Transylvania – castles and vampires: Sinaia, Brașov and Bran

Beyond the Carpathians lies Transylvania – a land of forested mountains, Saxon towns with fortified churches and, of course, the legend of Count Dracula. Just a day’s drive from Bulgaria, you’ll find one of Europe’s most beautiful royal palaces, one of its best-preserved medieval towns and the castle that became the symbol of the vampire legend.

Sinaia – “the Pearl of the Carpathians”

• Peleș Castle – King Carol I’s summer residence, completed in 1883. A neo-Renaissance palace with woodcarving, stained glass, an arms collection and one of Europe’s first electric lighting systems. One of the most beautiful palaces on the continent.
• Pelișor – the smaller Art Nouveau castle of King Ferdinand and Queen Marie.
• Sinaia Monastery – founded by Prince Mihai Cantacuzino in the 17th century.
• George Enescu Memorial House – home of the composer of the Romanian Rhapsodies.

Brașov

Brașov is a medieval Saxon town at the foot of Mount Tâmpa.

• The Black Church – a Gothic church, the largest in south-eastern Europe, named after a fire in 1689.
• Council Square (Piața Sfatului) – with the Old Town Hall and colourful houses.
• Strada Sforii (Rope Street) – one of the narrowest streets in Europe.
• St Nicholas Church in the Șchei district – a Romanian Orthodox church next to the first Romanian school.
• Tâmpa Hill – hike or take the cable car up to the “Brașov” sign for a view over the whole town.

The ski resort of Poiana Brașov is nearby.

Bran Castle

About 30 km from Brașov, on a rock above the pass, stands Bran Castle. Legend links it to Vlad the Impaler and Bram Stoker’s Dracula. In truth the historical connection is thin, but the atmosphere is perfect – narrow stairs, secret passages and views of the Carpathians. It was later home to Queen Marie. There’s a souvenir market around it, and Halloween celebrations in October.

Nearby is Râșnov Fortress, a peasant citadel on a hill with a wonderful view.

Three-day itinerary

1. Sofia – Ruse – Bucharest – Prahova Valley – Sinaia. Peleș and Pelișor in the afternoon (about 8–9 hours on the road with stops). Overnight in Sinaia or Poiana Brașov.
2. Brașov in the morning – the Black Church, the square, Strada Sforii and Tâmpa. Bran and Râșnov in the afternoon.
3. Back to Sofia via Bucharest.

Practical tips

• Peleș is closed on Mondays (and sometimes Tuesdays). Check ahead.
• Romania requires an electronic road vignette.
• The Prahova Valley road is busy on Fridays and Sundays.
• There are bears in the forests around Brașov – don’t leave food out, and follow local guidance.