on this site. The Mongolians destroyed the wooden castle in 1242, but it was rebuilt in stone in the 1400s. In 1377, Castle Bran was first mentioned in written sources. People from Saxony were allowed to build this castle with their own money as a defence against the Ottoman Empire, King Louis I of Hungary. The mountain pass between Transylvania and Wallachia turned it into a major military fortress and customs post over time. This was around the time that Vlad Tepes was Prince of Wallachia. A lot of people think that he was related to Bran Castle.
This is Vlad the Impaler, also called “the real” Dracula!
He was king of Wallachia from 1448 to 1478. His name was Vlad Tepes or Vlad III of Dracul, but everyone called him Vlad the Impaler. The Ottoman Empire and Hungary often sent troops to their area to attack trade lines and other important areas. He was very cruel when protecting his land. Vlad is very interested in being cruel, and he is famous for torturing his enemies in horrible ways. More than 80,000 people are thought to have died because of Vlad Tepes. He liked to hurt his enemies by poking them with spikes, which is how he got the name “Vlad the Impaler.” It was also said that he drank the blood of his rivals. These horrible stories sparked Bram Stoker’s famous vampire story, and Vlad Tepes is known as the “real” Count Dracula. Many people think that Vlad Tepes visited Bran Castle, but most agree that he never actually went there. He may have fought in nearby fights, but he never lived here or even came here to visit.
The link between Bran Castle and Bram Stoker
One of the most well-known medieval buildings in the country is Bran Castle. This is mostly because of Bram Stoker’s book Dracula, which occurs in England and Transylvania. But it might surprise you that Bram Stoker never went to Bran Castle or even Romania before writing his book in 1897. He did paint a scary picture for his story with details about Transylvania, the stories of the Strigoi family, and the bloody tales of Vlad the Impaler. It’s funny that the medieval prince Vlad Tepes fought fights in Transylvania, but there’s no record of him ever going to Bran Castle. He wasn’t from Transylvania, after all.
Poenari Castle in Wallachia was where he lived. Some say he went to Bran Gorge to fight, though. “Right on the edge of a great cliff,” the book says of Dracula’s Castle. But there are also a lot of houses from the Middle Ages in Transylvania that fit this description. We’ll never know if this castle was the model for Dracula’s Castle. But why tell the truth when you can make much money and tell a good story?
Today, in Queen Marie and Dracula’s Castle
Another thing that makes Bran Castle so well-known is that Queen Marie of Romania made big changes in the 1800s and turned it into a royal home. This is where she lived until she died in 1938. After that, her daughter, Princess Ileana, moved here and used Castle Bran as a hospital during World War II. Once Russia took over Romania, the country was ruled by the Red Army and became a communist state. After Michael I of Romania gave up the throne, Princess Ileana and the rest of the Romanian royal family were sent out of the country in 1948. After that, Bran Castle turned into a museum. Princess Illeana didn’t go back to Romania until 1990. It wasn’t until 2005 that the family could finally take back their land. Archduke Duke Dominic of Austria-Tuscany now owns the castle as of 2009. These days, almost a million people come to Bran Castle every year to see the real home of Count Dracula.
How to visit Dracula Castle Romania
In Transylvania, you must visit Bran Castle to see the house where Count Dracula lived. It’s easy to do since it’s one of the most well-known buildings in the country. You can get to Romania’s Bran Castle in many different ways. Your answer will depend on how long you have and where you stay during your trip. The most popular ways to get to Bran are from Brasov or Bucharest, the main city:
Bran Castle from Brasov
Most people who go to Transylvania stay in Brasov so they can see Bran Castle. This town in the Carpathian Mountains is popular for skiing and hiking. It has many sights, hotels, and restaurants. It takes 30 minutes to get to Bran Castle from Brasov by car. If you want to visit Dracula’s Castle in Romania, this is the best place to stay.
Driving to Bran Castle: The DN73/E574 road from Brasov to Bran Castle is a nice and easy way to get there if you have your car. Parking costs 4 Lei an hour.
Brasov to Bran Castle by bus: Public buses leave from the Auto Gara 2 bus stop in Brasov and go to Bran Castle. You must take a bus or Uber to Auto Gara 2. Then, watch at the stop for a bus going from Bran to Rasnov. It costs 8 Lei (£1.35/$1.86) to take the bus to Bran. It will take between 50 and an hour to get there. You’ll be dropped off in Bran town; the castle is only a short walk away.
Brasov to Bran Castle by taxi: You can take a cab, which costs about £20/$30 one way. There is Uber, but they doubt they would go to Bran unless someone needs to be picked up. It’s still worth a shot!
From Bucharest, you can get to Bran Castle
The trip from Bucharest to Bran Castle in one day is very easy if you don’t have time to stay in Brasov. Daily trains take about two and a half hours from Bucharest to Brasov. You can take a bus or cab from here to get to Dracula’s Castle (see above). As a day trip from the city, it is very easy to book train tickets online. It’s the best choice if you’d rather have more freedom to explore the area than go on a tour.
