Exploring Bran Dracula , Brasov, Rasnov and Sinaia 2023
Exploring Bran Dracula , Brasov, Rasnov and Sinaia 2023
Explore the best attractions of Romania : Bran Dracula Castle, Brasov, Rasnov and Sinaia, that are the best destinations if you love history adventure and mountains. Read about our adventure in romania and plan your trip with the help of our guide!
Romania is a country located at the crossroads of Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe. Its capital and largest city is Bucharest. Other major urban areas include Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, Iași, Constanța, Craiova, Brașov, and Galați.
Table of Contents
Romania Map
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.
Things to do
In the summer of 2021, we decided to visit our native country. Although we were born in Romania and lived there for almost 20 years, we had never had time to visit the wonderful attractions of this country. Believe me, Romania is a country with a beautiful nature that has much more to offer than Dracula’s Castle in Bran, which is also beautiful, but there are many other tourist attractions that should not be missed.
We started our vacation with a visit to Brasov, our hometown.
View of the city of Brasov-
Black Church
The Black Church is a Gothic hall church in the Transylvanian city of Brasov. It is one of the most important architectural monuments in Romania and Southeast Europe. Together with the Old Town Hall, the Black Church characterizes the historical center of the city as a landmark. Originally it was consecrated as a Catholic Church of the Holy Virgin Mary. With the Reformation in Transylvania, which was largely determined on the part of the Transylvanian-Saxon population by the reformer and later Kronstadt city pastor Johannes Honterus, the Catholic patron saint was abandoned.
The Council Square
The Council Square (Piața Sfatului) is a must-see location in the historical center of Brasov. The Square has been used as a marketplace since 1364, being visited by merchants from the country and abroad. A pillory once stood in the middle of the square. It was used for punishing those who were thought to be criminals or practitioners of witchcraft. Some were publicly humiliated, while others were beheaded. The Council Square is surrounded by houses that date to the 18th century.
Many of these homes have been declared historical monuments. The most important building in the square is the Council House (Casa Sfatului), which was built in 1420. Located in the middle of Council Square, the building is now the Brasov County Museum of History.
Of course, apart from the city itself, we visited the surroundings and we started with the city of Rasnov which is not to be missed, if you pass through Brasov.
We wanted to have a beautiful experience with the children, so we visited Dino Parc, which is great for those with families, but also for couples who like dinosaurs and are interested in them.
Catherine Gate
The Catherine Gate is a prominent Renaissance gate tower of the Kronstadt city fortifications. The task of the city gate was to guard the Scheiviertel between the weaver’s bastion and the blacksmith’s bastion. Located at the end of Katharinenstraße, which in turn got its name from the nunnery there, the gate was called Katharinentor. Today’s gate tower was built in 1559 and replaced a previous medieval gate building. The gate was badly damaged by earthquakes and fires in 1689 and 1738.
Dino Parc Rasnov
Located on Strada Cetății, near the Râșnov Citadel, the park has a total area of 3.5 hectares and is a recreational area and an open-air museum. In addition to an impressive trail with 100 scientifically certified life-size dinosaurs, the park features children’s playgrounds, treehouses, a 9D cinema and a 360° cinema, adventure trails, laser maze, soundbox, unique exhibitions and many other interactive areas. Also, Dino Parc Râșnov reproduced for the first time the largest flying animal in the world, Hatzegopteryx Thambema and the largest dinosaur ever discovered in the world, Seismosaurus, the 45-meter-long giant.
Rasnov Fortress
Râşnov Fortress , is located on a rocky hilltop in the Carpathian Mountains, 650 ft. above the town of Râşnov. First mentioned in an official document in 1331, the fortress was built by Teutonic Knights as protection against invading Tartars and was later enlarged by the local Saxon population. Strategically located on the commercial route linking the provinces of Transylvania and Walachia, Râşnov differs from other Saxon fortresses in that it was designed as a place of refuge over extended periods of time. As such, it had at least 30 houses, a school, a chapel and other buildings more commonly associated with a village. The defensive system included nine towers, two bastions and a drawbridge.
This is a picture of me, near the center of Rasnov:
Rasnov Fortress Valley Cave
We don’t know how long it took the water to dig into the rock, build galleries and shape some of the most beautiful formations with limestone, but we know it did a wonderful thing. Hidden by the boulders, gravel and alluvium that slid down the mountain and clogged the Rasnov Fortress Valley, flooded by the frequent storms characteristic of the Devil’s Whirlwind (the popular name of the area), the cave was not visible until 1949.
Although the entrance was only made by crawling, speleology enthusiasts crept through the narrow entrance to discover the wonders created by nature. Things took a new turn in 2010, when through proper administration and considerable investment, the cave was chosen with a mild “beautification” that would not influence the environment.
Our next destination was Poiana Brasov which is only 11 km from Rasnov. These are our memories from this beautiful mountain resort:
Poiana Brasov
Poiana Brașov has 12 ski slopes with different degrees of difficulty, sports fields, a lake, discos, bars and restaurants. Accommodation is provided in luxury hotels, guesthouses, villas or cottages. There is also an ambulance station and a police station as well as a post office in Poiana.
Poiana has been a destination for hiking and winter sports since ancient times. The first documentary mention of this place dates from 1427, in the context of the sheep herding activities that took place here. Skiers have climbed Postăvaru since 1895, and in 1906 the first ski competition took place in Poiana.
We left Poiana Brasov for the city of Bran, to visit Dracula Castle. I hope you like it and make you visit these places in your next vacation.
Bran Dracula's Castle
Bran Castle is located in the village of Bran in the Transylvania region of Romania. The castle is presented to tourists as Dracula’s Castle, although it only remotely resembles its description in Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula. The historical model of the novel character, the Wallachian prince Vlad III. Drăculea probably never entered the castle either.
On our last day in Romania we decided to visit the city of Sinaia, which is 45 km from Brasov and we had a wonderful day. We visited Peleș Castle first:
Peles Castle
When King Carol I of Romania (1839–1914), under whose reign the country gained its independence, first visited the site of the future castle in 1866, he fell in love with the magnificent mountain scenery. The estate was named the Royal Estate of Sinaia.
The King commissioned the construction of a royal hunting preserve and summer retreat on the property, and the foundation was laid for Peleș Castle on 22 August 1873. Several auxiliary buildings were built simultaneously with the castle: the guards’ chambers, the Economat Building, the Foișor hunting lodge, the royal stables, and a power plant. Peleș became the world’s first castle fully powered by locally produced electricity.
Pelisor Castle
The castle was built in 1899–1902 by order of King Carol I, as the residence for his nephew and heir, the future King Ferdinand (son of Carol’s brother Leopold von Hohenzollern) and Ferdinand’s consort Queen Marie. In 2006, it was decided that the entire complex, including Pelișor, long a museum and tourist site, is the legal property of the King Michael I of Romania.
The royal family was to assume legal possession of it and lease it to the Romanian state, so that it will remain in its current status. The main castle of Peleș is already under lease, but negotiations for other villas and chateaus are on going. King Michael I of Romania maintained that Pelișor would remain a private residence for the royal family.
Where to stay
A good night’s sleep is particularly important when you are travelling. Romania offers its guests a host of luxurious, charming and also out-of-the-ordinary accommodation.
Whether in the heart of the city, near the lake or surrounded by nature – Romania’s hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses guarantee a relaxing and invigorating stay.
We managed to find the best three companies that offer hotels, holiday homes and transportation. These are: Booking.com, Trip.com and Vrbo. We have already tested these companies and we warmly recommend them. As a result this will just bring you good deals for your next vacation.
Top hotels we recommend in Rasnov: Casa Geta ,AristoCat Hotels Rasnov, Pensiunea Cetatea Craiului.
Top hotels we recommend in Brasov: Safrano Palace , Vila Alba Brasov , Hotel Gott .
Top hotels we recommend in Poiana Brasov: Alpin Resort Hotel , Aurelius Imparatul Romanilor , Pension Pantheon .
