For all of you curious to learn more of Dracula but also explore the Transylvanian countryside, we suggest a fun day trip Sibiu – Bran Castle and villages around!

As you might already guess, the Bran Castle also known as “Dracula Castle” is, probably, the most famous attraction in Romania. Obviously, no wonder – there are so many legends, horror stories, films, documentaries and shows connected to it, a sort of Bram Stocker and Hollywood creation.

Well, we don’t mind it, Vlad the Impaler or Dracula was a real character whatsoever, and quite a cruel one! The castle from Bran has a long history which goes back into the 14th century and its architecture is really impressive. Therefore, its location, in a valley, at the bottom of the mountains, its Gothic appearance and its long story have made it a film subject.

But, what’s the real story of the castle, after all? Was it really connected to Vlad the Impaler, the Wallachian Prince or was it actually the residence of a bloody count? We invite you to join us in this fun day trip to the Bran Castle and around and discover together the fascinating story of these places! Shall we meet Dracula? Well, that’s a thing to find out here!

Nonethelss, the region around Bran is absolutely lovely, with beautiful mountain views, remote traditional villages and many citadels or fortified churches. In Zarnesti (at about 30 minutes from Bran) there’s an amazing place – Libearty Sanctuary – the biggest bear sanctuary in Europe. 

Thus, we invite you to tailor your day – pick the places you want to visit and we’ll customize the itinerary together! Let’s have a day to remember!

This is a long but great day!

The main attraction of the day could be the Bran Castle but there are different other places to explore in the area. Thus, it’s pretty difficult for us to choose, so we suggest you to pick the ones you think you’d like the best. Hence, before or after the visit at the castle, we can add another attraction or activity:

• Libearty Bear Sanctuary – the biggest sanctuary in Europe which hosts more than 100 sheltered bears, in their natural habitat together with some wolves and deer. The story of this place is so emotional and touching.
• Hike in Magura Village and Zarnesti Gorges: Magura is a village spread on a mountain peak just between two other important mountain ranges in the Carpathian – Bucegi and Piatra Craiului. Walking through the villages, we’ll enjoy the lovely views, discover the old local architecture and take a glimpse of the local life. It’s an easy, mindful hike which can be adapted to all levels.
• Rasnov Fortress: one of the biggest citadels in Transylvania, Rasnov is so impressive located on the peak of the mountain, it can be noticed far from the distance. Due to its impressive medieval architecture, Rasnov was subject to many historical films and documentaries and, every Augusts, it hosts the most important Historical Film Festival in South-East Europe.
• Brasov: a beautiful former medieval Saxon town with such a rich history and architecture. It’s old town and the Black Church are “must see’ attractions on our list.
• Prejmer and Harman: two lovely fortified churches very well preserved during the centuries. A visit here will help us better understand the history of these places and of the Saxon communities in Transylvania. Prejmer is also UNESCO heritage monument.
• Fagaras Castle: an impressive medieval castle recently restored, with an impressive architecture and several recent exhibitions.
• Brancoveanu Monastery: a beautiful Orthodox monastery with unique architecture inspired by the old Byzantine culture and civilisation.

As we called our tour Sibiu – Bran Castle and Villages –  we can add one or two of these attractions depending on our time and weather conditions.