Tour of Bran Castle
You can take a castle tour if you don’t have much time but still want to see a few castles and other sights in one day Peles Castle, Bran Castle and Brasov all in one day! It looked faster and safer. It might be a long day trip that makes you tired, but it’s ultimately worth it. It saves money, helps the environment, and gives you more time on your holiday. Also, you can take a tour with a guide from Brasov. This tour stops at Rasnov Fortress instead of Brasov. You can “skip the line” for some tours to avoid the longer lines.
When and how much it costs to get into Bran Castle
When it’s winter, Bran Castle is usually open Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Monday through Friday from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The last day to enter is 4 p.m.
Summer hours are Monday from 12 to 6 p.m. and Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The last day to enter is 6 p.m.
The prices for Bran Castle tickets are
- Adults – £7.60
- Seniors – £6
- Students – £4.20
- Children – £1.70
You can pay extra to see some of Bran Castle’s extra exhibits in addition to the regular trip. These are:
- Bran Castle Medieval Torture Instruments – £1.70
- Bran Castle Time Tunnel – £3.30
Top tips for going to Bran Castle
There will be a lot of tourists here all year because this is one of the most well-known castles in Romania. You will have to wait in huge lines in the summer. Get here as early as you can to avoid long lines.
If you book through a tour company like Low Cost Vibes and let us know your needs, you can get a “skip the line” ticket.
You can buy tickets for Bran Castle ahead of time online. But because of transaction fees, this costs a little more than tickets bought on the day of the event.
Pay for castle tickets in cash on the day you want to visit because card payments can be tricky in the mountains.
The castle is up a very steep hill, and there are a lot of steps inside that may be hard for some people. If you cannot climb, you can buy an extra “lift experience.”
Some of the castle’s rooms and stairs, like the secret cave, are very small and winding, which could be scary for easily trapped visitors.
Things to do at Bran Castle
As soon as you get to Bran Castle, what will you do?! Yeah, you might be shocked at how much there is.
As soon as you get to Bran Castle, what will you do?! Yeah, you might be shocked at how much there is. You’ll learn about the legends of Transylvania, the people who lived here, and the story of Dracula Castle Romania, as well as seeing the house.
These are the best things to do in Dracula Castle Romania.
Look around the grounds of Bran Castle
When you enter Bran Castle, you can walk around the large grounds at the base of the castle before going up to the medieval fortress. There are many paths in this small green area, and some of the best views of Dracula’s Castle can be seen from below. It will be harder to take pictures of the castle up close because it is so high up. That’s why you should spend some time looking at it from below.
Did you know?
Queen Marie asked that her heart be buried in a church in Balchik, near the Black Sea, before she died in 1938. It was moved here to Bran Castle, though. You can see her heart grave on the west side of the castle’s base.
Check out the medieval rooms
At Bran Castle, there are 57 rooms; your tour guide will help you see many of the most important ones. The rooms are simple and are mostly recreations of how the castle would have been furnished when it was first built. You’ll see sitting rooms, eating rooms, studies, bedrooms, and many rooms with costumes from the Middle Ages, like those worn by the Teutonic Knights or Vlad Tepes.
Go up the hidden tunnel
Some parts of Bran Castle live up to their scary name, and many stairs are freaky! Did you know that Bran Castle has a hidden tunnel? Queen Marie asked for changes to the house in the 1920s. While digging, the workers found a secret path leading from the first floor to the third floor. It hadn’t been on any maps of the castle before because it had been there for generations. Hidden behind a fireplace was a clever escape route so the king or queen who lived there could leave the house if attacked. You’ll have to go through this tunnel during your stay, which can be strange.
Take a beautiful shot of the Donjon
After seeing some of the many rooms, you can take stunning pictures of The Donjon and the medieval round tower! There are lots of great picture spots, like balcony windows and barracks. Bran Castle can get very crowded, so you might have to wait for others to pass through before reaching your spot. This is the best place to take pictures; get here as early as possible or go when visitors leave at the end of the day. Near the end, you’ll probably have it all to yourself.
Take in the beautiful views of Bran and the Carpathian Mountains
In medieval Transylvania, Dracula’s Castle is on top of a mountain, a great place to watch out for Ottoman enemies coming down the mountain. But seeing the Carpathian Mountains is one of the best things about being so high up in this fortress today. Through your walk, you will reach the very top floors of the castle and stand on the roof to see the village below. Hold on to your camera because these are picture chances you won’t want to miss!
