Bran Castle

Bran Castle which includes heritage architecture and château or palace
Bran Castle which includes a castle and heritage architecture
Bran Castle showing interior views, heritage elements and château or palace
Bran Castle which includes a castle and interior views
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 novel and 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 legendary vampire 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 metres) 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 honour 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 kilometres) 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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Things to do near Bran Castle

Bran Castle offers a rich array of activities for visitors, including cultural experiences that delve into local history and folklore. Nearby attractions feature stunning natural landscapes and adventure parks for thrilling outdoor pursuits. Additionally, you can enjoy skiing in winter, relaxing spa treatments for unwinding, and camping to immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of the region. There's something for everyone to enjoy in this enchanting area of Romania.

Shopping

In Bran Castle, you can enjoy local shops for unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Afi Brașov, 24.1km away, offers a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment and dining, while Republicii Bulevard, 22.5km away, presents a mix of shops in a lively urban setting.

Recreation

Silviu Ploiesteanu Stadium, located 24.1km from Bran Castle, offers a vibrant atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Experience invigorating activities amidst the stadium's energetic vibes, perfect for those seeking both recreation and wellness during their visit.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Busteni - Babele cable car, located 14.5km from Bran Castle, offering breathtaking views and outdoor fun. Alternatively, venture to Cheile Râșnoavei campground, situated 12.9km away, where you can enjoy exciting family-friendly activities amidst nature.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Bran Castle by visiting Zao Park, an exciting arcadeAdventureZone located 27.4km away. With its adventure vibes, it's the perfect place to enjoy thrilling games and a lively atmosphere, making your evening unforgettable.

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

Find the best attractions near Bran Castle

Bran Castle and its surroundings offer a delightful mix of historic forts, national parks, and nature reserves, making it a perfect destination for those seeking outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the rich history of the castle while enjoying the scenic beauty of the nearby landscapes, ensuring a memorable visit filled with adventure and heritage.

  • Vama Bran Museum: Located a mere 483m from Bran Castle, Vama Bran Museum offers a captivating exploration of local history and culture. The museum immerses visitors in the rich traditions and heritage of the region, providing a unique cultural experience.
  • Rasnov Fortress: Situated 11.3km away, Rasnov Fortress is a remarkable historic fort that transports you back in time. With its impressive architecture and panoramic views, this fortress showcases the resilience and history of the area, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
  • Piatra Craiului National Park: About 14.5km from Bran Castle, Piatra Craiului National Park is a haven for outdoor adventurers. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery and diverse wildlife, the park offers thrilling hiking trails and the opportunity to experience Romania’s natural beauty.

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 cheaper months of March to April or November, avoiding peak seasons like August and December to January. Book your accommodation around a month in advance, ideally on a Wednesday for the best rates. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals and filter for budget-friendly options, including eco-certified hotels. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities into a package can further reduce costs. Additionally, utilise public transport to navigate the area economically and explore free attractions nearby.

  • 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: Book your hotel around Bran Castle about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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 choose your budget, preferred destination, and various other options. You can arrange your search results to display prices in ascending order, allowing you to identify the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, 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 that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation at Bran Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia