My Romanian Trip » Destinations » Bran Castle: Why is it the most visited Romanian landmark?

Bran Castle: Why is it the most visited Romanian landmark?

Bran Castle in a cloudy day

Bran Castle is a medieval hilltop castle in the commune of Bran, in Brasov County. It is the most visited landmark in Romania, receiving around 5,000 tourists daily. Its fame has spread beyond the country’s borders, attracting many international visitors eager to see “The House of Dracula.” But is it worth visiting? That depends on your expectations. 

Why is Bran Castle so famous? 

Bran Castle is famous primarily due to its association with Count Dracula, the fictional character created by Bram Stoker. Stoker based his vampire on Vlad the Impaler, a notorious 15th-century Wallachian voivode known for his brutal methods of punishment, especially impaling enemies. To make things clear, Vlad the Impaler was a ruler in Wallachia and the castle is in Transylvania (different historical regions), which has never been under his rule. There is no proof that Vlad ever put his foot in this castle. 

Stoker set the story in Transylvania and, as there is a resemblance between Bran and Count Dracula’s castle depicted in the novel, they are now considered the same. The myth caught on and people now gather to see the legendary home of the Count. 

Beyond the Dracula legend wrapped around it, Bran Castle is worth visiting for its beauty and location in the scenic Carpathian Mountains. 

What to expect from your visit? 

The fortress is now a museum dedicated to its last residents, the Romanian royal family, particularly Queen Marie. You’ll find 19th-century art pieces and furniture that belonged to them, along with informational panels detailing the castle’s history since its construction in the 14th century. 

Dracula is indeed present at Bran Castle, though perhaps not to the extent some tourists might expect. There are rooms dedicated to vampire folklore and Bram Stoker’s novel, offering nods to the infamous character. I find this aspect less appealing. It feels as though the owners have succumbed to pressure to meet tourists’ expectations, which can make the experience seem forced. Even the guides sometimes stray from historical facts into stories about Dracula. 

If you expect to see a full “Dracula Castle,” you might be disappointed. The idea of Bran as Dracula’s castle might be the most accepted lie in Romanian tourism. Despite this, you must fall for this tourist trap, as the castle is lovely, and you will certainly learn something from your visit. 

The castle itself, though relatively small, is well-maintained and has a homely atmosphere. The chambers and rooms are quite tight, leading to congestion, especially in popular areas where many visitors want to take photos. This can result in waiting to enter rooms with significant artefacts, which can be challenging for those looking to take shots. 

The castle has many steep and narrow stairs, making it inaccessible for individuals with mobility issues. Because of this, sporty and comfortable clothes are recommended for the visit. You might also need a jacket on you, as the temperature inside can be lower than expected. 

Mountain and town view from the Bran Castle balcony
Mountain view from Bran’s balcony

When to visit Bran Castle? 

Visit the fortress as early as possible to avoid the crowds! Around noon, the castle gets packed with tourists and long entry lines. Weekends are especially busy with more people wanting to see “Dracula’s Castle.” 

Bran Castle is not open for night visits except during a few private events. The schedule varies with the seasons: shorter hours in winter (closing at 16:00) and longer in summer (closing at 18:00). The closing hour is the last admission time when the office stops selling tickets. A tour typically takes about an hour, and you might spend around half an hour in line to buy tickets. 

April 1st – September 30th   October 1st – March 31st   
Monday: 12 PM – 6 PM  Monday: 12 PM – 4 PM   
Tuesday to Sunday: 9 AM – 6 PM  Tuesday to Sunday: 9 AM – 4 PM 

How to buy tickets for Bran Castle?   

The price for a standard tour for an adult is 70 lei (around 14 €). Discounts are available for older people, students, and children with valid documents proving their age or student status. 

In addition to the standard tour, there are two extra activities available for an additional fee: the Torture Chambers and the Time Tunnel.  

  • Adults 70 lei ~14 €   
  • People 65+ 50 lei ~10 €   
  • Students 40 lei ~8 €   
  • Children 20 lei ~4 €   
  • Torture Chambers 20 lei ~4 €   
  • Time Tunnel 30 lei ~6 €  

Purchase the tickets from the booth at the castle entrance or on the official website.  

The website is in Romanian and can be complicated to navigate. To buy tickets for the Torture Chambers or Time Tunnel online, go to “Optiuni” (Options) and select your preferred activity. The price will be adjusted accordingly. Add the ticket to your cart by clicking the cart icon. Click “Următorul” (Next) to proceed. 

Online tickets are valid until the end of the year but cannot be exchanged or refunded, so purchase them only if you are certain you will visit. Buying online is recommended to avoid potentially long lines at the entrance. 

You can also find group or private tours to Bran Castle on various websites, which include the cost of the ticket, transportation from your accommodation, and a guide. 

What to do around Bran?  

The Bran Castle tour takes one to two hours, including time spent in line. Here are some suggestions for things to do for the rest of the day. I don’t recommend visiting both Bran and Peles Castles on the same day, as it might feel too rushed. 

Bran Royal Park  

The castle tour ends at the fountain in the interior court, where many people stop to rest on the benches. If you want to relax after the Dracula stories, take a walk in the Royal Park, right next to the castle on the same property. 

Bran Village Museum 

Right next to the castle on the left side, is a nice open-air museum many people don’t know about. The museum presents a few traditional houses in the architectural style of the Bran–Moeciu region. It’s a great place to take a walk and also learn about Romanian peasants’ lifestyle in the old times. At the museum entrance, there is a small market where you can buy local products like cheese, honey, or wool clothing. 

Houses in Bran Village Museum in a suny day
Traditional houses in Bran Village Museum

The Castle of Horror 

Finally, a place where you can meet vampires! This is a horror house where you can meet Dracula, but also Frankenstein or other monsters. The experience will satisfy the ones who come to Bran for spooky stories. It’s a short visit of 10-15 minutes, but it will give you a few good jumps. It’s also near the Bran Castle, right on the crowded alley to the castle. Kids usually love the place. 

Extended stay activities  

If you’re spending more days in the area, make sure to visit Sinaia Castle and Rasnov Citadel. 

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