Exploring Bran Dracula , Brasov, Rasnov and Sinaia 2024
Exploring Bran Dracula , Brasov, Rasnov and Sinaia 2024
Discover Romania’s top sites, including Bran Dracula Castle, Brasov, Rasnov, and Sinaia. These places are ideal for those who enjoy history, adventure, and the great outdoors. Take a look at our travel through Romania and use our guide to help you plan your own vacation! At the intersection of Southeast, Eastern, and Central Europe is the nation of Romania. Bucharest is the nation’s capital and largest city. Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Iași, Constanța, Craiova, Brașov, and Galaţi are a few more significant cities.
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Informations
Temperature: Considering the weather conditions, the best time to do a tour of Romania would be from March to October as the weather is not very cold and the roads are clean and practicable.
Language : The official language is Romanian.
Currency: Romanian Leu (RON) 1$ = 4 RON 1€= 4,9 RON
Food Prices: Meal in a cheap restaurant=6 EUR, Meal for 2 People, Mid-range Restaurant=24 EUR
You can find more information about the visa here.
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, which means that if you click through and make a purchase, I will receive a fee at no extra cost to you. Click here to view our complete affiliate disclosure.
Things to do
We made the decision to travel to our home nation in the summer of 2021. Despite having spent nearly two decades living in Romania, where we were born, we never had the opportunity to take advantage of the amazing sights this nation has to offer. Trust me, Romania boasts a stunning natural setting and much more to offer than just Dracula’s Castle in Bran. While the castle is undoubtedly gorgeous, there are plenty of other must-see tourist destinations. Our hometown of Brasov was the first place we visited during our holiday.
View of the city of Brasov-
Black Church
Brasov in Transylvania is home to the Gothic hall church known as The Black Church. It is among the most significant architectural landmarks in Southeast Europe and Romania. The Black Church is one of the landmarks that define the city’s historical district, along with the Old Town Hall. It was first dedicated as a Catholic Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The Catholic patron saint was abandoned with the Reformation in Transylvania, which was primarily led by the Transylvanian-Saxon people and later city pastor Johannes Honterus of Kronstadt.
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The Council Square
One of the must-see sites in Brasov’s old center is the Council Square (Piața Sfatului). Since 1364, merchants from both domestic and foreign markets have flocked to the Square. In the center of the square originally stood a pillory. It was applied to penalize anyone deemed to be either criminals or witchcraft practitioners. While some were beheaded, others suffered public humiliation. There are homes from the eighteenth century all around the Council Square.
A large number of these houses are now recognized as historical monuments. Constructed in 1420, the Council House (Casa Sfatului) is the most significant structure in the square. The structure is currently home to the Brasov County Museum of History and is situated in the center of Council Square.
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Naturally, we also explored the surrounding areas in addition to the city itself. Our first stop was the excellent city of Rasnov, which you should definitely visit if you’re ever in Brasov. We went to Dino Parc because we wanted to have a wonderful time with the kids. Dino Parc is an excellent place for families as well as for couples who are interested in dinosaurs.
Catherine Gate
One of the most notable Renaissance gate towers within the city walls of Kronstadt is the Catherine Gate. Guarding the Scheiviertel between the blacksmith’s and weaver’s bastions was the responsibility of the city gate. The gate was known as Katharinentor and was situated at the terminus of Katharinenstraße, which itself took its name from the nunnery nearby. The gate tower of today was constructed in 1559 to take the place of an earlier medieval gate structure. In 1689 and 1738, there were earthquakes and fires that severely destroyed the gate.
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Dino Parc Rasnov
Situated close to the Râșnov Citadel on Strada Cetăţii, the park spans 3.5 hectares and serves as both a leisure space and an outdoor museum. The park boasts an amazing trail with one hundred life-size dinosaurs that have been scientifically verified, as well as interactive areas such as children’s playgrounds, treehouses, a 9D and 360° cinema, adventure trails, a laser maze, a soundbox, and unique exhibitions. Additionally, Dino Parc Râșnov successfully recreated the world’s largest flying creature, Hatzegopteryx Thambema, as well as the largest dinosaur ever found, the 45-meter-long enormous Seismosaurus.
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Rasnov Fortress
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This is a picture of me, near the center of Rasnov:
Rasnov Fortress Valley Cave
We’re not sure how long the water took to erode limestone, create galleries, and sculpt some of the most exquisite structures, but we do know that it accomplished a remarkable feat. The cave was not visible until 1949 because it was hidden by the rocks, gravel, and alluvium that fell down the mountain and choked the Rasnov Fortress Valley. It was also frequently flooded by storms that were characteristic of the Devil’s Whirlwind, as the area was popularly known.
