Bran Castle Tours

Bran Castle showing a castle and heritage architecture
Bran Castle which includes a castle and heritage architecture
Bran Castle showing interior views, heritage elements and a castle
Bran Castle which includes interior views and chateau or palace
Photo provided by Image Courtesy of RomaniaTourism.com


Discover the mysteries of one of Romania’s top attractions, a 14th-century fortification nicknamed Dracula’s Castle.

Bran Castle is best known for its association with the famous Dracula noveland its real-life inspiration, Vlad Tepes, who was also known as Vlad the Impaler. The castle’s whitewashed turrets resemble those described by Bram Stoker in his legendaryvampire novel. Explore the castle's winding interior passageways and chambers and admire its collection of 14th-century art and artifacts.

The castle was built in 1382 to defend Bran Pass against the Ottomans. Although Vlad Tepes, history’s real-life Dracula, never actually lived in the castle, he was briefly held captive here by the Hungarians in the 15th century. Note the castle’s dramatic profile, standing 200 feet (60 meters) tall and backed by imposing mountains. It’s easy to imagine why this structure is believed to have been the model for the castle described in Stoker’s iconic novel.

Check out the quirky Romanian market along the pathway leading to the castle, where you can purchase all kinds of Dracula-related souvenirs and knickknacks. Buy a ticket to access the five floors of the castle and its grounds. Wander around the castle at your own pace or join one of the English-language guided tours.

In the early 20th century, the castle became a summer residence of Queen Marie, granddaughter of England’s Queen Victoria. You can see most of the furnishings imported from Western Europe by Queen Marie on display today. Walk around the castle’s 60 rooms, many of which are connected by interesting underground passages. See historic furniture, weapons and artwork dating between the 14th and 19th centuries.

Enjoy wonderful panoramic views from the castle’s windows, balconies and battlements. Find the small chapel on the southern side of the castle, built in 1940 to honor the queen’s death. On the north side of the chapel wall is a memorial tomb containing the queen’s heart.

Bran Castle is located in the town of Bran, less than 19 miles (30 kilometers) from Braşov. Regular bus services connect Bran and Braşov. The castle is open daily, with opening hours varying by the season. An admission fee is required. Don’t miss this iconic Romanian attraction.

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Carol Park View
Stil Old Town Boutique Hotel
Metropole Apartments Ateneum Residence

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Best Lodging Options Near Bran Castle

Casa Din Bran-Inn Cuisine

Casa Din Bran-Inn Cuisine

2.5 out of 5
Strada General Traian Mosoiu Nr. 19, Bran, Brasov
Casa Din Bran-Inn Cuisine
Conacul Bratescu

Conacul Bratescu

4 out of 5
Str Festung nr 8B, Bran
Conacul Bratescu
Conacul Törzburg

Conacul Törzburg

4 out of 5
Sextil Puscariu nr.3, Bran, Brasov
Conacul Törzburg
Cozy house, 5 minutes away from Bran Castle,
 the price is per room, per night.

Cozy house, 5 minutes away from Bran Castle, the price is per room, per night.

Bran
Cozy house, 5 minutes away from Bran Castle, the price is per room, per night.
Club Vila Bran

Club Vila Bran

3 out of 5
str. Alunis, nr. 9, Bran, BRASOV
Club Vila Bran
Hotel Bran Belvedere

Hotel Bran Belvedere

3.5 out of 5
Str. Predelut 101, Bran
Hotel Bran Belvedere
The Pines Bucegi Lodge

The Pines Bucegi Lodge

3 out of 5
Str. Rudarita, nr. 3, Bran, Romania
The Pines Bucegi Lodge
Matca Hotel Relais & Châteaux

Matca Hotel Relais & Châteaux

3 out of 5
Strada Balaban 280, Bran
Matca Hotel Relais & Châteaux
Tohanu Vechi

Tohanu Vechi

4 out of 5
174 Strada Mare, Zarnesti, BV
Tohanu Vechi
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Bran Castle

While visiting Bran Castle, you can enjoy a variety of activities such as skiing and relaxing at local spas. Don't miss the chance to explore the Brașov Adventure Park, take guided tours of the castle, and embark on exciting day trips in the area. Additionally, you can experience local culture through music recitals that showcase Romania's vibrant artistic scene.

Shopping

In Bran Castle, you can enjoy local shops for unique gifts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, Afi Brașov, located 15 miles away, offers a vibrant shopping experience with family entertainment. Additionally, Republicii Bulevard, 14 miles away, provides a delightful mix of shops in a bustling atmosphere.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Silviu Ploiesteanu Stadium, located 15 miles from Bran Castle. Engage in various sports activities or simply enjoy the lively sports vibes that the facility offers, making it a great spot for both recreation and relaxation.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Babele cable car gondola in Bușteni, located 9 miles from Bran Castle, offering stunning mountain views and adventure vibes. Alternatively, enjoy the Telegondola, 10 miles away, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and families seeking excitement and breathtaking scenery.

Nightlife

For a fun night out, visit Zao Park, an arcadeAdventureZone located 17 miles from Bran Castle. Enjoy thrilling games and a family-friendly atmosphere, perfect for both kids and adults looking to unwind after a day of exploring.

Find the best attractions near Bran Castle

Bran Castle, often referred to as the "Castle in Bran," offers a rich blend of history and adventure. Visitors can explore the historic fort, nearby national parks, and nature preserves, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and culture seekers alike. Don't miss the chance to delve into the castle's fascinating rooms and learn about its significance in Romania. Welcome to Bran Castle, where every corner tells a story!

  • Rasnov Fortress: A historic gem located 7 miles from Bran Castle, Rasnov Fortress offers a glimpse into Romania's medieval past. Perched on a hill, this ancient fortress boasts stunning views and rich cultural vibes, making it a perfect spot for history enthusiasts and photographers alike.
  • Dino Parc Rasnov: Just 7 miles from Bran Castle, Dino Parc Rasnov is an adventure-filled amusement park perfect for families. With life-sized dinosaur replicas, fun activities, and outdoor play areas, it's an exciting destination for kids and the young at heart.
  • Piatra Craiului National Park: Located 9 miles away, this stunning national park showcases breathtaking scenery and outdoor adventures. With its rugged mountains and diverse wildlife, Piatra Craiului National Park is ideal for hiking, nature lovers, and those seeking tranquility in nature.

Best time to go to Bran Castle

Visitor numbers around Bran Castle is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Bran Castle is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January24.1°F (-4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
February27.1°F (-2.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March33.6°F (0.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April43.2°F (6.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
May52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
July63.0°F (17.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August63.5°F (17.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September54.9°F (12.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October44.8°F (7.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November37.4°F (3.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
December28.0°F (-2.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Bran Castle

To save money on your trip to Bran Castle, consider visiting in April, June, or November for lower hotel prices. Booking a month in advance often yields the best deals. Look for last-minute offers on Expedia and aim for a Wednesday stay, as Fridays are pricier. Use Expedia’s search tools to filter by budget and eco-friendly options, and consider bundling flights and activities for additional savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can offer exclusive discounts and OneKeyCash for future bookings, helping you maximize your travel budget.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Bran Castle are April, June and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to August and December to January, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Bran Castle is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Bran Castle is Wednesday. The most expensive day to stay around Bran Castle is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy for you to set your budget and choose your ideal location, among other preferences. You can sort your results to display hotels from the most affordable to the highest priced, allowing you to find the best deals right away. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel categories. For instance, by selecting the "Eco-certified" filter, you’ll be shown a variety of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your hotel stay at Bran Castle with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.