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Bucharest: Dracula's Castle, Peleș Castle & Brașov Day Trip
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The Bran Castle, commonly known as the Castle of Dracula, is the most famous and visited fortress in Transylvania and is located in Bran, just a few kilometres from the city of Brașov. Built in the 14th century by Louis I of Anjou as a watchtower, Dracula’s Castle is perched on a rocky cliff within a narrow gorge.
This dramatic and spectacular setting has helped enhance the aura of mystery and legend that surrounds it. The architecture of Bran Castle has evolved over the centuries, but it is the Gothic features, narrow winding staircases, timber-framed chambers, underground passages and towers that give it a mysterious and fascinating character.
The castle, which today houses a museum of medieval art, embodies the vivid imagination of Irish author Bram Stoker who, despite never having seen it, incorporated it perfectly into his gothic horror novel Dracula. The connection between Dracula and Bran Castle is, unfortunately, rather tenuous. Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration behind Dracula, was one of the most gruesome medieval rulers who conducted a series of campaigns in the area around the castle during the 15th century.
The Castle of Dracula is one of Romania’s most important attractions. It is a majestic manor that rises up the mountainside above the town of Bran. Visiting the castle means stepping back in time and admiring a wonderful example of medieval architecture both inside and out.
You can explore the inner courtyard, stroll along the battlements and enter the chambers, some decorated, others furnished with period furniture. In some rooms you’ll find medieval torture instruments on display; however, the castle’s strongest point is its external appearance, the beauty of its architecture and the imposing nature of its position.
It is also worth mentioning the Tunnel of Time, or tunelul timpului, opened in spring 2017 after 6 years of work involving a team of 100 people. It is a long underground tunnel accessed via an elevator; inside, the history and culture of Bran Castle and the geographical area in which it is located are presented.
On the tunnel walls, a series of screens display the castle’s history in an innovative and multimedia manner, integrating high-tech solutions and sensor systems, all complemented by an original soundtrack composed for the occasion.
Tickets for Dracula’s Castle can be purchased at the ticket office on site or directly online. The ticket also includes permission to take photographs or videos for personal use.
Discounts are available for people over 65, students, children, and school groups of more than 20 children. Disabled visitors and children under 7 enter free of charge, whilst for other types of discounts you will need to present identification at the entrance.
If you are based in Bucharest, or if you are flying in and don’t have a hired car, the best and most popular way to visit Bran Castle is with a day tour from Romania’s capital. The best-selling tour is below – it is one of the most affordable with the highest reviews: we highly recommend it! By purchasing your ticket online, you’ll avoid queues at the ticket office and secure your visit on your chosen date.
If, instead, you are driving to Bran Castle in your own vehicle, purchase just the admission ticket; given the large number of tourists who visit every day, we recommend booking tickets in advance directly online.
If you would like a more comprehensive visit, you can book a guided tour of Brașov and Peleș Castle, with a day tour departing from Bucharest.
Dracula’s Castle is open 365 days a year.
At the foot of Dracula’s Castle you’ll find the Casa de Ceai restaurant, which serves traditional cuisine with innovative touches. During peak season it is often very busy, so we recommend booking in advance by calling +4-0749121120 or emailing restaurant@bran-castle.com. The restaurant is also open for breakfast. If you prefer to eat somewhere less touristy, choose a restaurant in Bran – you’ll find significantly lower prices and fewer crowds.
The castle is also used as a venue for events of all kinds, from jazz concerts to book launches and Dracula-themed evenings; you can visit the dedicated section on the official website for more information. Companies, institutions or organisations can also hire the castle’s rooms and garden to host galas or private parties. If you want to ensure your visit doesn’t coincide with a private event, you can email office@bran-castle.com for information.
Dracula, the fictional character created by Bram Stoker, is a count of Transylvania who lives in a castle perched on a valley peak, balanced on a rock, with a river flowing beneath. Because Bran Castle is the only castle in Transylvania that matches Stoker’s description, it is known worldwide as Dracula’s Castle. However, Bram Stoker never visited Romania; he imagined Dracula’s castle based on descriptions of Bran Castle to which he had access.
Dracula is often confused with the Prince of Wallachia Vlad Țepeș, or Vlad the Impaler, also known as Vlad Dracul. The nickname Dracul stems from a play on words: in the 15th century Vlad II minted coins bearing the emblem of a dragon, and the people, believing in a pact with the devil, began calling him Vlad Dracul (Vlad the Devil) instead of Vlad Dragonul (Vlad the Dragon). Subsequently, when translated into other languages, the word “dracul” became associated with the word “vampire”.
In 1457 Dracula declares war on Mathias Corvinus, the ruler of Transylvania, and invades the city of Brașov, impaling nobles and citizens. A few years later Wallachia cannot defend itself against Turkish advances and Dracula is forced to flee to Argeș Castle.
During these years his enemies, out of revenge, published a book recounting Dracula’s cruelty. From this, enriched also by folklore, the modern legend of Dracula was born.
Finally, in 1897, Irish writer Bram Stoker publishes a book about Vlad Țepeș III Dracula, giving birth to a new literary genre called “Vampire Literature”, which continues to enjoy international popularity today.
The origins of Bran Castle date back to 1211, when Teutonic knights built a fortress to protect the south-eastern border of Transylvania from invaders. In subsequent centuries the fortress expanded to become a castle, inhabited by kings, princes and their courts, but it was in 1459 that the castle gained fame: the army of Vlad the Impaler passed through Bran to attack Brașov, laying it to waste and killing hundreds of people.
In later centuries Bran Castle lost its military and commercial importance, but in 1920 it regained prominence when it became the residence of Queen Maria, and later Princess Ileana. Today, after several years of legal battles, the castle remains in the hands of its heirs.
The Castle of Dracula is located at 24 General Traian Mosoiu Street, in the village of Bran. The GPS coordinates are N 45.515178°, E 25.367044°. Bran Castle is situated at the entrance to the Rucăr – Bran Pass, on the road connecting Brașov to Câmpulung, surrounded by the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului mountains.
The village of Bran is less than 30 km from Brașov, following national road 73, which departs from Brașov heading west and passes through the Bărtolomeu district. From Bucharest it takes approximately two and a half hours, covering a distance of just under 170 km.
It is also possible to reach Dracula’s Castle using public transport.
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