Find out about the story of Dracula
Bram Stoker made up Dracula, but Vlad the Impaler was the motivation. It is said that Count Dracula’s home got its ideas from this castle! So, you can expect to see many things and displays with Dracula themes when you go. On the path to the castle, signs said “Private Tours with “Count Dracula.” Do not walk alone at night.” Hundreds of films and TV shows have been based on the book since then. There is a great exhibit called “Dracula and the Movie Industry” with many clips. In 1992, Keanu Reaves and Gary Oldman starred in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, which is one of the best Dracula films. In this show, there are also outfits, props, and stills from movies that you can look at to learn more.
Transylvanian myths, stories, and tales will amaze you
One thing that interested me about Transylvania was how many current scary stories, myths, and legends come from this part of Romania. Bram Stoker’s Dracula is like the Strigoi, sick ghosts that are said to return to life at night. They get their strength from the blood of their victims, just like vampires do, and they hate garlic. The Iele are scary mythical beings that look like faeries or nymphs and can use magic to make men fall in love with them. They dance in the moonlight and do ceremonies in the glades of the forest. The Vârcolac, or “wolf-person,” is like a monster that can change its appearance when the moon is full. In other news, there are dragons in Transylvania. The name of Vlad the Impaler’s family came from the Order of the Dragon. He was also known as “the son of Dragul,” which means “the son of the Dragon.” Their great interactive exhibit has everything you need to know about these giants. It’s wild how many old stories are still used in horror stories!
You have to pay extra to see the Dungeon and Torture Chamber
Vlad the Impaler was known as the “Impaler” and the real “Dracula” because he cruelly tortured people. Because of this, it makes sense that his castles would have a dungeon and a lot of tools for torturing people. You can see some of the tools he would have used to hurt people during that time in a torture room for an extra fee, even though this isn’t his castle. Each ticket costs £1.70; you can buy them at the ticket booth before entering.
Leave the Dracula gift shop through the door
If there wasn’t a gift shop at the end, would it still be a tourist spot? Of course, you should check out the Bran Castle gift shop items before you leave. Things like pens, notes, magnets, and keychains with Dracula themes are easy to get your teeth into. You can even buy socks and T-shirts with Count Dracula on them. Even liquors from the area look like bottles of potions and scary chocolates that make great presents. Like at any other tourist spot, gifts can cost a lot here. So, if you don’t have much money, wait for the markets outside the castle grounds as you leave.
Market shopping in Bran Castle
Before and after you go to Dracula’s Castle, you’ll walk through a cute little market area you should check out while you’re in Bran. As well as clothes and food, like cheeses and wines made in Transylvania, it sells many goods that tourists might want. There isn’t a café or restaurant at Bran Castle, but if you get hungry, there are some hot food stands and a café. If you’re just there to see Dracula Castle Romania, they also have a cheesy house of horrors you can visit.
Are you able to stay at Bran Castle in Romania?
The castle doesn’t usually have rooms for rent, but there are often Halloween contests where you can win the chance to spend the night there. A few years ago, they held one with AirBnB. You were taken to the castle in a carriage, fed, and even had comfortable graves. This sounds like a dream.
Where can I stay near Bran Castle?
Bran Castle is not a place to stay, but there are places to stay in Bran. From some of them, you can even see Bran Castle. You can stay in Brasov instead of Bran and then go to Bran Castle. Brasov has many more hotels, restaurants, sights, and transportation links.
FAQs about Dracula’s Castle in Romania
Transylvania, is it real?
Transylvania is a real place in Romania! It was one of three old countries that made up Romania before it became one country. The other two were Wallachia and Moldavia. Transylvania is by far the most well-known area and even has its flag!
Where in Romania is the house of Dracula?
The castle where Dracula lived is in Transylvania, Romania, in a small village called Bran in the Carpathian Mountains, close to Brasov.
Where can I find the real Dracula’s castle?
YES! People often think of Bran Castle as the “real” Dracula’s Castle because Vlad the Impaler was known for torturing people in horrible ways. Bram Stoker used these stories to get ideas for his famous book and evil character.
Why is Bran Castle so well-known?
Many things are to blame. 1. This is an area that Vlad the Impaler or the real Dracula visited. 2. Bram Stoker got ideas for his story Dracula (1897) from him and this house. 3. Queen Marie made this her favourite royal home until she died in 1938.
Did Dracula live in Bran Castle?
Not at all. Vlad Tepes was the model for Dracula in Bram Stoker’s books, but he never went to Bran Castle. It was in Wallachia that he lived in Poenari Castle.
In Bran Castle, does anyone live? Not now. It used to be the royal family’s home, but now it’s just a museum for people to visit. He is the Archduke Dominic of Austria-Tuscany and owns Bran Castle.
Do you want to go to Romania?
Many people in Romania have many important values, like family, community, custom, independence, and, most of all, a warm welcome that makes people want to come back again and again. In the country, people still follow hundreds of years-old customs. So holidays to Dracula’s castle are worth visiting. Do not miss them!
