romania castle tours

Welcome to Bran Castle

We invite you to experience the history, the myth, the intrigue and the magic of this wonderful place and its queen. we hope that you will carry the spirit that makes us love bran castle with you, always., find out more, on may 18, 2009, after 61 years, 4 months, and 11 days of state ownership, the bran castle was returned to the children of princess ileana of romania, dominic, elisabeth, and maria magdalena., all traces of the family had been eliminated. what once was queen marie’s most cherished residence, and our family home, was stripped and barren., within three weeks, the bran castle was restored, blooming in full splendor, to welcome you., this joyful transformation was made possible through the joint efforts of the loyal, loving and hard-working people of bran and romania, our family, and helping hands coming together from all over the world., four years later, the bran castle has become a destination for over 500,000 visitors each year who can delight in countless activities such as music festivals, children’s pageants, and food fairs. recognizing that bran was the inspiration for dracula’s castle in the bram stoker’s celebrated novel, „dracula”, visitors can enjoy rooms dedicated to transylvania’s most famous count… and, in the coming months, dine in queen marie’s tea house and ride a glass elevator to experience „dracula’s escape route”., we invite you to experience the history, myth, intrigue, and magic of this wonderful place and its queen. we hope that you will carry the spirit that makes us love the bran castle with you, always., we look forward to your visit. you are most welcome in our home., – dominic habsburg, asir dominic habsburg-lothringen, archduke of austria son of princess ileana, year of construction, visitors in the year 2022, bran castle, a tour, all around, the time tunnel.

The Time Tunnel, the first elevator in the world that goes up into history and down into the future, is born today from…

COUNT DRACULA

Dracula, the character of the writer Bram Stoker, is a Transylvanian count, owner of a castle built somewhere on the top of…

Explore the fascinating realms of Bran Castle…

Explore the magic of this castle now! Learn more.

Explore the rooms of the Castle, discover its secrets.

Come, see, be amazed, story locations.

Explore the story locations of Bran Castle now! Accompanied by qualified guides, discover the history and magic of this wonderful place.

The most famous Romanian castle in the world

Historical and architectural monument, 645 years of architecture, culinary experiences near the castle.

Visit now the VIDEO TOUR of the castle. FIND OUT MORE

Reserve a table at the restaurant!

Royal cooking is done at bran castle., bran castle restaurant, testimonials, what do our visitors say, dorin cadar.

Bran Castle, a castle that from afar looks imposing, grand and that really invites you to visit. Well maintained, it is a castle that represents the past, the history of Romania. I was happy and pleasantly impressed by its beauty, and I recommend it to be visited.

Andreea Bojin

We really liked it, I recommend going in the summer days, because the area is quite cool. We went in the fall, when it was raining and the "current" was quite strong. I stayed very little at the entrance, I was able to pay with my card.

Laura Alexandra

The last time I visited Bran Castle, I was at school and it was owned by the Romanian state. I remembered it cold, dark and empty. I had a very pleasant surprise to see it again renovated, furnished and with two stories interwoven very nicely.

Florin Iordache

A beautiful castle, which every Romanian should visit. A castle that represents the past, the history of Romania. I was happy, I was pleasantly impressed by its beauty, I recommend it to be put on the plan to visit.

BRAN CASTLE EVENTS

Stay up to date with our events.

The castle offers an unforgettable experience and we invite you to participate in our exclusive events!

Free visits: with or without a guide, the choice is yours!

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

• About Romania
• One Day Tours
• Tours in Transylvania
• Nature & Adventure Tours
• Heritage Tours
• Self-Guided Tours

Royal Palaces and Castles Tour

History Tour

• Booking conditions

The Royal Palaces and Castles of Romania Tour will take you back in time to the late 19th century and early 20th century, during the time of the royal family of Romania.

Each day will bring a new palace or castle to discover and new fascinating stories to tell. While the tour focuses on the royal residences open for visiting such as Cotroceni, Peles, Pelisor and Bran, other must-see monuments, the palaces of Mogosoaia and Cantacuzino, are included in the tour.

We'll even cross the border, to Bulgaria, to visit Queen Maria's favorite residence, Balchik Castle. This option increases the duration of the tour with two days.

Each of these landmarks is linked to a key historical moment, whether it's the decision to stay neutral or to fight in the World Wars, but they are all splendid works of architecture where the royal family spent the majority of their time in Romania.

The tour is available in English, French, Spanish and Italian. German upon request.

Tour also suited for seniors.

This tour can be modified according to your time and points of interest.

Day 1: Arrival to Bucharest

Transfer from Otopeni International Airport.

After lunch, we take a walking tour of Victoriei Avenue, the main historical street of Bucharest with many monuments built during the royal time, including the Royal Palace, now the National Museum of Art.

Accommodation: hotel in downtown Bucharest 

Day 2: Royal Bucharest

We visit the Palace of Cotroceni, once the residence of Queen Maria and King Ferdinand. One of the most beautiful palaces in Romania, the past royal residence was built on the premises of a 17th-century monastery, transformed gradually into a princely residence.

The afternoon is spent exploring the Palace of Mogosoaia , the residence built by Prince Constantin Brancoveanu in 1702, wonderfully restored by Martha Bibescu in between the two World Wars. She was a close friend of the royal couple that used to often come here.

Highlights: Cotroceni Palace, Mogosoaia Palace

Driving time: around 1-hour   Accommodation: hotel in downtown Bucharest

Day 3: Peles and Pelisor Castles

We leave Bucharest early morning and head towards the Carpathians where Romania’s first king, Carol the 1st, built in the second part of the 19th century one of the most impressive castles in Europe.  Peles Castle  was his favorite place in the entire country, and he spent around half of the year here.

Built and modified continuously until his death in 1914, the castle is today one of the most important historical monuments in Romania, preserving thousands of art objects.

On the same property, we'll visit Pelisor Castle built at the end of the 19th century for Prince Ferdinand and his wife Princess Maria. Smaller, more intimate, and decorated by future Queen Maria, this castle offers an ample view of the royal family's private life from a century ago.

On our way to Brasov, we also stop in Busteni to visit   Cantacuzino Castle  built by one of the richest men of the early 20th century, Gheorghe Cantacuzino. His daughter in law, Princess Maruca Cantacuzino, was a close friend of Queen Maria.

Highlights: Peles Castle, Pelisor Castle, Cantacuzino Castle

Driving time: around 3 hours   Accommodation: guest house in Brasov

Day 4: The legendary Bran Castle

Morning walking tour in Brasov , one of the most beautiful cities in Transylvania. After lunch, we visit a very special place for Queen Maria, Bran Castle , a medieval fortress she received as a gift in 1920 for her efforts during and after the Great War in support of the union of 1918. 

Vividly presented in her memoirs as a fairy tale residence, the castle was renovated and modernized by the chief architect of the Royal House, who worked closely with Queen Maria to transform the cold fortress into an original home.

Driving time: around 1-hour Accommodation: guest house in Brasov

Day 5: Back to Bucharest

We return to Bucharest, taking a scenic detour through the Carpathians to visit the royal necropolis from Curtea de Arges Monastery and the 17th-century Potlogi Palace.

Highlights: Curtea de Arges Monastery, Potlogi Palace

Driving time: around 4 hours  

Optional trip to Bulgaria

If you wish to add also Balchik Castle to this tour, we'll drive directly to Bucharest on Day 4.

Day 5: Drive to Balchik Castle

Early drive to Bachik, a small town from Bulgaria that belonged to Romania between the two World Wars. Charmed by the beauty of the sea and the magnificent landscape that offered ample space for her gardens, the queen built here her last and favorite summer residence.

Afternoon for yourselves in Bachik.

Driving time: around 5 hours   Accommodation: guest house in Balchik  

Day 6: Visiting Balchik Castle

Morning tour of the castle and of the gardens. Also known as the 'Quiet Nest', the castle is, in fact, a modest-sized residence with an eclectic architecture that combines Moorish, Mediterranean, and Bulgarian elements.

Built on the Black Sea shore and almost enclosed by the many thematic gardens Queen Maria created, Balchik Castle, is one of the best testimonies of the queen's love for art, architecture, and nature.

Afternoon for yourselves in Balchik.

Highlights: Balchik Castle

Accommodation: guest house in Balchik  

Day 7: Back to Bucharest

We leave Balchik early morning and head to Bucharest. Afternoon for yourselves in Bucharest.

Driving time: around 5 hours   Accommodation: hotel in downtown Bucharest

Day 8: Departure

Transfer to Otopeni International Airport.

Easy: Easy short walks on flat terrain.

Moderate: Up to 5 km walking per day or/and optional cycling routes and easy hikes.

Intense: Up to 10 km walking per day with some inclines or/and optional cycling routes and more demanding hikes

Challenge: Hiking on uneven trails at altitudes above 1,000 meters. Longer optional cycling routes. Requires good health and physical condition.

Ultimate: Full day of hikes and/or demanding cycling tours. Requires excellent health and physical condition.

Basic: Limited interaction.

Moderate: At least two or three cultural sights included in the tour.

High: Cultural visits everyday of the tour.

Total: All about culture.

Moderate: At least two or three historical sights included in the tour.

High: Visits at historical monuments everyday of the tour.

Total: All about history.

Moderate: At least two hours per day spent in nature.

High: Most activities take place in nature.

Total: All about nature.

These terms and conditions apply to any travel products and/or services you have booked with or purchased with us and guide the contractual relationship between you, the clients, and us, the tour operator Uncover Romania Tours.

Uncover Romania Tours is managed by SC Uncover the World SRL, CUI 33506269, License Number 40 from 24/10/2018.

The travel products and/or services presented on  www.uncover-romania-tours.com  or presented by our agents via email are sold by Uncover Romania Tours.

Uncover Romania Tours reserves the right to decline any booking, at its sole discretion.

1. Contract

1.1. To book a tour, you must fill out and sign the contract received from Uncover Romania Tours and pay a deposit.

By booking one of our travel products or services you acknowledge that:

a) You are over 18 years old;

b) You have read, understood, and accepted the contractual terms and conditions;

c) You express your acceptance of these terms and conditions on behalf of all clients named in the booking in case you include more clients besides yourself in the booking;

d) You are authorized by the other clients named in the booking to represent them;

e) You will provide full and accurate information needed for the booking both for You and the other clients named in the booking.

2. Personal information

2.1. In order for us to confirm your travel arrangements you must provide the following details: full name as in the passport, date of birth (for multi-day tours), passport number, passport expiry date, contact address, email, and phone number. Your booking cannot be confirmed without these details needed for contractual purposes.

2.2. By booking one of our tours you agree to provide us with this personal information. We will not disclose under any circumstances your personal information to third parties except when asked by state authorities. We will only use the information you provide for contractual purposes.

Check our Privacy Policy for more details.

2.3. You agree to let us use images of yourself taken during the trip for advertising and promotional purposes in any medium we choose as long as these images do not offend your dignity. You grant us a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, irrevocable license to use such images for publicity and promotional purposes. You are entitled to deny the use of these images for this purpose based on the stipulations of the Romanian Law 677/2001.

3. Payments

3.1. A booking is confirmed once we have received a deposit from you. The value of the deposit (30% to 50%) depends on the total cost of the booking, the size of the group, and the time left until the beginning of the tour. If a tour is booked less than 30 days before the date of the tour, the payment will be done in full.

3.2. Uncover Romania Tours will send you at least 7 days before the departure date an invoice for the amount constituting the final payment for the travel products or/and services booked. In case the full payment is not received 3 days at the latest before the departure date, Uncover Romania Tours may change the rate payable for the travel product and/or services booked, or may treat the booking as canceled and shall retain the deposit paid on booking as a cancellation fee.

3.3. You can pay for your booking either by:

• bank transfer to one of our accounts, opened on the name SC Uncover the World SRL at Banca Transilvania, for EUR: RO51BTRLEURCRT0V27712601; for GBP: RO19BTRLGBPCRT0V27712601; for USD: RO91BTRLUSDCRT0V27712601;
• credit card  (+1% commission fee for multi-day tours);
• PayPal  (+4.5% commission fee);
• cash , in RON, based on the exchange rate announced in the previous day by the National Bank of Romania ( www.cursbnr.ro ) for deposits/final payments of City Tours and One Day Tours.

3.4. The commission fees associated with the above payment methods, except cash and credit card payments for City Tours and One Day Tours, are not included in the price of the tours listed on www.uncover-romania-tours.com . You are responsible for paying the commission fees associated with the preferred payment method.

3.5. Except for cash payments in RON, a 1% currency conversion fee will be added to the final price of multi-day tours.

4.1. At any time before a booking is confirmed, we reserve the right to increase or decrease the prices of any of our travel products or/and services.

4.2.The price of a tour can be modified by us after signing the contract only in the case of important changes like alterations in the cost of transportation caused by an increase in the fuel price, significant changes in the exchange rate of the currency in which the tour is paid or unforeseen increases in local taxes at the destination. The price cannot increase by more than 8% and cannot be modified under any circumstances in the 30 days before the start of the tour.

4.3. You have the right to ask and receive a price discount if important changes, mentioned at point 5.2., lead to a significant cut of the travel products or/and services costs.

5. Refunds and cancellations

5.1.   If you decide to cancel the tour with prior notice of at least 30 days, you will be refunded the deposit, minus the transfer fees and the costs that could not be recovered from third parties, for instance, accommodation and other local services already booked. You will not be reimbursed if you cancel the tour less than 30 days before its start except in cases of major force.

5.2. In the case of unforeseen events that could determine us to cancel the tour before its execution, you will be fully reimbursed in 14 days after the notification of this event. The clients are not entitled to any additional compensations in this case.

6. Clients' Rights and Obligations

6.1. You have the right to cancel this contract partly or entirely at any time. If the reason for canceling is attributable to you, you have the obligation to compensate Uncover Romania Tours for the prejudice caused if the cancellation takes place less than 30 days before the start of the tour. The values of the compensation cannot be more than the value of the deposit paid until that date. If the cancellation takes place more than 30 days before the start of the tour, the stipulations of point 5.1. apply.

6.2. You have the right to transfer the tour package to other parties who wish to participate in your place. In this case, the other party assumes the entire contractual rights and obligations, including a price increase if extra services are needed. The transfer cannot take place less than 7 days before the execution of the tour package.

6.3. You acknowledge that the type of travel products and/or services booked requires a certain flexibility and acknowledge that they will permit reasonable alterations to their booking. You also acknowledge that the routes, itineraries, accommodation, types of transportation, or schedules may be modified without prior notice due to various circumstances or events, such as sickness or mechanical breakdown, extreme natural phenomena in the location where the tour takes place, flight cancellations, strikes and other unpredictable or unforeseeable circumstances which are beyond the control of Uncover Romania Tours.

6.4. You have the rights to ask and receive a price discount if any changes in the execution of the tour have affected the services included in the contract except if the cause of these changes is provoked by your own actions if it's a consequence of unforeseen events and/or of the actions of a third party unrelated to the travel services included in the contract. The price discount cannot be greater than the costs of the services affected by the changes in the execution of the tour.

6.5. You are the only responsible party if you do not follow the tour program, if you lose your official ID documents and belongings or if your actions disrupt the execution of the tour.

6.6. You are responsible for securing travel and health insurance as well as applying and obtaining entrance visas to Romania if necessary. 

Citizens of the European Union, European Economic Area, or the United States of America do not need a visa to stay in Romania for a period of maximum of 90 days. Citizens with simple passports from other 58 countries are exempted from the Romanian visa requirement. Check the 58 countries  here .

The list of countries whose citizens require a Romanian visa is available  here .

The procedures for obtaining the visa are available  here .

6.7. You acknowledge that the decisions of the tour guide are final on all aspects likely to affect the safety or well-being of any person participating in the tour. If you fail to comply with a decision made by the tour guide or affect the well-being or mobility of the group, you may be asked to leave the trip immediately, with no right to refund. You must comply with the laws and customs of Romania.

6.8. You acknowledge all tours involve a certain amount of personal risk and that it is also your responsibility to acquaint yourselves with all relevant travel information and the nature of their itinerary.

6.9. You must notify us in writing if the present contract was not fulfilled properly a maximum of 10 days after the end of the tour.

7. Uncover Romania Tours' Rights and Obligations

7.1. Uncover Romania Tours is responsible for the proper execution of the travel products/services sold to the clients as detailed in the contract.

7.2. Uncover Romania Tours must provide the clients, in a reasonable time before the start of the tour, all the necessary documents regarding the execution of the tour: invoices, detailed travel itinerary including accommodation and transportation reservations, the contact information of local guides, and relevant service providers.

7.3. If during or before the tour, Uncover Romania Tours acknowledges it is not possible to completely respect the tour itinerary because of major changes that could not be anticipated, it is obligated to inform the clients as soon as possible. If Uncover Romania Tours cannot fix the situation that created the major changes, it has to offer the clients alternative or financial compensations if any fees already paid by them were part of the services not offered. This compensation cannot be greater than the costs of the services affected by the changes.

7.4. Uncover Romania Tours is not obligated to pay any compensation claims for damages, expenses, losses, or changes to the execution of the tour which is attributable to the actions of the clients, the unforeseeable or unavoidable act, or omission of a third party unconnected with the provision of any travel products and/or services or a force major event.

7.5. Uncover Romania Tours will offer immediate assistance if you are affected by unforeseen circumstances during the execution of the tour. We will provide information regarding health services, local authorities, or embassy services if needed, and will assist you in identifying the best services needed. If you are responsible for the circumstances that created the difficulties, Uncover Romania Tours has the right to charge a reasonable commission that cannot be greater than the actual cost of these assistance services.

7.6. Uncover Romania Tours is not responsible for any damages, expenses, losses, or claims which are attributable to the fault of the clients, the unforeseeable or unavoidable act, or omission of a third party unconnected with the provision of any travel products and/or services or a force major event.

7.7. Uncover Romania Tours must respond in 10 days to any notification sent by you regarding the improper execution of the tour package, mentioning the compensations that apply, if the case, and identifying the responsible parties.

7.8. Uncover Romania Tours reserves the right to unilaterally modify this contract after it was signed and agreed by both parties in the event of unforeseen changes that affect the execution of the tour package. The CLIENTS will be informed immediately in this respect.

8. Insurance against bankruptcy

8.1. The clients are insured against the risk of bankruptcy of the Uncover Romania Tours by the Insurance Policy number 29315 from 10/10/2018 issued by OMNIASIG VIENNA INSURANCE GROUP SA. Address: 51 Aleea Alexandru, Bucharest, Romania. Phone: +40214057420. Email: [email protected] .

9. Major force

9.1. In the case of major force, both parties are exempted from any responsibility. This refers to any unpredictable events that may occur after the signing of this contract that escape the control of any of the two parties and that make it impossible for any of them to fulfill partially or totally any of their responsibilities. Major force events refer to natural disasters, riots, protests, schedule change of public or private transportation schedule, government decisions that may affect the tourism activity. The party or parties affected by major force are exempted from any responsibility linked to this contract. Both parties agree to limit as much as possible any damages caused. The party invoking major force is obligated to notify in writing the other party at the beginning (maximum 5 days) and end of a situation of force majeure. In the absence of this written notification, the situation of major force cannot be invocated. If this situation lasts for more than 15 days, the contract is canceled.

10. Governing law

10.1. The laws of Romania govern the booking conditions and contracts to the fullest extent allowable. Any disputes in connection with it must be initiated in the courts of Romania if the parties haven’t reached an amicable solution.

11. Updating of terms and conditions

11.1. Uncover Romania Tours reserves the right to update and/or alter these terms and conditions at any time, and it is the clients' responsibility to be familiar with them. The latest terms and conditions can always be found on  www.uncover-romania-tours.com  and will supersede any previous versions.

Bran Castle

Pelisor Castle

Balchik Castle Gardens

Peles Castle

Cantacuzino Castle

View from Cantacuzino Castle

Mogosoaia Palace

Mogosoaia Palace Guest House

Mogosoaia Lake

Mogosoaia Palace Gate Tower

Mogosoaia Palace: Old Kitchen and Gate Tower

Stella Maris, Balchik Castle

Sea at Balchik

Curtea de Arges Monastery

5% discount from the total price for bookings done at least three months in advance

The price below is per person and is based on two persons sharing a double room.

Discount rates for children.

5-day Option

Group of 2 persons:  €1,345  per person

Group of 3 persons:  €1,075  per person

Group of 4 persons:  €920  per person

Group of 5 persons:  €800  per person

Group of 6 persons:  €760  per person

8-day (plus Balchik Castle)

Group of 2 persons:  €1,760  per person

Group of 3 persons:  €1,410  per person

Group of 4 persons:  €1,160  per person

Group of 5 persons:  €960  per person

Group of 6 persons:  €920  per person

The price includes tour guide services, accommodation plus breakfast every day, transportation including driver, car, and gas costs (according to the itinerary), planning costs.

The price does not include airfare, travel insurance, visa costs if applicable, entrance fees, meals except breakfast, activities booked locally by the clients themselves, currency conversion fee (1%), payment-related fees (1% for credit card, 4.5% for PayPal, variable for bank transfers).

Payment methods

Credit card, bank transfer, PayPal, cash (only for certain tours). The fees related to the payment methods are not included in the price.

Contact us if you’d like to get a price quotation for larger or smaller groups or a shorter/longer version of this tour.

Bucharest (or other cities)

Breakfast every day

Local guest houses or boutique hotels

Around 1,300 (with Balchik Castle)

Car or minivan

Palaces: Cotroceni, Mogosoaia, Potlogi

Castles:  Cantacuzino, Peles, Pelisor, Bran, Balchik

Cities: Bucharest, Brasov, Balchik

Plus: Curtea de Arges Monastery

My guide Diana went above and beyond what I was expecting of the tour. she was great in her knowledge not just of the city but Romania has a whole, and did not mind answering questions in regards to all of Romanians history and culture. with a focus...

We had the greatest time with you in Romania. I had no idea when you said that you offered a unique experience, just how unique it would be. Romania is a beautiful country with friendly people, an extremely interesting history and many things to...

Discover seven of the most beautiful palaces and castles in Romania and add them to your must-see list of amazing places.

One of the loveliest attractions around Bucharest, the palace of Mogosoaia is the place for spending a few hours in a completely different world.

Adventure Transylvania

Immersive Romania tours

Transylvania castles tour

• Transportation Private minibus
• Accomodation 3 and 4 Stars Hotels
• Departure from Bucharest
• Best season All year round
• Tour type Sightseeing
• Meals All meals
• Language English,
• Fitness level Easy to Moderate
• Group Size 2-6

Join us on an exciting journey through the breathtaking castles of Transylvania! With a rich history steeped in the intersection of the Hungarian and Ottoman empires, as well as Christian and Muslim cultures, Transylvania castles offer a glimpse into a bygone era.

Discover centuries-old castles and towns that have stood the test of time and continue to fascinate visitors worldwide. Let us guide you through the magical stories and secrets of Transylvania’s castles. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in history and wonder!

• Biertnan - World Heritage Site
• Corvin Castle
• Bran Castle
• Sighisoara medieval town - World Heritage Site

If you arrive on DAY 1 of the tour we can pick you up from Bucharest Airport.

Drive along the scenic Prahova valley, over the Carpathian Mountains to Transylvania

Visit Peles Castle the Royal palace in Sinaia. One of the most beautiful castles in Europe, Peles Castle is a masterpiece of new-Renaissance architecture.

Overnight in a 3*** Lodge in Bran in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains

Visit Bran Castle (1377), the castle in the Carpathian Mountains where Bram Stoker based Count Dracula in his novel. Legend has it that after being kidnapped by the Hungarians in 1462, Dracula was imprisoned in this fortress. Nonetheless, Bran Castle was a strategic site at the period, and Dracula may have walked through the fortress several times, but it was never his castle. Regardless of the controversy, Bran Castle is one of the most beautiful destinations in Romania.

Experience the awe-inspiring Rasnov Fortress, a majestic fortification in Transylvania built by the Teutonic Knights in the 13th century. Conde Nast Traveler named this magnificent fortification one of the top ten snow castles in the world.

Rasnov villagers extended the castle, making it into a fortified settlement that provided protection against attackers. To protect their survival through weeks or even months-long sieges, the villagers undertook the mammoth task of digging a 480-foot-deep well, which took 17 years of backbreaking labor under exceedingly difficult conditions.

Our upcoming destination is the medieval town of Brasov, where the young Prince Dracula sought refuge for several years. It was the unwavering support of the people of Brasov that played a vital role in helping him regain the throne of the neighboring country, Wallachia. (During that time, Wallachia and Transylvania were distinct countries.)

Brasov tour will include the impressive Gothic Black Church, one of the narrowest streets in the world known as "Rope Street," the magnificent Council Square, and the fairytale-like Ecaterina Gate. We will also make our way outside the city walls to the Black Tower, which provides a stunning panoramic view of old Brasov.

After our exploration of Brasov, we will return to our lodge in Bran

Explore Viscri – the place where time stood still. This tiny village is disconnected from the rest of the world, and life continues here just like a century ago. The prominent landmark in the town is the fortress-church (UNESCO site) where 400 years ago the villagers took refuge from the invaders. Transylvania has around 160 fortress-churches, 7 of which are UNESCO sites, and we will visit 2 of them. Viscri is so special that Charles, Prince of Whales, loved it so much that he bought a tiny old house in the village

In the afternoon we arrive in Sighisoara a magnificent living medieval fortress, UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where Vlad Dracul (the father) lived in exile when his son Vlad Dracula was born.

Dinner at Dracula’s House The very house where the prince was born still exists, and we will have the chance to dine there

We spend the night in the old citadel of Sighisoara in a 400 years old hotel, across the street from Dracula’s birth house.

Sighisoara city tour. Sighisoara (UNESCO World Heritage Site) is one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe, and most amazingly still inhabited to this day. Check out the Clock Tower, the iconic landmark of Sighisoara, with its sophisticated clock mechanism. The top platform of the tower offers a bird’s eye view over the magnificent citadel On the highest part of the fortress, we get to the Hill Church. This Lutheran church was stripped of its original catholic paintings during the reformation, but now thanks to the recent restoration, some of the old paintings have come back to life.

Visit The fortified Church of Biertan – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Biertan was the Evangelic Episcopal See for 300 years (1572 – 1867). The church holds an impressive door of the vestry, built in 1515, and awarded in 1900 at the Paris World Exhibition.

In the evening we arrive in Hunedoara. Check out the superb Corvin Castle for a fantastic night view, (check out the tour photos ;))

Overnight in Hunedoara 3*** Hotel

Visit the Corvin Hunyad Castle – Among the most accomplished Gothic castles in Europe. The impressive size and architectural beauty set it among Romania’s most precious monuments of medieval art.

Arrive in Sibiu – probably the most vibrant city in Transylvania – the Cultural Capital of Europe in 2007.

Sibiu City tour – Walk around the historical center of Sibiu to discover the superb “Large Square” surrounded by quaint pedestrian cobbled streets and centuries-old houses. The Liars Bridge – where traitors (liars) used to be hanged from and. According to the legend, the bridge should collapse if you lie while you are on the bridge

Spend the night in Sibiu 3*** Hotel

Traverse the Carpathian mountains on the Transfagarasan Highway – the most spectacular road in Romania, The breathtaking road was built in the 80s by the communists, using over 4000 tons of dynamite in 4 years. Thousands of tourists come every year to drive through this magnificent landscape.

Arrive in Bucharest in the late afternoon.

Drop off at your hotel or airport.

* Please note that the road is only open from July 1 to October 31. If the Transfagarasan highway is closed we will take the Olt Valey alternative

The Cost Includes

• Accommodation - 5 nights in hotels (3*** and 4 ****)
• Meals - All Breakfasts | All Lunches | All Dinners
• Entrance fees - All entrance fees to all the castles and
• museums from the itinerary
• Transport - All transportation with private air-conditioned minibus
• English Guidance - English-speaking guide will assist you
• throughout the entire tour

The Cost Excludes

• Alcoholic drinks

The tour involves walking for about 10.000 steps a day. Old historical buildings like castles have lots of stairs and no elevators. You must be able to stay active at least 5 hours a day

All hotel rooms have ensuite bathrooms with showers or bathtubs You will be able to charge your batteries in the hotel rooms every night and in the minibus during the day

Yes. There are ATMs pretty much everywhere along the way

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. The internet in Romania is typically fast and reliable

Important items you should have – comfortable walking shoes – light rain jacket or umbrella – in the summer – sunscreen – in the cold season a set of warmer clothes

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

• Best Price Guaranteed
• No Booking Fees
• Professional Local Guide

Featured Trips

Romania hiking tour

Complete Tour of Romania

Related Trips

Sighisoara and Viscri tour from Brasov

Draculas’ castles tour

APRIL SALE:   Book now and get   up to 60% off!

Transylvania Castles tour in 4 days from Bucharest

• In-depth Cultural
• Fully Guided
• Personalized
• Coach / Bus

• Introduction
• Day 1 Bucharest – Peles Castle – Bran Castle – Brasov
• Day 2 Brasov - Rupea fortress - Viscri village - Sighisoara citadel
• Day 3 Sighisoara - Biertan - Alba Carolina - Corvin Castle - Sibiu
• Day 4 Sibiu - Curtea de Arges monastery - Bucharest

Want to read it later?

Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start tour planning offline

What's Included

• Accommodation
• Additional Services

Adventure Type

• Group of 7 travelers max.
• Fast booking confirmation
• Carefully planned itineraries
• Travel with like-minded people
• Travel with your own group of min. 2 travelers
• Choose your preferred dates and duration
• Upgrade your accommodation
• Customize the itineraries

Customer Photos

Operated by Rolandia

Regardless of purpose – leisure or business – or the duration of your trip, group size or desired itinerary, we’ll do our best to provide high-quality information and convenient solutions. Rolandia team consists of professionals specialized on incoming tourism, offering full support in planning and booking your holiday in Romania. All necessary information is available online or by calling one of our consultants. We provide tailor-made solutions making it easier for you to design your holiday, from accommodation and transport to interesting and engaging activities organized in Romania. The tours and holiday packs created by Rolandia combine the excitement of discovering new places with the comfort and safety of a pleasant stay, while also observing the guidelines of environmentally friendly tourism.

Sustainability Initiatives

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation policy.

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Customer Reviews

• Overall Rating Excellent 4.9
• Itinerary Excellent 4.8
• Guide Excellent 5.0
• Transport Excellent 4.9
• Accommodation Excellent 4.7
• Food Excellent 4.7
• Tour Operator Rolandia 4.8
• Most Recent
• Most Popular
• Highest First
• Lowest First

Dates & Availability

Pay-by-instalments

Take advantage of our 0% interest instalment plan on selected departures. Learn More

• Upcoming departures
• August 2024
• September 2024
• October 2024
• November 2024
• December 2024
• January 2025
• February 2025
• -20% Friday 3 May, 2024 Monday 6 May, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,175 €940 Confirm Dates
• -20% Wednesday 8 May, 2024 Saturday 11 May, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €899 €719 Confirm Dates
• -20% Thursday 9 May, 2024 Sunday 12 May, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,175 €940 Confirm Dates
• -20% Friday 10 May, 2024 Monday 13 May, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,175 €940 Confirm Dates
• -20% Saturday 11 May, 2024 Tuesday 14 May, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,175 €940 Confirm Dates
• -20% Sunday 12 May, 2024 Wednesday 15 May, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,175 €940 Confirm Dates
• -20% Wednesday 15 May, 2024 Saturday 18 May, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €899 €719 Confirm Dates
• -20% Thursday 16 May, 2024 Sunday 19 May, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,175 €940 Confirm Dates
• -20% Friday 17 May, 2024 Monday 20 May, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,175 €940 Confirm Dates
• -20% Saturday 18 May, 2024 Tuesday 21 May, 2024 English Multiple Room Types €1,175 €940 Confirm Dates

Frequently Asked Questions

We are there for you! If you have any questions about this tour, then please don't hesitate to contact us 24/7 and we will get back to you latest within 2 hours!

Got a question about this tour?

Reach out to our travel experts.

Good to Know

• Currency € Euro

As a traveller from USA, Canada, England, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa you will need an adaptor for types C, E, F.

• These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
• Typhoid - Recommended for Romania. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Hepatitis A - Recommended for Romania. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
• Tuberculosis - Recommended for Romania. Ideally 3 months before travel.
• Hepatitis B - Recommended for Romania. Ideally 2 months before travel.
• Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
• Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
• For any tour departing before 29th June 2024 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after 29th June 2024, a minimum payment of €100 is required to confirm your booking with Rolandia. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 60 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
• Some departure dates and prices may vary and Rolandia will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
• The following cards are accepted for "Rolandia" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
• Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
• TourRadar is an authorised Agent of Rolandia. Please familiarise yourself with the Rolandia payment, cancellation and refund conditions .
• Insurance Unless otherwise mentioned, TourRadar does not provide travel insurance. We do however recommend purchasing it through our tried and trusted partner, World Travel Nomads .
• Accessibility Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveller, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team , who are ready and waiting to help you.
• Ireland Tours
• South Korea Tours
• Thailand Tours
• China Tours
• Grand Canyon Vacation Packages
• Southern Thailand July 2025 tours
• Best 3 Week New Zealand Itineraries (with Re…

Similar Tours

Keep Exploring Romania

• 10 Best Backpacking Tours Europe 2024/2025
• Best 4 week Europe Itineraries [Train, Cruises & More]
• 10 Best Cultural Travel Companies
• 10 Best Cultural Experiences in The World 2024/2025
• Romania from Bucharest
• Romania In-depth Cultural
• Small group tour
• 4 days Romania
• Operators in Europe
• Europe Castle
• Transylvania Castle
• Romania Castle
• Transylvania Castles tour in 4 days from Bucharest Tours in Romania
• In-depth Cultural Tours
• Family Tours
• Custom Tours
• Group Tours
• Fully Guided Tours
• Personalized Tours
• Coach / Bus Tours
• Historical Tours
• Transylvania
• Romania tours

• [email protected]

• Romania Tours
• Bulgaria Tours
• Bulgaria & Romania Tours
• Tour Add-Ons
• How It Works
• Testimonials
• COVID-19 & THE UKRAINE WAR

Romania’s Castles Complete Guide (and their Legends)

Table of Contents

From the fairy-tale beauty of its forests and mountains to centuries-old fortresses and castles telling the stories of a tumultuous past, Romania holds a wealth of history waiting to be explored.

Throughout its history, Romania has faced several confrontations with foreign powers trying to exert control over its territory. Many empires attempted to conquer this relatively small country, starting with the Romans and continuing with the Ottomans, Hungarians, and Russians. Finally, after centuries of struggles, in 1878, Romania was recognized as an independent state throughout Europe. 

One of the most remarkable aspects of Romania’s past is its ancient citadels and ruins, which offer a glimpse into a time long forgotten, a time when kings and queens ruled the country. These fantastic constructions are today restored and open to the public. 

So let’s dive in and see what Romania has in store for you when it comes to castles.

Take a tour of the Peleș and Pelișor Castles in Sinaia

Well hidden in the Carpathians mountains, in the picturesque mountain resort Sinaia, Peleș Castle is one architectural jewel you will remember for a long time. The magnificent castle you see today was constructed between 1873 and 1914 by King Carol I of Hohenzollern – Sigmaringen. It was supposed to be a summer residence for the royal family.

The castle is very similar to a Swiss chalet and has approximately 160 rooms and a fabulous garden. You’ll find another small castle in the same area called “Pelișor.” It was built for the royal couple, Prince Ferdinand and Queen Mary of Romania. The style of this castle is quite distinct from that of Peleș castle, as it has a more modern aesthetic. It was decorated by Queen Mary herself using a combination of styles: Art Nouveau, prevalent in the 1900s, Byzantine, Celtic, and Neo-Romanian. 

In addition to refined rooms and enchanting gardens, tourists can explore numerous temporary art exhibitions hosted here.

The stunning Peleș and Pelișor Castles lie just 150 km from Bucharest. It’s a pleasant 2-hour drive. Before planning a weekend break in this area, make sure to consult traffic apps, as the road can become congested.

Usually, the Peleș Castle is open for visits on Tuesdays, from Thursday until Sunday between 9:15 AM to 5:00 PM, and on Wednesday between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. The entrance fee is $33,35 (30 EUR) for visiting the entire castle: the ground floor and the other 2 floors. 

Pelișor Castle is open from Thursday until Sunday between 9:15 AM and 5:00 PM and Wednesdays between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. The entrance ticket costs $6.67 (6.07 EUR).

However, since the visiting schedule can change quite often, we recommend you check the official website before planning to visit. 

Discovering Bran Castle’s mysterious history 

Probably the most famous castle in Romania, covered in mystery and legend, Bran Castle is also known to be related to Bram Stoker’s legendary Count Dracula! Built 600 years ago on the edge of a cliff, it stands tall and majestic before our eyes today and is home to well-known vampire legends.

The Castle was a strategic military fortress before being transformed into a royal residence by Queen Marie of Romania. It was one of her favorite places. 

The Castle’s eerie atmosphere and association with Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula, have made it an iconic landmark of Gothic horror. 

But there is more to Bran Castle’s story than just its association with vampires. The labyrinth-like interior and fascinating blend of Gothic and medieval architecture make it an intriguing destination for history and architecture lovers. 

Bran Castle is approximately 200 km from Bucharest and only 30 km from Brașov, making it an easily reachable destination by car. 

During summer, it opens its gates for curious tourists each Monday between 12.00 PM and 6:00 PM and from Tuesday until Sunday between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. In the wintertime, you can visit it each Monday between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM and from Tuesday until Sunday between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. The entrance fee is approximately $14 (12 EUR). 

Exploring the Corvin Castle in Hunedoara

Have you ever dreamed of visiting a medieval castle straight out of a fairy tale? Look no further than the Corvin Castle in Hunedoara, Romania. This stunning Castle, also known as Hunyadi Castle, belonged to Matia Corvin, the famous Hungarian king during the medieval age! It was built in the 14th century and has been home to many noble families. As you explore the Castle’s courtyards, Gothic architecture, and sinuous staircases, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time. 

Don’t miss the Castle’s impressive Knight’s Hall, with its unique red marble columns adorned with floral elements and noble crests dating back to the 15th century. Legend says that Vlad the Impaler (aka Count Dracula) was once imprisoned right under the Knights’ Hall. With its rich history and stunning beauty, the Corvin Castle is a must-see destination, so make sure to add it to your list.

Corvin Castle is situated in Hunedoara County, 270 km from Brașov and 170 from Cluj Napoca.  

It can be visited Mondays between 12.00 PM and 8:00 PM and from Tuesday until Sunday between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM. The access ticket costs $8.89 (8.10 EUR), and an additional $15.56 (14.17 EUR) for a foreign language guide.

Sturdza Castle – the neo-gothic architectural gem from Moldavia

Sturdza Castle from Miclăușeni domain, Iași county, is an unexpected architectural masterpiece. The Castle is a Neo-gothic monument built at the beginning of the XXth century by one of Romania’s most famous and ancient noble families: the Sturdza family. You might not have heard of this Castle until now, as it is not as well known as other castles in Romania. But one thing’s for sure: you don’t want to miss the opportunity to visit it! It will simply amaze you. 

Located in a beautifully arranged park, encompassed by ancient trees and delicate rose shrubs, you will see it stand tall in all its splendor: a magnificent building with fantastic architecture. You will not get bored admiring its stone decorations, fascinating columns, tall and imposing windows, making you believe you traveled through time. Inside, you’ll marvel at the painted walls and ceilings, the central marble stairs, and the furniture made from rosewood. Studza Castle was home to one of Romania’s most important private libraries. Unfortunately, many rare and valuable books were destroyed or lost during the Second World War. 

Studza Castle is located 65 km away from Iași and 244 km from Brașov. It can be visited every Monday between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, from Tuesday until Friday between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM, and during weekends between 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM. The entrance fee is $4.50 (4.00 EUR). Remember, though, you must make a reservation at least 24h before visiting the Castle, so make sure to call before you arrive.  

Visiting the Cantacuzino Castle 

Well hidden among tall trees on a hill, the Cantacuzino Castle is located in Bușteni, a small and picturesque touristic resort 40 km from Brașov and 150 km from Bucharest. It was built in 1911 by Prince Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino. Its immense garden will amaze you with its winding pathways, fountains, statues, and waterfalls. You can even visit a cave in this large park. And, most of all, you’ll be in awe, admiring the panoramic view of the Carpathians mountains. You won’t forget this view anytime soon. 

Walking into the Castle, you’ll be surrounded by a romantic atmosphere. You’ll admire the tall hallways with wall paintings while arcades and columns line your path. The stained glass windows allow the sunlight to pour in, perfectly complementing the old but still stylish furniture. The marble staircase stands proudly, while the white-stoned fireplaces add to the ambiance. 

Everything inside this Castle will remind you of the luxurious lifestyle of the noble Romanian families who lived there a long time ago. It is one of the best-preserved castles in Romania. Here you’ll also find an art and paintings gallery that can be visited. 

As a fun fact, some scenes of Tim Burton’s Netflix series “Wednesday” were filmed here. 🙂 

You can visit it anytime from Monday to Sunday between 10.00 AM and 7:00 PM. The entrance fee is $16.69 (15.21 EUR) for the Castle, the art exhibition, and the sculpture exhibition from the gardens. 

Be amazed by the architectural beauty and authentic wines at Jidvei Castle

Initially built around the 1600s, this ancient Castle was once a recreational residence and never played a military role. Nevertheless, its French Renaissance-style architecture reminds us of the Castles from the Loire Valley. It was built by the father of Miklos Bethlen, the Transylvania Chancellor at that time. The Bethlen family was a noble Hungarian family, and many other castles are named after them in Transylvania.

The Bethlen – Heller Castle is near the Jidvei Winery, one of the most well-known Romanian wine producers. This is why you can visit the Castle and have an optional traditional meal with wine tasting. We recommend you try the complete experience to get a real taste of the place.

You will enjoy the Castle’s beautiful gardens with charming views and luxurious rooms, meeting, and event spaces. 

The Jidvei castle location is 366 km from Bucharest, 181 km from Brașov, and only 81 km from Sibiu, making it easily accessible by car. It is a great destination to add to your itinerary if you visit Transylvania . 

You can visit this Castle from Tuesday until Sunday between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM if you join one of their 3 guided tours (at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 3 PM). The entrance fee is $8.89 (8.11 EUR) if you visit only the Castle and an additional $8.89 (8.11 EUR) for the Jidvei wine cellar and vineyard.

Beware of ghosts at the Iulia Hașdeu haunted Castle

Located just 97 km from Bucharest, in Prahova county, Iulia Hașdeu Castle , also known as the “Spirit’s Temple,” is well-known for paranormal activity. Unfortunately, it holds a tragic story. Bogdan Petriceicu Hașdeu was one of Romania’s most remarkable literary and academic figures. His daughter, Iulia Hașdeu, inherited his literary talent and passion for writing and languages from a very young age. At just 16 years old, she was the first Romanian student at the Sorbonne. Unfortunately, just 2 years later, she died of tuberculosis, leaving his beloved father in grief. 

He built this Castle in her memory between 1893 and 1896. But there is more to that: the Castle was created as an attempt of her grief-stricken father to contact her through spiritism sessions and other mystic practices. It was supposed to be a magical place connecting the world of the dead with that of the living. Pretty spooky, right? Needless to say, there are many stories surrounding the Castle. It is said that sometimes, you can hear Iulia playing the piano at night, followed by applause from an old man.  

The museum’s exposition includes works and documents, family photos, manuscripts, furniture, and personal objects of Bogdan Petriceicu Hașdeu and Iulia, his beloved daughter.  

The Castle is open for visiting from Tuesday until Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the entrance fee is $2.66 (2.43 EUR). 

Let yourself be amazed at the Palace of Culture in Iași

Situated in the eastern part of the country, in Iași city, the Palace of Culture is unequivocally the city’s emblem. It’s a monumental, neo-gothic, romantic building with a footprint of over 7000 sqm. It was built at the beginning of the XX century. Its construction lasted almost 20 years! It is a remarkable piece of art that will astonish you with its details and the meticulousness of how they were realized. 

There are several must-see areas inside this magnificent building. One of them is the Hall of Honor, with its stained glass windows, imperial arches, and imposing columns. Its tall ceiling and mosaic, in a chess tile pattern, the magnificent stairway, made from white Carrara marble, will make you feel like royalty while stepping inside this architectural spectacle.  

Another inestimable jewel is the incredibly luxurious Hall of Voivods. A “Voivod” was the title given to Romanian sovereigns between XII and XVI centuries. Situated on the 1st floor of the Palace, this is the most beautiful room in the entire building. Here you will see a splendid collection of paintings – portraits of Moldavian Voivods of all times. Then, the massive marble chimney will catch your eye. Above it, you’ll see this great tree filled with portraits of all these important historical figures – all of Moldavia’s rulers. 

Henri Coandă Hall is another room you must see. The Palace of Culture was, in fact, the Palace of Justice in the past. And the Henri Coandă Hall was the Jury Court. This imposing room was inspired by Westminster Hall in London.   

The Clock Tower can also be visited. It is now open to the public and offers a great panoramic view of the city. 

Apart from all these, you can visit many museums inside this Palace. Here you can see the History Museum, “Ștefan Procopiu” Science and Technical Museum, the Art Museum, and the Ethnographic Museum.  

This splendid Palace is open from Wednesday until Sunday between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. A ticket for visiting the Palace and the museums costs approximately $10 (9 EUR). To see the Clock Tower, you must join one of the 2 guided tours each day at 10:40 AM and 11:40 AM (from Wednesday to Sunday). You must also make a reservation at the ticket office on the day you wish to visit it. 

Entering a time long gone at the Banffy Castle

This old Castle is located in Bonțida, only 27 km from Cluj-Napoca. Its construction began sometime in the XVIth century and lasted until the middle of the XIXth century. It was, and still is, one of the most spectacular aristocratic Romanian castles and belongs to the Banffy Family. It was called “Transylvania’s Versailles” in the past due to its Renaissance and Baroque architecture and extraordinary gardens. 

Unfortunately, this fantastic building has gone through a lot of destruction during the World Wars. Sadly, today it is only a ruin, the garden doesn’t exist anymore, but you can see through its crumbling walls the beauty it once sheltered. Today, many cultural events and programs are hosted at Banffy Castle, such as the International Transylvanian Film Festival (TIFF Festival) or Electric Castle, a popular electronic music event. 

This Castle is open for visits every day between 9:00 AM and 7:00 PM, and the entrance fee is $0.66 (0.60 EUR). 

Bonus – Get inspired at the Balchik Castle – Bulgaria

Despite this article’s comprehensive overview of Romanian castles, we couldn’t ignore this stunning location. The Castle by the sea, Balchik Castle, with its fabulous gardens, is one you don’t want to miss. This beautiful white Castle was built by Queen Mary of Romania when the region was part of Romanian territory. Queen Mary was the last queen of Romania. She was respected and very loved by the Romanian people. She had 2 favorite places in the country: the Bran Castle and the Balchik Castle. 

The Castle was built between 1926 and 1937, and it was supposed to be the summer residence of Queen Mary. She personally had chosen this inspiring spot near the sea. What stands out in this special place is the residence’s serenity. Although it gives you a sense of royalty, it is not opulent but elegant and simple. What is truly spectacular about this place is its stunning garden, which is unique in Eastern Europe. You can stroll around the superb garden for an entire day and not get bored. 

It is lovely, especially during late spring (April – May) and early autumn (September – October), when all flowers bloom. Of course, you’ll see different types of flowers depending on the season. In total, there are over 3000 plant species. There’s also this fabulous Cactus Garden of over 1000 sqm, where you’ll see giant and rare cactus species unusual for this part of the world. There are really few words that can describe the variety and beauty of this garden. You’ll lose track of time wandering around its paths, labyrinths, tall trees, and rich thickets. And the cherry on the cake is the dazzling sea view that will take your breath away. 

Queen Mary loved this place so much that she requested through her will that her heart be kept at the Balchik Castle, inside Stella Maris Chapel, after her death. It was brought there until the territory was returned to Bulgaria, transferred to Bran Castle, and became part of the National History Museum Treasury. 

The Castle is open for visits from 8:00 AM until 8:00 PM during summertime and from 8:00 AM until 5 PM in wintertime. The entrance fee is $7.14 (7.16 EUR). Balchik is located 300 km from Bucharest, so it is easily accessible by car. 

In conclusion, you simply cannot go wrong with visiting castles in Romania. There are so many Instagrammable places around here, filled with so much history and legends, that you’ll have a hard time choosing which one you want to see. 

If you simply cannot decide which ones to add to your itinerary, just give us an email, and we’ll be happy to assist in creating the perfect customized bulgarian or romanian trip for you. 

In the meantime, check out our Bulgaria and Romania revealed tour , which has a bit of everything and also includes Hunyad, Peleș, and Bran Castles in its itinerary. 

Don’t miss out on the chance to discover the hidden treasures of Romania!

Book your custom tour now and embark on an unforgettable journey through this captivating country. With our expert guides and personalized itineraries, you’ll experience the very best that Romania has to offer.

Book Your Custom Tour

About balkan trails, subscribe to our newsletter.

You May Also Like

Unique travel experiences – Romanian cuisine tour

Plan your trip stress-free with our packing list essential tips

When is the perfect time to visit Romania and Bulgaria?

6 Amazing Experiences You Can Have on a Balkan Trails Custom Tour

Brasov – rich history in the heart of Romania

What to wear if you travel to Romania or Bulgaria in Winter?

• Share This Post:

Add a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Inquiry Form

Tour inquiry form.

Seven Romanian Castles and Palaces You Shouldn’t Miss

Home » Visit » Travel Ideas » Seven Romanian Castles and Palaces You Shouldn’t Miss

• Editor's Pick
• Travel Ideas
• travel tips

Diana Condrea

If you’d like to explore these Romanian castles and palaces, check our Palaces and Castles of Romania Tour . 

There’s so much history in Romania that you could easily plan a full vacation only by visiting castles and palaces from all around the country. To make things easier for you, we’ve prepared a hand-picked guide of some of the most interesting Romanian castles and palaces. Be sure to include at least one or two on your next tour of Romania .

1. Peles Castle

Location: Sinaia, Prahova County

The summer residence of King Carol the 1st, this fairytale castle from Sinaia is one of the most beautiful in Romania and Europe. Built between 1873 and 1914 with visible elements of the German Renaissance style, Peles was used as a residence since 1883. A smaller castle on the same property, Pelisor, was used as the residence of King Ferdinand and Queen Maria.

Opened as a museum from 1953 to 1975, after the communists nationalized all private properties, Peles Castle functioned again as a museum after 1990. More than 7.6 million tourists have visited the castle since then, making it the most popular museum in the country.

Peles Castle

Visiting hours on  visit.peles.ro

Peles Castle is included in many of our  one day tours  and  tours in Transylvania . 

2. The Palace of Culture from Iasi

Location: Iasi, Iasi County

The most impressive monument in Iasi, the Neo-Gothic style Palace of Culture was built after the plans of Romanian architect Ioan D. Berindei. The construction took place between 1906 and 1925 on the ruins of the 15th century medieval princely courts. Used for administrative purposes since the beginning, as the Palace of Justice, this is one of the last public institutions in the country built in this grand architectural style.

The Palace of Culture

It was endowed from the very beginning with modern installations and materials, and from 1955 it served as a museum. The palace recently opened after many years of restoration, and hosts today four museums: the Museum of Art, the Museum of Science, the Ethnographic Museum, and the Museum of History.

Visiting hours on  www.palatulculturii.ro

3. Corvin Castle

Location: Hunedoara, Hunedoara County

The 14th century Corvin Castle is the largest Gothic castle in Romania, a popular attraction for tourists, and also a film location for movies like ‘Henry the 8th’ or ‘The Damned Kings’. This was in the 15th century the residence of Iancu of Hunedoara, a local nobleman who became the King of Hungary, renowned for his strategic victories against the expanding Ottoman Empire.

