Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle, is probably Romania’s most popular attraction. Today, I will share everything you need to know to plan a perfect visit, including a surprising reality you probably don’t know (trust me – it will shock you!).
Many people associate Bran Castle with Dracula (I’ve talked a bit more about Dracula in this article) and vampires. The entire story was, as you will see, created by Bran Stoker but, unfortunately, has very few truths in it.
But Romanians gladly embraced the legend and started to market Bran Castle as Dracula’s castle – although it’s all, to put it bluntly, a big lie. But at least it’s harmless and we’ll learn everything about it today. Let’s start!
How to Get to Bran Castle
We’ll start with the most important thing first: getting to Bran Castle in the heart of Transylvania.
The castle is located in the small Bran village, which is just a stone’s throw away from Brasov. Its proximity to this important Romanian city makes it very easy to reach (as long as you can get to Brasov first).
Here are some of the main options that you have when it comes to getting to Bran Castle:
- day trip from Bucharest, including Peles Castle & Brasov’s Old Town
- day trip from Brasov, including Peles and Cantacuzino Castle
- By bus from Brasov: from Bus Station Nr 2 (45-minute ride, ~2 Euros per ride)
- By taxi from Brasov: ~35 minutes, ~35 Euros per ride
- By train: get to Brasov by train, then one of the methods above
Bran Castle and Bram Stoker’s Dracula
Bram Stoker’s popular novel Dracula holds a significant connection to the history of Bran Castle.
In the novel, Count Dracula, the bloodthirsty vampire, lives in a castle that looks very much like Bran Castle.
As a result, people started to assume that the real person that served as inspiration for Dracula – the cruel Vlad the Impaler – lived here.
But unfortunately, that is not true at all. Vlad the Impaler was the ruler of Wallachia, while Bran Castle can be found in Transylvania, close to Brasov.
And while Vlad did spend a bit of time in Brasov (he was born in Sighisoara), there is no evidence that he ever set foot in Bran Castle and he definitely did not live there.
The reality doesn’t seem to matter too much today, when Bran is known as Dracula’s Castle and, truth be told, it’s really fun to visit.
The castle itself is impressive, there are plenty of legends surrounding it and it is, in the end, one of Romania’s most impressive castles.
Even more, despite the fact that Dracula never set foot in Bran Castle, its imposing architecture and remote, eerie location do look like they’re taken straight from the pages of the Gothic tale.
Therefore, it remains an important artifact for fans of gothic literature and vampire lore, and a must visit place while in Romania.
Important Tip: If you can be picky, make sure to visit Bran Castle during special events or themed tours that highlight its connection to Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Coming here during the winter or during the Halloween time is definitely a good idea for an added splash of vampire sprinkle.
Book a guided tour of Bran Castle here
Visiting Bran Castle: It’s IMPRESSIVE!
While many of the vampire & Dracula-related touches in Bran Castle have been added after the rise to fame of Stoker’s novel, there were plenty of amazing things that this castle had to offer before – and it still does today.
When visiting Bran Castle, you can expect to discover plenty of secret rooms, winding staircases and weapons from the medieval times and interesting legends not related to Dracula.
From medieval swords and armor to antique firearms, as well as furniture pieces from the past, expect to travel back in time when visiting this place.
There’s also a Torture Chamber that is, in my opinion, a must visit. You must pay extra to be allowed to enter, but it’s a must see.
Another must see attraction (again, something you have to pay extra for) is the Tunnel of Time. This is a more recent project offering a unique multimedia experience blending history and the future in what was once a secret passage of the castle.
You can check out this short video below, telling you a bit more about the Tunnel of Time at Bran Castle:
Bran Castle: The Mystery of the Old Water Well
One of the most interesting legends and stories that this castle has to tell is related to the old water well.
Constructed centuries ago, it is said to have been built as an escape route for those inside during times of siege.
Some claim that, at its bottom, you can find various hidden treasures and artifacts, while others believe that it’s a hidden passage to equally hidden rooms.
All in all, it’s a nice story worth listening to and you can do so by taking my recommended guided tour to Bran Castle – or by exploring the place yourself.
Queen Marie of Romania & Princess Ileana
While Vlad the Impaler aka Dracula was never part of the real history of Bran Castle, one important royalty figure from Romania’s history was.
Queen Marie played a significant role in transforming Bran Castle into a royal residence during her reign as Queen Consort of Romania and much of what the castle is today can be attributed to her.
Under her guidance and supervision, the castle received modern amenities such as electricity and heating systems – after all, royals need comfort! – but also updates in style and architecture.
Queen Marie managed to combine elements of Gothic, Renaissance, and Art Nouveau styles to create a unique aesthetic for Bran Castle – all of which can be seen today.
It’s basically like this: her husband, king Ferdinand I had Peles Castle to “play with,” while Queen Marie had Bran. And she did an amazing job with it!
I am saying that because, in addition to the architectural transformation, Queen Marie also brought in an extensive collection of art pieces. This collection included paintings, sculptures, and historical relics that added depth and character to each room.
The Queen definitely had an attention to detail – one that can still be seen today in every corner of the castle, from the intricately carved wooden furniture to the exquisite tapestries adorning its walls.
Her daughter, Princess Ileana, added another layer to the castle’s history during World War II, when she ran a hospital inside the castle to treat wounded soldiers.
However, when the communist regime came to power, the castle was ignored and left to decay. Fortunately, it was returned to the royal heirs in the 2000s, brought back to its initial royal glory, and is now perfectly preserved and one of Romania’s top attractions.
Bran Castle: Schedule, Tickets & Entrance Fees
The castle can be visited all year long, with a shorter schedule during the winter months. Usually, visiting hours start at 9 AM (Mondays starting at 12:00), until 6PM to 7:30 PM (depending on the month).
There are various tickets available, with discounts offered to students and seniors, with children under the age of 5 being allowed to visit for free, but the main prices for visiting Bran Castle are:
- Adult: 90 lei (17 Euros)
- 150 lei (~30 Euros) for visiting the Torture Chambers and the Tunnel of Time.
I recommend booking all of these for a complete experience at Bran Castle.
Note: Make sure to double check the prices at the official website.
Getting Souvenirs & Local Flavors
Before you leave, you should spend some time in the bazaar located at the base of the hill. It is the perfect spot to buy souvenirs, ranging from standard vampire kitsch to beautiful traditional Romanian clothing (all of them a bit overpriced, though).
You can also pick up local delicacies, too. I highly recommend trying the local cheese, specifically brânză de burduf, which is traditionally aged in tree bark and has an interesting flavor.
Conclusion
Even though you know now that it’s all a lie and Bran Castle was never, in reality, the home of Vlad the Impaler aka Dracula, it’s still an amazing castle that you should definitely visit during your trip to Romania.
And, yes, still take in all that vampire lore and enjoy the legends – because most legends are anyway untrue.
From military fortification to royal residence, the castle has undergone various transformations throughout its history, resulting in the great attraction you can see today.
And if you’re interesting in some relaxing after visiting this castle, I wholeheartedly recommend Therme Bucharest, the absolute best spa in Romania.
I am a journalist and local expert who has been documenting life in Romania since 2013. Based in Constanta (after living in Bucharest and Drobeta Turnu Severin), I provide up-to-date, on-the-ground advice for expats and travelers. My articles are based on real life experiences and plenty of research – from paying Romanian bills to exploring the wild “Rawmania” countryside.