Count Dracula might be the first thing that springs to mind when we think of Transylvania, but you don’t need to be Van Helsing (or Buffy) to visit Romania’s most storied – and real – region. On a vampire slayer’s day off, there’s plenty to sink your teeth into, from frozen-in-time castles and lush alpine meadows, to dense forests, charming medieval villages and thriving ski resorts.
The fairytale-like region takes up most of central Romania; surrounded by the striking Carpathian Mountains to the east and south, and the wild Apuseni Mountains (where brown bears and wolves roam freely) to the west. Transylvania is not only famous for its eerie history – the eastern European region has quite the past, having been claimed by the Romans, the Ottomans and the Austro-Hungarians. It was during Hungary’s reign when Vlad III, better known as Vlad the Impaler, was a local prince. His brutal acts of violence (his signature move was impaling his enemies on long spikes) is said to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula.
Pre-Dracula, Transylvania traces its heritage back to the Saxons in the Middle Ages, with 250 postcard-worthy Saxon villages still dotted around the region. One of its most popular is Braşov, which is peppered with Gothic spires, orange-hued rooftops and a chilled cafe culture within its well-preserved medieval walls. It’s also home to Dracula’s famed castle.
The 7 best castles in Transylvania
Save this Google Map with all 7 castle locations. Transylvania has more castles and fortresses than you can shake a bulb of garlic at – around 250 of them. But there’s only so much time in the day (or night), so we’ve whittled it down to seven, to add to your hit list.
1. Râșnov Fortress
Dating back to 1211, Râșnov Fortress is a medieval Fliehburg-type fortress, which means it acted as a ‘refuge castle’ for its people in times of war. Strategically placed on a rocky hilltop in the Carpathian Mountains, the fortress towers 650 feet above the town of Râşnov, with its defensive system of nine towers, two bastions and a drawbridge. The fortress is currently being restored to its former glory, so only the gardens can be explored, but its impressive ruins, complete with a museum hidden behind the ancient walls, will be opening soon.
2. Corvin Castle (Castelul Corvinilor)
Built in a Renaissance-Gothic style, Corvin Castle is one of Europe’s largest and one of the Seven Wonders of Romania. The impressive relic draws visitors for its unique features, including a drawbridge you can walk over, a medieval weaponry museum and cultural evenings, like the Opera Nights festival. It’s also said that Vlad the Impaler (ahem, Dracula) was held prisoner here by John Hunyadi, Hungary's military leader.
3. Bánffy Castle
For something a little bougier, make your way to Bánffy Castle – AKA the ‘Transylvanian Versailles’. It gets its nickname thanks to its manicured gardens, sprawling orchards and the aristocratic Bánffy family who once lived here. Dating back to the 14th century, the castle has witnessed multiple architectural revamps, from Renaissance to Baroque and Neoclassical styles.
4. Peles Castle
Just 30 miles from Brașov, with the backdrop of Romania’s magnificent Bucegi Mountains, Peles Castle towers over its surroundings like a real-life Disney castle. While technically just outside Transylvania, it’s easy to pair up with another castle, like Bran Castle, on a single castle-hunting afternoon. This neo-Renaissance masterpiece was commissioned by Romania’s first king, Carol I, and its first stone laid in 1875. And just wait until you see its spectacular interiors…
5. Cetatea Rupea (Rupea Citadel & Fortress)
- Closest town: Rupea or Brasov
Walk through history at one of Romania’s oldest archeological sites. The Rupea citadel and fortress, which dates back to the 10th century, actually stands on the country’s first human settlement, dating from the Paleolithic and Early Neolithic (around 5500–3500 BC). The citadel played an important defensive role, sheltering residents during sieges from the Turks and as a refuge for healthy residents during the plague.
6. Făgăraș Fortress
- Closest town: Brașov and Sibiu
Făgăraș Fortress is the only medieval citadel in Romania, which has managed to keep its moat intact. It was built around 1310 and soon became Transylvania's most robust fortress; at one point belonging to Wallachia’s 14th-century rulers, including the real Dracula, Vlad Țepeș.
7. Bran Castle
- Closest town: Bran or Brașov
Bran Castle is Transylvania’s most famous castle – and a must visit. Popularly known as Dracula’s Castle, it looks exactly how you’d expect a vampire’s castle to look, sitting on a stone cliff-top with tall spires and secret passages throughout. While Bram Stoker’s description of Dracula’s crumbling fictional castle bears resemblance to Bran Castle, in reality, Vlad the Impaler likely never lived at the castle. Vampire history aside, the legendary site is now owned by the descendants of Queen Marie of Romania and is still a must-visit on any Transylvania trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Transylvania?
For castle-hunting, the best time to visit Transylvania is from April to October, when the weather is at its most pleasant. Spring and autumn temperatures range from 10°C and 20°C, with highs of 30°C in summer. Visit in winter to see the castles looking beautiful in snow (but prepare for freezing temps!), or to swoosh down the Transylvanian Alps in one of its many ski resorts.
How To Get From Bucharest To Transylvania
One of the easiest and most scenic ways to get from Bucharest to Transylvania is by train or bus. You can catch the hourly CFR train (Căile Ferate Române) from Bucharest’s North train station to Brașov – it takes as little as 2 hours 13 minutes.
Is it easy to travel around Transylvania?
Absolutely! Hiring a car is a great option for the smoothest route to reach off-the-beaten-path castles and villages. For something cheaper, bus services or minibuses (called ‘Maxitaxis’ locally) connect smaller and more rural towns not reachable by train.
Staying connected on your smartphone while travelling is easier than ever with a travel eSIM for Romania. A quick download provides all the travel data you need to navigate unfamiliar places, manage bookings on the go, and much more.
What other top attractions are there in Transylvania?
Transylvania is an adventure-seeker’s wonderland. Soak up views of the mountains and forests with a hike, or go brown-bear watching with a wildlife guide (you’re right by the largest brown bear population in Europe). Keep things to four-wheels with a drive down ‘the world’s best road’, the Transfăgărășan Pass, as crowned by TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson, or descend 400 ft below the surface to the spectacular Turda Salt Mine – a giant theme park built inside Romania’s ancient salt mines.
Is Transylvania expensive to visit?
Transylvania is relatively affordable, especially compared to western Europe. The average price for a three-star hotel, or charming B&B, is £57 per night. Tickets for castles can vary by age and attraction, usually ranging between £2 and £14. Meals can set you back around £10-20.