Speleology enthusiasts slithered through the small opening, which could only be entered by crawling, to explore the beauties of nature. In 2010, a new direction was taken when the cave was selected with a minimal “beautification” that would not negatively impact the environment, thanks to careful management and significant expenditure.
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Poiana Brasov, which is barely 11 miles from Rasnov, was our next stop. Our recollections from this stunning mountain resort are as follows:
Poiana Brasov
Poiana Brașov features a lake, sports fields, discos, pubs, and restaurants in addition to twelve ski slopes ranging in difficulty. There are opulent hotels, guesthouses, villas, and cottages available for lodging. Poiana also has a post office, a police station, and an ambulance station.
Since ancient times, Poiana has been a popular site for hiking and winter sports. This location was first mentioned in writing in 1427, when it was mentioned in relation to the sheep herding operations that were conducted there. Since 1895, skiers have been climbing Postăvaru, and the first ski competition was held in Poiana in 1906.
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We traveled from Poiana Brasov to Bran in order to see Dracula Castle. I sincerely hope you enjoy it and plan to visit these locations on your upcoming getaway.
Bran Dracula's Castle
In Romania’s Transylvania area, the village of Bran is home to Bran Castle. Though it barely approaches the description of Dracula in Bram Stoker’s novel, the castle is marketed to tourists as Dracula’s Castle. Vlad III Drăculea, the Wallachian prince who served as the novel’s historical inspiration, most likely never entered the castle either.
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We had a great day seeing the city of Sinaia, which is 45 km from Brasov, on our final day in Romania. First, we went to Peleș Castle:
Peles Castle
Upon his first visit to the future castle site in 1866, Romania’s King Carol I (1839–1914), who oversaw the country’s independence, fell in love with the breathtaking mountain landscape. The property was designated as the Sinaia Royal Estate.
Peleș Castle was founded on August 22, 1873, when the King ordered the building of a royal hunting park and summer resort on the land. The royal stables, the Economat Building, the Foișor hunting lodge, the guards’ quarters, and a power plant were among the ancillary structures constructed concurrently with the castle. Peleș became the first castle in history to run entirely on electricity generated locally.
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Pelisor Castle
King Carol I ordered the castle to be constructed between 1899 and 1802 as the home of his nephew and heir, future King Ferdinand (the son of Carol’s brother, Leopold von Hohenzollern), and Queen Marie, Ferdinand’s wife. The entire complex, including Pelișor, a long-standing museum and popular tourist destination, was determined to be the legitimate property of Romania’s King Michael I in 2006.
It was to continue in its existing state as long as the royal family assumed legal custody of it and leased it to the Romanian government. While talks are ongoing for other villas and chateaus, the main Peleș castle is already leased. Pelișor would remain the royal family’s private residence, according to King Michael I of Romania.
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Where to stay
Traditional Food
Sarmale, or cabbage rolls, are regarded as the national food of Romania. For a subtle flavor, a well-balanced blend of rice, minced meat (often pork or pork mixed with beef), additional veggies, and regional herbs is rolled in cabbage leaves or young grape leaves. Mămăligă (Polenta) Mămăligă is produced from corn flour that has been boiled in water with a pinch of salt and a few drops of sunflower oil. It is typically served as a side dish for sarmale or plain with sour cream and Romanian cheese. Soupa de perişoare cu carne de porc Burta Ciorba (Original Tripe Soup) Beef Salad, or Boeuf Salad
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Roasting eggplant and red peppers over a grill is the best way to prepare Zacuscă, a vegetable dip. After removing the burnt skins, other veggies like carrots and maybe mushrooms are mixed in. Fasole cu afumatura, or bean soup with smoky pork Tochitura, or roasted pig stew, is made by slowly cooking sausage, bacon, and pork in lard. Pickles, cheese, polenta, and fried eggs go with it. Mici/Mititei (Grilled Minced Meat Rolls): A variety of grilled minced meats, primarily pork, combined with veal or sheep in different ways.
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Papanasi (Fried or boiled cheese doughnuts)
Cornulete (Crescent Pastries)
Cozonac (Sweet Bread) – a rich, sweet bread, is another Romanian food prepared for holidays and special occasions.
Mucenici (Sweet Dough Rolls)
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Saving Tips
Spend your lunch at establishments that serve “Meniul Zilei,” or the Daily Menu, if you wish to cut costs on your meal. Most major cities in Romania provide a free one- to two-hour guided tour. Romanian trains are the least expensive mode of transportation, but they are also the slowest.
