Bran Castle

Bran Castle featuring a castle and heritage architecture
Bran Castle which includes heritage architecture and a castle
Bran Castle which includes interior views, heritage elements and château or palace
Bran Castle which includes interior views and a castle
Photo provided by Image Courtesy of RomaniaTourism.com


Discover the mysteries of one of Romania’s top attractions, a 14th-century fortification nicknamed Dracula’s Castle.

Bran Castle is best known for its association with the famous Dracula noveland its real-life inspiration, Vlad Tepes, who was also known as Vlad the Impaler. The castle’s whitewashed turrets resemble those described by Bram Stoker in his legendaryvampire novel. Explore the castle's winding interior passageways and chambers and admire its collection of 14th-century art and artifacts.

The castle was built in 1382 to defend Bran Pass against the Ottomans. Although Vlad Tepes, history’s real-life Dracula, never actually lived in the castle, he was briefly held captive here by the Hungarians in the 15th century. Note the castle’s dramatic profile, standing 200 feet (60 meters) tall and backed by imposing mountains. It’s easy to imagine why this structure is believed to have been the model for the castle described in Stoker’s iconic novel.

Check out the quirky Romanian market along the pathway leading to the castle, where you can purchase all kinds of Dracula-related souvenirs and knickknacks. Buy a ticket to access the five floors of the castle and its grounds. Wander around the castle at your own pace or join one of the English-language guided tours.

In the early 20th century, the castle became a summer residence of Queen Marie, granddaughter of England’s Queen Victoria. You can see most of the furnishings imported from Western Europe by Queen Marie on display today. Walk around the castle’s 60 rooms, many of which are connected by interesting underground passages. See historic furniture, weapons and artwork dating between the 14th and 19th centuries.

Enjoy wonderful panoramic views from the castle’s windows, balconies and battlements. Find the small chapel on the southern side of the castle, built in 1940 to honor the queen’s death. On the north side of the chapel wall is a memorial tomb containing the queen’s heart.

Bran Castle is located in the town of Bran, less than 19 miles (30 kilometers) from Braşov. Regular bus services connect Bran and Braşov. The castle is open daily, with opening hours varying by the season. An admission fee is required. Don’t miss this iconic Romanian attraction.

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Casa Din Bran-Inn Cuisine

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Conacul Törzburg

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Conacul Bratescu

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Things to do near Bran Castle

Explore the exhilarating activities near Bran Castle, including skiing and camping for outdoor enthusiasts. For an adrenaline rush, consider visiting the adventure park, which offers a variety of thrilling experiences. Unwind at local spas after a day filled with adventure, ensuring a perfect blend of excitement and relaxation during your visit to this enchanting region of Romania.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience close to Bran Castle, explore local shops for unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Afi Brașov, located 24.1km away, offers a vibrant atmosphere, while Republicii Bulevard, 22.5km away, also features a family-friendly shopping vibe.

Recreation

At Silviu Ploiesteanu Stadium, merely 24.1km from Bran Castle, immerse yourself in an energetic atmosphere with various sports activities. Enjoy a range of fitness options and wellness programmes, all while soaking in the vibrant spirit of this popular sporting venue.

Adventure

Experience the thrilling cable car ride at Busteni - Babele, located 14.5km from Bran Castle, offering stunning views and outdoor family vibes. Alternatively, explore Cheile Râșnoavei campground, 12.9km away, perfect for adventure seekers and families alike, surrounded by nature's beauty.

Nightlife

Experience the thrill at Zao Park, an arcade AdventureZone located 27.4km from Bran Castle. Immerse yourself in adventure vibes while enjoying a variety of games and activities that promise a lively atmosphere for an unforgettable night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Bran Castle

Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or adventure seeker, Bran Castle and its surroundings offer a wealth of attractions. Explore the historic fort, wander through the national park, or discover the local reserves. The diverse points of interest cater to all types of travellers, ensuring a memorable experience that blends outdoor activities with rich cultural encounters.

  • Vama Bran Museum: Located a mere 483m from Bran Castle, this museum offers a captivating journey through local history and culture. Its exhibits reflect the rich heritage of the region, providing an insightful glimpse into the lives of its inhabitants.
  • Rasnov Fortress: Situated 11.3km away, this impressive historic fortress boasts stunning views and a fascinating backstory. Explore its ancient walls and learn about its strategic significance, immersing yourself in the rich culture of the area.
  • Piatra Craiului National Park: Just 14.5km from Bran Castle, this national park is a haven for adventurers and nature lovers. Experience breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and outdoor activities like hiking, making it a perfect escape into nature.

Best time to go to Bran Castle

The best time to visit Bran Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Bran Castle falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Bran Castle falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January24.1°F (-4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
February27.1°F (-2.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March33.6°F (0.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
May52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July63.0°F (17.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October44.8°F (7.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November37.4°F (3.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December28.0°F (-2.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Bran Castle

To save on your visit to Bran Castle, consider travelling during the off-peak months of March to April or November, when accommodation is more affordable. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can yield better rates, and Wednesday typically offers the lowest prices. Use Expedia to compare prices and take advantage of package deals that combine flights and activities for extra savings. Look out for last-minute deals and filter for Eco-certified hotels for sustainable options. Walking is an excellent way to explore the area without spending on transport.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Bran Castle are March to April and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Bran Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Bran Castle is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Bran Castle is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional criteria. You can arrange the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring that you see the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at Bran Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia