This small Transylvanian town is known for its imposing medieval castle, often associated with the Dracula legend. Visitors can explore local markets and traditional Romanian cuisine.
Bran, a small village in central Romania, sits in the Carpathian Mountains between Transylvania and Wallachia. Its medieval castle perches on a rocky hilltop, drawing visitors from around the world. In Bran, you can explore winding castle corridors, trek through mountain forests, savor hearty Romanian meals, and discover local legends.
Bran Castle
The 14th-century Bran Castle dominates the village skyline from its hilltop position. As you climb the narrow staircases and navigate secret passages, you'll encounter rooms furnished to recreate their 1920s appearance under Queen Marie. The castle's museum displays medieval weapons, furniture, and art pieces, offering insight into the fortress's complex history involving various rulers and nobles.
The Dracula Connection
While Bran Castle has no actual connection to Vlad the Impaler or Bram Stoker's Dracula novel, it markets itself as "Dracula's Castle" to tourists. The village embraces this theme with vampire-themed souvenir shops and the Castle of Horror haunted house. For a less crowded experience, visit during quieter months or explore beyond the immediate castle area.
Hiking and Nature
The mountains surrounding Bran have well-marked hiking trails. In the nearby Bucegi Natural Park and Piatra Craiului National Park, paths wind through forests and alpine meadows. You can take short walks from the village or plan longer treks. During winter, you can ski at the Zănoaga slopes, located 4 km from Bran.
Local Food
Try traditional Romanian dishes at Bran's restaurants. You'll find mămăligă (polenta), sarmale (stuffed cabbage rolls), and mici (grilled meat rolls) on many menus. Casa Thomas restaurant serves wood-fired pizzas. For quick bites, check out the food stalls near the castle entrance, which sell sausages, pastries, and other snacks.
Getting There
You can reach Bran by bus from Brașov's Autogara 2 bus station, with the journey taking about 45 minutes. If you're driving, you'll find Bran 30 km southwest of Brașov on DN73. Some companies offer day trips from Bucharest, though these often allow limited time at each stop.