Traditional Food
Sarmale (Cabbage Rolls) – Considered to be Romania’s national dish. A balanced mixture of rice and minced meat (usually pork or pork combined with beef) and other vegetables and local herbs is rolled in cabbage leaves or young grape leaves for a delicate flavor.
Mămăligă (Polenta) Usually a side dish for sarmale or served plain with sour cream and Romanian cheese, mămăligă is made from corn flour boiled in water with a pinch of salt and a few drops of sunflower oil.
Ciorbă de perişoare – Meatball Soup
Ciorba de Burta (Traditional Tripe Soup)
Salata Boeuf (Boeuf salad)
Zacuscă – Vegetable Dip – Red peppers and eggplant should be roasted on a BBQ. The charred skins are removed and then blended with other vegetables, like carrots, perhaps mushrooms.
Ciorba de fasole cu afumatura (Beans soup with somoked pork)
Tochitura (roasted pork stew) – A roasted pork stew, bacon, and sausage, cooked slowly in lard. It is accompanied by polenta, fried eggs, cheese, and pickles.
Mici/Mititei (Grilled Minced Meat Rolls) – A mixture of grilled minced meat, mostly pork, in various combinations with sheep or veal.
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)
Saving Tips
- If you want to save money on food, have your lunch at restaurants that serve ‘Meniul Zilei’ – the Daily Menu.
- In Romania, most major cities offer a Free Guided Tour of 1-2 hours
- The trains in Romania are slow, but they are the cheapest way to get around.
- Bring a water bottle
- If you’re flexible in your schedule, use the ridesharing service BlaBlaCar
- You can also chose to eat at self service restaurants, is cheaper
- Book your hotels and flights in advance
- when you visit Bran Castle or Peles Castle just buy the normal ticket – the extra price for taking videos is not worth it
If you do not go by car and need to know more informations about the tours, things to see and do, we recommend this two 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!
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Shopping
Shopping in Sinaia and Bran is very easy because on the way to the castles you will find small gift shops, chlotes shops restaurants and cafés.
The same is in Poiana Brasov : On the main street, on both sides you will see small gift shops, food and dessert shops. As well you can chose to have lunch in one of the
Getting Around
Public transport infrastructure in Romania is not as developed or easy to navigate for non-locals as in other Western European countries: though trains criss-cross the country, they’re slow and sometimes break down there are few highways and most roads are one-lane which makes them very crowded and slow and don’t expect too much English in train or bus stations, especially in smaller towns.
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.
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Getting Here
There are three main ways to reach Romania: by train, by bus, by car and by plane.
Flying is the easiest way to reach Romania, with several airlines now operating direct from the UK. Flying from North America, Australasia or South Africa will entail one or more changes. Travelling to Romania from the UK by train is a long haul, though with a rail pass you can take in the country as part of a wider trip.
Fortunately, there are many flights which land at Bucharest airport, from the most important cities in Europe. TAROM, Romanian national company as well as many other companies offers direct flights to Romania from all major European cities.
After Bucharest, which is the largest airport in the country with the highest number of external flights, there are also some other cities that operate international flights : Cluj Napoca, Sibiu, Iasi, Oradea or Timisoara.
Traveling by train from other European countries to Romania takes from 4 hours (Budapest to Oradea or Arad) to about 46 hours (London to Bucharest). Most train tickets allow several stopovers en route so train travel can be an affordable and relaxing way to include Romania in a European trip. Romanian National Railways (SNCFR) operate service from Bucharest to many European cities. First and second-class sleepers are available for journeys longer than 10 hours and for overnight trains.
Documents required by Romanian Customs are the vehicle’s registration, proof of insurance, the road toll badge (Rovigneta) and a valid driver’s license from the driver’s home country. There are many bus routes that connect Bucharest and Romania’s main cities with Athens, Berlin, Budapest, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London, Milan, Munich, Paris, Rome, and Vienna.
Companies like Eurolines, Flixbus, AtlasSib, Double T, CDI Transport or Comati link the most important cities of Romania with the rest of Europe.
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