Visiting hours on  www.castelulcorvinilor.ro

Corvin Castle is included in our  tours in Transylvania . 

4. Cantacuzino Castle

Location: Busteni, Prahova County

One of the most impressive Neo-Romanian-style monuments in Romania, this castle belonged to the richest man in Romania from the early 20th century. One of the many properties of Gheorghe Cantacuzino, the descendant of an old Byzantine family, the castle can be visited after or before Peles Castle on a one day trip from Bucharest.

Visiting hours on  www.cantacuzinocastle.com

5. The Palace of Mogosoaia

Location: Mogosoaia, Ilfov County

The Palace of Mogosoaia is located just a few kilometers outside Bucharest and is one of the most important monuments of the ‘Brancovenesc’ style. The original palace was finalized in 1702 and was the property of Prince Constantin Brancoveanu who ruled Southern Romania between 1688 and 1714. During his time, numerous civil and religious monuments were built in this style, an eclectic mix of local, Byzantine, Oriental, and Italian Renaissance elements.

In the mid-19th century, the palace already severely degraded was the property of the old noble family Bibescu. Several renovation works started, but they were never completely finalized. The most important renovation works took place between the World Wars, from 1920 until the early 1930s, under the supervision of Martha Bibescu.

Working with architects Domenico Rupolo and George Mihai Cantacuzino, she renovated the palace, trying to remain faithful to the ‘Brancovenesc’ style. Luckily enough, the palace, although nationalized by the communists, managed to survive the regime. It functions today as a museum.

Visiting hours on  www.palatebrancovenesti.ro

The Palace of Mogosoaia is included in our Royal Palaces and Castles Tour . 

6. Bran Castle

Location: Bran, Brasov County

The most visited museum in Romania and by far the most famous castle in the country, Bran Castle is, in fact, a 14th-century medieval fortress built to control the commerce between Transylvania and Southern Romania.

In 1920, after hundreds of years of ownership, the administration of the city of Brasov donated the fortress to Queen Maria as a sign of appreciation for her decisive contribution in making the Great Union of 1918. Queen Maria remodeled and modernized this rock fortress, turning it into one of her favorite royal residences.

Despite its centuries-old history, the castle is best known today for its fabricated links with the myth of Dracula. The historical truth is a completely different one, and we suggest you visit the castle for its beauty and glorious past. There’s definitely no place for vampires there.

Visiting hours on  www.bran-castle.com

Bran Castle is included in many of our one day tours and tours in Transylvania . 

7. The Palace of Ruginoasa

Location: Ruginoasa, Iasi County

Less-known and more remote, the Palace of Ruginoasa is more than worth the trip if you’re visiting Iasi. Beautifully renovated and open for visits, this small Neo-Gothic palace has a dramatic history including passionate crimes and love betrayals.

It was built at the beginning of the 19th century, and it eventually belonged also to Alexandru Ioan Cuza, the first prince of the United Principalities of Moldavia and Southern Romania.

Visiting hours: From Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm

The silent witnesses of their own past, many times dramatic, these Romanian castles and palaces are excellent travel destinations if you who enjoy museum visits and history lessons. Each of them brings to the present its own story of past glory and importance, inspiring their visitors to imagine a lifestyle that ended a long time ago.

Related posts

Best things to do in bucharest for the first-time visitors, transfagarasan: probably the best road in the world, visit maramures: 10 things to do in the land of wood, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

I have read and accepted the Privacy Policy *

• No translations available for this page

Automated page speed optimizations for fast site performance

• Food and Wine Day Tour
• Palaces and Monasteries around Bucharest

Castles Tour

• Transfagarasan Tour
• Bucharest Walking Tour
• Full Bucharest Tour
• 7 day Full Transylvania Tour
• Fagaras Region Tour
• Romania Tours

Family Tours

• CORPORATE EVENTS

From 310 RON

• DESCRIPTION

Castle Tours

Take a day trip from Bucharest and discover the top attractions in Romania and Transylvania. This full-day tour will take you to the most famous castles in the country, the Peles and Bran Castles, and to the Medieval Transylvanian town of Brasov.

Description:

We will drive into the Carpathians, where the beautiful Peles Castle is set among the mountains. This castle was built by Romania’s first king, Carol I, at the end of the 19 th century to be the royal family’s summer residence. It impresses through its architecture, extensive art and weapon collections, and modernity. We will tour the interior of the castle, enjoying the intricate details of every room.

Our next stop is the Bran Castle, also known as, Dracula’s Castle. This 12 th century castle is placed high up on a cliff, the perfect setting for Bram Stoker’s novel. Our guide will take you through the castle, telling you all about the dark legends and about the true history of the place. Lunch will be enjoyed in Bran, possibly at the fine restaurant in Queen Mary’s Tea House.

The afternoon will be spent strolling around the cobblestone streets of Brasov, discovering the infamous Black Church, and learning the history of the Transylvanian Saxons of this Medieval Town. You will get to experience the real Transylvania here, with its colourful houses, large gates, and imposing fortifications. It will be the perfect end to our tour, before we cross the Carpathians once again on our way back to Bucharest.

What is included

What isn't included

Practicalities:

Be sure to be dressed for the weather and for a few hours of walking (including on uneven ground). We recommend having some money on you for any souvenirs that may peak your interest, for a coffee break, and for lunch.

And remember, our tours are fully customizable!

So let us know if you have any special requirements.

For any inquiries, send us a message:

Email us at:, [email protected], call or message us at:, +40 757 61 33 81.

Transylvania Tours

Transylvania

Go on a breathtaking tour through the lush mountains, castles, and quaint villages of Transylvania. Immerse yourself in the local culture, while visiting the top attractions...

We pride ourselves in personalizing all our tours to meet the needs of our customers!

KEEP IN TOUCH

Experience romania with us, join our newsletter.

Useful information

License no. 2068 from 26.08.2019

Insurance Policy Series BN No. 000001329 from 02.08.2019 valid until 01.08.2020

CIF: 40774370 | Reg. com.: J8/1083/2019

USEFUL LINKS

DESTINATIONS

Privacy Policy – Cookies Policy

COPYRIGHT 2020 romanianmapletours.com

Proiect cofinanțat din FSE prin Programul Operațional Capital Uman 2014-2020

Investim în dezvoltare durabilă

• Bran Castle Tours

Bran Castle (also known by its touristy name Dracula Castle) is the #1 tourist attraction in Romania, thanks to the popular novel and movie. A medieval fortress against a dramatic scenery in a valley at the Carpathian foothills, Bran Castle is located in Bran, close to Brasov, and is truly a sight to see! Have a look at our tours and read more info about this major landmark in Romania:

Categories:

Major romanian cities: all tours & day trips.

• Tours & Day Trips in Bucharest
• Tours & Day Trips in Cluj-Napoca
• Tours & Day Trips in Timisoara
• Tours & Day Trips in Sibiu
• Tours & Day Trips in Brasov

Top attractions in Romania Tours

• Castles, Fortresses & Historic Tours
• UNESCO Sites & Cultural Tours
• Transylvania Tours and Trips
• Turda Salt Mine Tours
• Transfagarasan Road Tours
• Peles Castle Tours
• Corvin (Hunyadi) Castle Tours
• 7 Stairs (Ladders) Canyon Tours

Romanian Adventures & Wildlife Tours

• Bike & Cycling Tours
• Hiking & Trekking Trips
• Wildlife Watching & Tracking Trips
• Ski & Winter Sports Tours

Authentic Romanian Trips

• Food & Wine Tours
• Unique Experiences with Locals

• customisable

3-Day Transylvania Tour: Cities, Sights & Local Life

Start from: Cluj-Napoca

Bran Castle & Hike in Piatra Craiului National Park

Start from: Bucharest

Hiking Day Trip: 7 Stairs Canyon & Castles Sightseeing

• small group

Brasov Day Trip: Hike, Mountain Villages, Bears & Bran Castle!

Start from: Sibiu

Private Day Trip to Brasov, Bran Castle and Peles Castle [NO Dracula stuff]

Brasov Day Trip: Bran Castle, Peles Castle & more!

Start from: Brasov

Reviews about Bran Castle Tours

We had a packed day with Charlie, who was a friendly and very knowledgeable local guide / driver. He dispelled many myths about Romania and gave us a history lesson about Vlad Tepes - where he was and where he wasn't! Castles, monasteries, a fortified church (Lutheran - another surprise) and glorious views of the Carpathian Mountains - Charlie made sure that we saw what we wanted to. By the time we got back to Brasov we were exhausted but happy. Thanks for a memorable day!

Charlie was a fantastic guide! Very knowledgeable and fun. He was great with our 8 year old daughter who loved the day! We visited all the sites and in addition we visited caves! We had a very enjoyable day and learnt a lot. Would highly recommend!

Our guide was EXTREMELY knowledgeable which is great because I'm quite a curious traveler. He had the wisdom of someone who not only has been a guide a very long time but also an informed citizen of the world. Tiberius was also quite careful to avoid crowds ensuring we got there ahead of time to beat the crowds. For this reason alone, the tour was very much worth it. I enjoyed his stories and learned a lot.

We extended our the three day Transylvania trip to four days and we were so glad that we did. Our guide, Florin, was awesome. He made each city come alive with his stories of their history and people. His dialogue kept us interested and entertained! What a wonderful introduction to Romania for us Americans.

Everything went perfectly. The guide was on time and he guided us very competently through the attractions.

We really enjoyed our tour of Bran Castle & Peles Castle. Charlie, our tour guide, was fantastic. He was so friendly and knowledgeable about the castles and the region. And he made it so easy to change our lunch timing so we could eat a little earlier than he had planned. In general, I'm glad we did this tour because we got to Peles Castle earlier than most of the tour groups and only had to wait a few minutes in line to get in, and at Bran Castle, having the tour meant we already had tickets and we could easily get in. The crowds waiting to buy tickets looked bad, definitely worth booking the tour to avoid that. We had Charlie for 2 full days of private tours for our group of 4 people, and it was a really great experience.

We found the Castles tour through Romanian friend and could not be any happier! Karoly was an exquisite guide who was so knowledgeable and made the whole experience 100x better! Karoly knew the castles so well and could easily predict how busy they would be, so planned the day perfectly to make sure we could beat the crowds at all sites! He also takes amazing photos as a bonus! Karoly also was very willing to go off route slightly to show us a few extra highlights, we could not recommend enough!

The tour experience, and our tour guide Florin exceeded my expectations. Florin was truly a fountain of knowledge; able to provide historical context for each of our stops (4 cities and 3 castles) which really brought the entire trip to life. Thank you Florin for giving us a tour of your beautiful country - unforgettable.

Une journée magnifique ! Ce tour d'un jour a été parfaitement organisé et s'est déroulé à merveille. Adela a une connaissance très impressionnante de la région et de l'histoire des sites visités. Elle a su prendre en compte nos demandes et est très sympathique ! Je recommande vivement ce tour !

Adela was a fantastic guide and is very knowledgeable about Transylvania… she got us everywhere on time and also took us to a beautiful village in the mountains outside Brasov . Our vehicle was very comfortable and had air con. I would definitely recommend any tour with Adela. Booking via Romanian friend is very easy and the site has lots of options. You won’t be disappointed! Ruth

Bran (Dracula) Castle

Bran Castle - also known by its touristic name 'Dracula Castle' or 'Vlad Dracula Castle' - is a Romanian 13th century historic attraction located in Transylvania and surrounded by mystery, attracting thousands of tourists every year. It gained most of its international popularity due to Bram Stoker’s 1897 (!) novel Dracula and Hollywood movie with the same name from 1992. The character was loosely inspired on Vlad the Impaler, a 15th century ruler of Wallachia with a tumultuous life famous for his cruelty towards enemies (hence the 'Impaler').

To debunk the Dracula story (or better said - the touristic version of it) and learn about the castle's true and fascinating history, you should see it for yourself. It is, after all, the top attraction in Romania. But be warned - Bran Castle had 800,000 visitors in 2016. That's a LOT of tourists for a country which saw only 2,7 mil tourists in 2016. So expect the usual crowds, bustle and tourist kitsch. Even so, we included Bran Castle on our list of best places to see in Transylvania - check out the entire list!

That's why your Romanian Friend found the best guides that we recommend you should consider if you want to visit Bran Castle. Bogdan and Dan will be more than happy to tell you the real story about 'Dracula Castle' in Transylvania - ugh!

We don't like this touristy association because we're proud locals and want to give you the real deal. You will also soon find that 'Dracula' is used a lot in Romanian tourism: 'The Real Dracula Tour', 'The Land of Dracula Tour', 'Dracula's Real Castle' (which is also partly true - read about Poienari Fortress ). But wait - there's also Dracula's tomb, house, prison, church, etc. and all sorts of 'special events' which have nothing to do with the real culture of Romania. And with €€€ price tags...

See why we want to help?

Anyway, back to Bran Castle - the castle was gradually built and further developed in the form it is today between 1211-1377 and served as both border pass and defence fortress to protect the natural mountain entrance into Transylvania from the South, the other Romanian region known as Wallachia (Țara Românească). It was designed to prevent and defent from the expansion of the Ottoman Empire (currently Turkey). Between 1920 and 1948 the castle belonged to the Romanian Royal Family and was afterwards nationalized during the communist period and turned into state property. After the fall of the communism, it was re-opened for the public and designed as feudal art and history museum and in 2009 it was returned to the Romanian Royal Family.

The Dracula myth has transformed Bran Castle - sometimes wrongly dubbed Vlad the Impaler Castle - into a world-renowned destination - it was classified by Forbes as the second most expensive property in the world, being evaluated at USD 140mil.

During Halloween, the castle hosts several thematic parties and in 2016, for the first time in 70 years, the castle has allowed winners of an AirBnB competition to have a vampire-inspired sleep-over at the castle, in specially designed coffins.

Another attraction offered by the caretakers of the castle is a number of 10410 bottles of 2007 Dealu Mare Merlot wine, entitled „Chateau Bran”, with prices starting at EUR 10 per bottle, together with 1377 bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon, entitled „Reserve de l’Archiduc”, with prices starting at EUR 36 per bottle. Both of the assortments are sold only at Bran Castle.

Finally, a new attraction you shouldn't miss is a recently restored royal tea house on the castle's grounds.

The official website provides accurate and useful info on visits and getting there.

• How to get to Bran Castle on your own: the castle is located in Bran, close to Brasov; there is no train station in Bran so that's not an option; there are many buses leaving from Brasov (Autogara nr. 2 on Avram Iancu Street to Bran) every 30 min or so for a 5 Lei ticket; renting a car or hiring a local guide may be more convenient; hiring a taxi company from Brasov to Bran costs about 80 Lei.

• Bucharest Attractions
• Bran Castle Tickets
• Dracula's Castle

Plan Your Visit

• Skip the Line Tours
• Guided Tours
• Day Trips to Bran Castle
• Palace of Parliament Bucharest Tours
• Therme Bucuresti Tickets
• Peleș Castle Tickets
• Ceausescu Mansion Tickets
• Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum
• Slanic Salt Mine Tickets
• Transfagarasan

Book Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle) Tickets & Tours

Headout is an authorized and trusted partner of the venue, offering curated experiences to enjoy this attraction. This is not the venue's website.

Bran Castle Entry Tickets

• Head over to Transylvania's Bran Village for a tour of one of its most popular attractions, Bran Castle more popularly known as Dracula’s Castle.
• Explore the various areas of the fortress, walls and red turrets, & as you delve into the centuries of history of Romania.
• As you walk past eerie hallways, spooky towers, secret passageways, and tiny rooms, you'll find out intriguing facts about this castle.
• For breathtaking views, head to the top of the terrace and visit the royal garden.
• Entry into Bran Castle
• Guided tours
• This experience is not wheelchair accessible.
• Pets are not allowed on the premises of Bran Castle.
• These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Guided Tour of Bran Castle

• You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.
• Head out to the Bran Village for a mystery-coated adventure through one of Transylvania's most popular attractions, Dracula's Castle!
• Gain insights into the fascinating history & medieval era of knights, princesses, and enchanting folklore from your expert guide.
• Walk past Gothic chambers, eerie passageways, creeping towers, and secret rooms, and embrace every moment of the hair-raising tour.
• Guided tour of the Castle
• Expert tour guide
• Hotel transfers
• Tip: Many locations within the palace serve as great photo backdrops, so don't forget to bring along your cameras!

From Bucharest: Full Day Guided Tour to Dracula's Castle, Peleș Castle & Brașov

• Set out from the metropolis of Bucharest for an intriguing full-day tour through Romania's stunning yet mysterious cities.
• Join an expert tour guide as you visit the city of Sinaia and its two attractions, Peles Castle (an emblem of Romanian royalty) and the Sinaia Monastery, the 300-year-old historic soul of the city.
• Experience the breathtaking beauty of Transylvania as you visit Bran Castle, otherwise famously known as The Dracula's Castle .
• Discover the breezy city of Brasov finally, a city that boasts a unique blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture.
• Walk past the Black Church, the Council Square, the Hircher House, and baroque-styled buildings from the Austro-Hungarian times.
• Enjoy round-trip transfers from central or downtown locations, ensuring you don't have to worry about arranging transportation in a new city.
• Expert English-speaking tour guide
• VIP skip-the-line admission to all attractions
• Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
• Pick-up & drop-off from downtown & centrally located accommodations
• Lesson on the legend of Count Dracula with walking tour of Brasov
• Entry to Peles Castle & Bran Castle (optional)
• Hotel pick-up from Bucharest

Peleș Castle

• Bran Castle
• Hotel drop-off at Bucharest
• This tour is not wheelchair accessible
• On chilly days, please wear warm clothing as temperatures can drop down to low levels
• Your tour does not include entrance tickets for Peles Castle & Bran Castle. Kindly select the right ticket option to avail it.
• Peles Castle is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during the winter season from Sep 15 to May 14 and on Mondays during the summer season from May 15 to Sep 14.

Full Day Trip to Dracula Castle, Peles Castle & Brașov with Audio Guide

• Travel from Bucharest to Transylvania in an AC vehicle with onboard pre-recorded commentary and see the Gothic castles of Romania.
• Accompanied by an expert English-speaking driver, take in the scenic view of the rolling Carpathian Mountains until you arrive at the Valahia region.
• Visit Peles Castle, the Romanian Royal family's former residence that is easily one of the most visited castles in the country.
• See the famous Bran Castle, the inspiration for Bram Stocker’s novel, 'Dracula,' based on Vlad the Impaler, to whom the castle once belonged.
• Experience Romanian culture and hospitality first-hand with a lively walking tour through the Old Town of Brasov, as you follow an attraction-filled route.
• Day trip to Dracula Castle, Peleș Castle, and town of Brașov
• Professional English-speaking host
• Onboard pre-recorded audio commentary in English, Spanish, and Italian.
• Disposable earphones
• Pick-up & drop off
• Transfers by AC vehicle
• Wi-Fi onboard
• Entrance tickets (Peles Castle 50 RON/Adult; Bran Castle 55 RON/Adult)
• Tip: For lovers of hiking, climbing, and breathtaking views, Transylvania will not disappoint. It has some of the most spectacular mountain ranges in Romania such as Apuseni Mountains, Bucegi Mountains, and Retezat National Park.
• Note: Entrance fees to Peles Castle and Bran Castle are not included. You can purchase them on the spot.
• Peles Castle is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during the winter season (November 02 – May 03) and on Mondays during the summer season.

Top things to do in Bucharest

Take a Bran Castle Tour 

Popularly known as Count Dracula’s castle, Bran Castle has a reputation for being spooky. This medieval fortress is situated on the edge of a cliff near the border of Wallachia, allowing it to be a magnificent vantage point for any incoming attacks. Along with this, the castle is also referred to as Count Dracula’s Castle, which further reinforced its spookiness. 

With rich history and culture hidden behind its walls, Bran Castle is most definitely a must-visit for any travel enthusiast. 

Things to know before you buy your Bran Castle ticket

• Book your Bran Castle tickets well in advance if you are planning to visit during the peak season (June to August).
• Discounted prices on tickets are available for children aged 7 to 11 years, students above the age of 18 years, and senior citizens above the age of 65 years.
• Make sure to carry a valid ID with a clear photograph to avail of any discounts on your tickets.
• To enter Bran Castle, you first have to swap your mobile voucher with a paper ticket at the ticket counter, which is located about 5 minutes away from the castle. Factor in this time when you plan your visit.
• Bran Castle is not accessible by wheelchair and visitors have to climb steps to go inside the castle. If you have mobility issues, keep this in mind when you plan your visit.

Why Visit Bran Castle?

• Architectural wonder: Bran Castle is a beautiful medieval fortress built on a cliffside in Romania with magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
• Historical significance: From protecting the Wallachian borders to being a war hospital to a museum dedicated to Queen Marie, Bran Castle has many stories hidden behind its stone walls.
• Dracula’s Castle: Popularly known as Count Dracula’s Castle for its rumored connection to Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula. This is the only castle that fits the description of Dracula's Castle, a castle located in the remote Transylvania on a cliffside with a spooky demeanor.
• Queen Marie’s legacy: Today, Bran Castle showcases some of the beloved Queen Marie’s belongings, some ancient torture tools, and other historic artifacts that shed light on the castle’s bitter-sweet history.

