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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Reviews of Bran Castle

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
33
5 - Excellent 62%
4 - Good
12
4 - Good 23%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 11%
2 - Disappointing
1
2 - Disappointing 2%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 2%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Super busy, but a great place to visit. Prepare yourself for tons of other tourists.

4/5 - Good

Ted

Lots of stairs. Not suitable for transportation impared people.

4/5 - Good

Robert

Striking on outside; mediocre inside.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Bring comfortable shoes

5/5 - Excellent

Darren

Go first thing at 9:00am otherwise too crowded

Popular places to visit


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
Casa Din Bran-Inn Center

Casa Din Bran-Inn Center

3 out of 5
Strada General Traian Mosoiu Nr. 15, Bran, Brasov
Casa Din Bran-Inn Center
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.
Conacul Bratescu

Conacul Bratescu

4 out of 5
Str Festung nr 8B, Bran
Conacul Bratescu
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
Complex Turistic Max International

Complex Turistic Max International

3 out of 5
32 Strada Brânduselor, Rasnov, BV
Complex Turistic Max International
Swissôtel Poiana Brasov

Swissôtel Poiana Brasov

5 out of 5
9 Drumul Sulinar, Brasov
Swissôtel Poiana Brasov
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

When visiting Bran Castle, immerse yourself in local traditions while exploring its steep staircases and top attractions in Transylvania. Enjoy memorable stays at nearby accommodations and indulge in fun activities like skiing, relaxing at a spa, or camping in the stunning surroundings. This blend of history and adventure makes Bran Castle a must-see destination for any traveler.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, Afi Brașov, located 15 miles away, offers a vibrant shopping experience with entertainment and family-friendly vibes. Republicii Bulevard, situated 14 miles from Bran Castle, features a mix of business and city atmosphere, perfect for finding unique gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Silviu Ploiesteanu Stadium, located 15 miles from Bran Castle. Engage in various sports activities or simply soak in the lively ambiance. It’s a great spot to enjoy some physical activity and connect with the local sports culture.

Adventure

Busteni - Babele offers a thrilling cable car gondola ride located 9 miles from Bran Castle, perfect for families and adventure seekers. Similarly, Pestera - Babele features another cable car gondola experience with stunning views. For camping enthusiasts, Cheile Râșnoavei, 8 miles away, provides an adventurous outdoor vibe.

Nightlife

Your night in Bran Castle can begin with a trip to Zao Park, located 17 miles away. This arcade and adventure zone offers thrilling games and a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for unleashing your inner adventurer while enjoying the lively energy of fellow visitors.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Bran Castle

Bran Castle, often referred to as the haunted castle of Romania, is a must-visit tourist attraction that offers a blend of history and adventure. Beyond exploring the castle itself, you can enjoy the surrounding national parks and nature reserves, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Discover nearby attractions that enhance your cultural experience in this enchanting region, making your visit to Bran an unforgettable adventure.

  • Rasnov Fortress: Located 7 miles from Bran Castle, Rasnov Fortress offers a glimpse into Romania's medieval past. This historic fort, perched on a hill, provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape and a rich cultural experience as you explore its ancient walls and learn about its storied history.
  • Piatra Craiului National Park: A short 9 miles away, this national park is a paradise for adventure seekers. With breathtaking scenery, diverse wildlife, and numerous hiking trails, Piatra Craiului National Park invites outdoor enthusiasts to immerse themselves in nature's beauty.
  • Dino Parc Rasnov: Also 7 miles from Bran Castle, Dino Parc Rasnov is perfect for families. This amusement park features life-sized dinosaur replicas, educational exhibits, and outdoor activities, making it a fun and adventurous destination for visitors of all ages.

Best time to go to Bran Castle

The best time to visit Bran Castle is dependent 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.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January24.1°F (-4.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
February27.1°F (-2.7°C)No RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
March33.6°F (0.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
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 CloudyAverageAverage
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 visit to Bran Castle, plan your trip during the cheaper months of March to April or November, and aim to book hotels about a month in advance for the best rates. Wednesdays are the least expensive days to stay, while Fridays are the priciest. Use Expedia to find last-minute deals, combine your hotel with flights for savings, and consider joining their One Key membership for additional discounts. Don't forget to explore free activities around Bran Castle and utilize public transport to keep costs low.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Bran Castle are March to April 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: Booking a hotel around Bran Castle about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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 to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring that the most affordable hotels are prioritized. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel category. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Bran Castle with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • 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.

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