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Bring a bottle of water. If your schedule is flexible, consider using BlaBlaCar, a ridesharing service. Another option is to dine at self-service restaurants, which are less expensive. Plan ahead for your travel and accommodations when visiting Peles Castle or Bran Castle. Simply get the standard ticket; the additional cost for recording video is not justified.
If you choose not to go by car and would like further information on tours, things to see, and things to do, we suggest these two firms. They offer tours for any kind of activity you can think of, and you can purchase trips from them for a lot less money than you would if you were to buy them when you get there. Being able to save some money is always beneficial! The greatest things to do in the area are Viator and Get Your Guide!
Book your tours!
Tours: If you do not go by car and need to know more information about the tours, and things to see, we recommend these companies that are offering tours for any kind of activity you want to do and where you can buy trips much cheaper than if you buy them when you arrive at your destination. It is always good to be able to save some money!
Viator, Get Your Guide, Tiqets, City Sightseeing, Sesame, Sightseeing Pass, Contiki, Riviera Travel, CityPass: the best activities in town!
Shopping
Shopping in Sinaia and Bran is a breeze because there are numerous restaurants, cafés, and little gift shops along the route to the castles.
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Poiana Brasov is similar in that there are little gift, food, and dessert businesses on both sides of the main street. Additionally, you have the option to eat lunch at one of the
Getting Around
Compared to other Western European countries, Romania’s public transportation system is less developed and easier to use for visitors. While trains are widely distributed throughout the nation, they are slow and occasionally break down; there are few highways and most of the country’s roads are one-lane, making them congested and slow; and, especially in smaller towns, don’t expect to find much English spoken at train or bus stations.
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The 450 km between Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca will take about 7h by car or 10h by train takes only 45 minutes by plane – and for a very affordable price (starting from 30 Euro) – That’s why flying is the best way to travel longer distances in Romania.
Book your transport!
- when it comes to buses, Busbud is the best choice.
- when I want to travel by train, I choose Omio.
Rent a car!
Here you can find the best offers to rent the right car for you, as well as parking right in the airport: esky, Explorer, Centauro and intui.travel.
Getting Here
Romania can be reached mostly by train, bus, automobile, or airplane. The quickest route to Romania is by air, as several airlines currently offer direct flights from the United Kingdom. There will be one or more adjustments if you’re flying from North America, Australasia, or South Africa. Train travel from the UK to Romania is a lengthy journey, but if you have a rail pass, you can visit the nation as part of a longer vacation.
Thankfully, Bucharest airport receives a large number of flights from major European cities. Direct flights to Romania are available from all major European cities by TAROM, the national airline of Romania, and numerous smaller businesses. Following Bucharest, the nation’s busiest airport and destination for most foreign flights, the following cities also host international flights: Cluj Napoca, Sibiu, Iasi, Oradea, or Timisoara.
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From 4 hours (Budapest to Oradea or Arad) to roughly 46 hours (London to Bucharest), one can travel by train to Romania from other European countries. Train travel can be a cheap and enjoyable method to incorporate Romania in a European vacation since the majority of train tickets permit many stops along the way. Romanian National Railways (SNCFR) connects numerous European locations with Bucharest. For trains that run overnight and for trips longer than ten hours, there are sleepers available in both first and second class.
The car’s registration, evidence of insurance, the road toll badge (Rovigneta), and a current driver’s license from the driver’s home nation are the documents needed by Romanian Customs. Bucharest and the major cities of Romania are connected to Athens, Berlin, Budapest, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London, Milan, Munich, Paris, Rome, and Vienna via numerous bus lines.
Enterprises like as Eurolines, Flixbus, AtlasSib, Double T, CDI Transport, or Comati facilitate connections between Romania’s principal cities and other European cities.
Book tour Flights!
If you have not found your desired flight, or you simply want more flight options to find the best and cheapest, we will help you with the best flight plans, where you will definitely find what you are looking for. With just one click you will find the cheapest flights to a wonderful destination!
Book your Cruise!
Here you can find the best offers for luxury cruises, or cheap cruise offers. We went on a cruise in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Oman and we can only recommend this unforgettable experience, not just here, but around the world!
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a type of insurance designed to cover the costs and losses associated with traveling. It serves as a safeguard for travelers in case of unexpected events. Here are the main types and key components of travel insurance: Trip Cancellation,Medical Insurance,Baggage Insurance, Travel Delay Insurance, Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation Insurance, Accidental Death , Rental Car Insurance:
Order your Luggage!
Choosing the right travel luggage can make your journey more comfortable and hassle-free. Here are the best offers to help you select the best travel luggage for your needs:
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