Which Bran Castle ticket should you buy?

If you’re on a budget

Go for: Skip-the-line tickets Duration: Flexible Guide included: No Transfers: No

• If you’re a budget-conscious traveller, opt for skip-the-line tickets. They are easier on the pocket and have the added advantage of allowing you to save time by avoiding long ticket queues and directly enter Bran Castle.
• These tickets are of flexible duration, which means you can take your time and explore the castle at your own pace.

Recommended ticket:  

Bran Castle Skip-the-Line Tickets

Skip The Line: Guided Tour of Bran Castle

If you want to explore Bran Castle in depth

Go for: Guided tours Duration: 1 hr, full-day Guide included: Yes Transfers: No

• If you’re interested in exploring Bran Castle in depth and learning about its rich and eventful history, pick a guided tour ticket.
• An expert guide will accompany you and share fascinating insights into the life of the beloved Queen Marie and her beautiful home.

Recommended ticket:

If you want to explore beyond Bran Castle

Go for: Day trips Duration: Full day Guide included: Depends on your ticket Transfers: Yes

• If you want to explore more attractions along with Bran Castle, opt for one of the day tour tickets. You also get to visit popular Roamnian landmarks such as Peleș Castle & Brașov.
• Enjoy round-trip transfers and have a comfortable and hassle-free trip.

Day Tour from Bucharest to Dracula's Castle, Peleș Castle & Brașov

Discounted Prices

Children aged 7-11, students above the age of 18 and senior citizens above the age of 65 can enjoy discounted prices on their tickets. 

Cancellation Policy

You can get a full refund if you cancel your tickets up to 24 hours before the schedule. 

Explore Bran Castle

Bran Castle has 57 rooms in total, some of which are well-restored for tourist visits. King Ferdinand’s rooms are quite well-restored and contain ornate furniture along with providing a beautiful view of the villages below. You can also explore the residence of Queen Marie and take a look at some of her belongings that depict her deep love for the castle. 

There is a small torture museum located on the second floor of the castle. It is placed in a private room, which further leads to smaller rooms and then into a private balcony. You can discover some of the ancient torture tools that were used within these walls, including a chair of torture, the rack, an iron maiden, and much more. 

If you’re brave enough to face the creatures of the night, then the 4th floor of the castle dives deep into Romanian Mythology. Famous creatures of the night like the werewolf, the Grim Reaper, the Strigoi, the Iele, and many more come into the light to tell you stories of how they haunt the nights of nearby residents. 

Bran Castle Highlights

Narrow Stairway

There is a narrow stairway in the castle that once used to be a secret. This passage allows just one person to fit at a time and connects the first floor to the third. An antique fireplace acted as the secret entrance to the stairway. 

Bran Castle has a lovely round tower that showcases its architecture with its stone and wooden walls. Made in Gothic architecture, the Donjon is one of the biggest highlights of this castle. Unfortunately, the old tower that stood here was struck by lightning and the new, remarkably well-kept tower, dates from 1593. 

Ancient Items

Bran Castle has a remarkable connection of various items within. Queen Marie collected sets of china, books, statues and icons. King Ferdinand’s room has a lovely collection of ornate furniture, a set of daggers and royal treasures. You can also find some Romanian pottery, paintings, hand-carved fixtures around the castle and other subtle details. 

Time Tunnel

Constructed in a 59-meter-deep old well that was later converted into an elevator shaft, the Time Tunnel at Bran Castle is a horizontal gallery that features some of Romania’s scariest mythological creatures. It is also the longest-approved ride between two elevator stops (31.5 meters) in the area. 

Old Water Well

There is an old water well at Bran Castle that isn’t a well anymore. You can, however, explore the top of this well, which just functions as a decorative feature now. When the fortress was built in the 1400s, a 60-foot-deep well was drilled through solid rock, and there also used to be a secret room right above the water level that once held the castle’s treasures.

Queen Marie’s Heart

After the beloved Queen Marie passed away, her heart was placed in a chapel close to the castle upon her request. She wanted to remain close to her home. You can visit this shrine close across the brook at the edge of the woodland. 

Inside Bran Castle >

Bran Castle as Dracula’s Castle

Bran Castle is situated deep in the valleys of Transylvania on the edge of a cliff, and because of its location, this is the only castle that fits the description of the spooky castle that Count Dracula resided in Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula. Some people also believe that Vlad the Impaler, the notorious Wallachian Prince, was the inspiration for Count Dracula’s character. 

However, Bram Stoker never validated any of these claims. In fact, Bram Stoker never even set foot into Bran Castle. The castle described in the novel was inspired by some illustrations of Bran Castle that Bram Stoker found during his research. Apart from this, there seems to be no other connection between Bran Castle and Dracula’s Castle. 

After the castle gained much popularity among enthusiasts for this rumored connection, the government of Romania decided to market the castle as Dracula’s castle to improve tourism. 

Count Dracula >

Plan Your Visit to Bran Castle

Tuesdays to Sundays: 9 AM to 6 PM

Mondays: 12 PM to 6 PM

Last Admission: 6 PM

Address: Bran Castle, Strada General Traian Moșoiu 24, Bran 507025, Romania. Find on Maps

There is a bus to the town of Bran from Brasov every half an hour. You can also get a taxi or Uber service to take you straight to the castle from Brasov. 

Wheelchair Accessibility: Unfortunately, the inside of the castle is not accessible by wheelchair as you will have to take steps to get inside. However, the surrounding gardens are still wheelchair accessible, allowing you to soak in the beautiful scenery around the castle. 

Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the castle. You can, however, bring them to the Royal Park at the castle as long as they remain under your supervision. 

Toilets: There are public-access toilets available outside the castle near the main entrance. However, you will only be able to access them via a slope. 

Photography: You are allowed to take amateur photos and videos of Bran Castle. For professional filming or photography, you will need a signed contract. Charges are customized. 

• Arrive at least 10-15 minutes before the start of your tour to avoid any delays. 
• You will have to swap your mobile voucher with a paper ticket at the ticket counter to gain entry. The ticket counter is about 5 minutes away from Bran Castle. 
• Make sure to carry a valid ID proof to avail discounts on tickets. 
• Wear flat comfortable shoes as the paths include many slopes.

The Casa de ceai restaurant at Bran Castle is temporarily closed at the moment. Here are some other great options nearby!

Bran Chalet: Enjoy a delicious traditional Romanian meal from their a-la-carte menu. 

Restaurant Bran Parc: Less than a 10-minute walk from the castle, this restaurant has a beautiful ambiance for a lovely meal with your loved ones. 

Vila Bran: This restaurant offers a wide range of choices for breakfast, lunch, and dinner along with a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains. 

Budget Hotels: Pensiunea Iulia, Veverița, Pensiunea Bianca

Mid-Range Hotels: Trattoria Al Gallo, Transilvania Lodge, Contele Vladimir

Luxury Hotels: Monte Crai Chalet, On Top Chalet, Conacul Törzburg

Beyond Bran Castle

Peleş Castle is a Neo-Renaissance castle located in the Carpathian Mountains with a museum that displays armor, weaponry, furniture, rugs, and sculptures, among other items from Romanian history.

Slanic Prahova Salt Mine

The 17th-century Slanic Salt Mine is 208 meters deep and is renowned for its therapeutic microclimate, a spa for visitors, as well as an underground Salt Cathedral.

Palace of Parliament, Bucharest

The Palace of Parliament in Bucharest is famously the world’s heaviest building. Built during the Communist era, it has over 1,000 lavishly decorated rooms and also houses the National Museum of Contemporary Art.

Frequently Asked Questions about Bran Castle

A. You can book your Bran Castle tickets online. 

A. Yes, you can easily buy Bran Castle tickets online . 

A. The price of your Bran Castle tickets will vary depending on the type of ticket or tour you want. The price for these tickets starts from €13.90. 

A. Children aged 7-11, students above the age of 18 and senior citizens above the age of 65 can enjoy discounted prices on their tickets. Apart from this, you can also avail great offers for reduced prices. 

A. The best way to buy Bran Castle tickets would be to book them online . Not only can you confirm your itinerary in advance to plan your visit, but you can also avail great offers and discounts online. 

A. You can cancel your Bran Castle tickets up to 24 hours before the schedule and get a full refund. 

A. Yes, there are two skip-the-line Bran Castle tickets that provide direct access to the castle without the hassle of waiting in long ticket queues. 

A. Bran Castle is located in Strada General Traian Moșoiu 24, Bran 507025, Romania. Find it on Maps

A. Bran Castle is open from 9 AM to 6 PM from Tuesdays to Sundays and from 12 PM to 6 PM on Mondays. 

A. Bran Castle is usually quite crowded in the summer months (June to August) and the hotel prices may also be quite high. The spring, however, has a slightly chillier temperature and is less crowded with affordable accommodation available. 

A. No, unfortunately, Bran Castle is not wheelchair accessible. The Royal Gardens however are still accessible to wheelchairs. 

About Bran Castle

Bran Castle Day Trips

ROMANIA TOURS

        Experience our Romania tour packages: Designed by local experts for small groups, we provide tailor-made trips and unique Romania vacation packages.

Choose your next adventure

• Small group tours of Romania
• Private tours of Romania
• Private day trips in Romania
• City tours in Romania

Small groups (max. 10)

Tour leaders, expert destination advice, bucharest, cluj, iasi and brasov, most popular tours.

• schedule 25/10/2025

Classic Romania Tour - The Most Iconic Tour of...

• schedule 31/10/2025

Best of Romania in 10 days

• schedule 30/04/2024

Turda Salt Mine, Corvin Castle and Alba Fortress...

Peles & cantacuzino castles: cultural day trip &..., private bucharest communist tour | entree fees..., amazing romania - seven day private tour from..., small group romania tours.

• schedule 19/02/2025

Transylvania Castles tour in 4 days from Bucharest

Private romania holidays, transylvania dracula tour - 8 day trip beyond the..., eight days tour of romania starting from budapest..., six days tour from cluj-napoca - discover..., private romania day trips, day trip to the unesco painted monasteries from..., city tours in romania, cluj-napoca city tour, jewish heritage city tour in iasi, featured articles, is romania safe, romanian mythology - 3 legends you might not have..., vlad the impaler - the ruthless ruler of wallachia, romania travel guide, unlock romania's rich history and awe-inspiring landscapes.