Dracula castle for First Time Visitors: A Complete Guide!

The Dracula castle in Transylvania is by far the most popular tourist attraction in Romania, attracting about 700.000 tourists each year. The real name of the notorious Dracula castle is Bran castle (Romanian: Castelul Bran), which was a medieval fortress built in the Bucegi mountains. The fortress was built on a high clip with the strategic purpose of guarding the Bran gorge against military attacks. Also, Bran castle functioned for a long period of time as a customs office for important trade goods coming in and out of Transylvania.

The connection between Bran castle known nowadays as Dracula castle and the vampire in Bram Stokers historical novel is not that easy to explain. It´s actually one of those myths that have been built up over time and with the clear purpose of attracting tourists to the region.

Starting with Bram Stoker´s novel, the author described the castle where Graf Dracula lived as a castle located above a valley, built on a high rock guarded by a river flowing below. This matches quite well the surroundings of Bran castle. He also mentioned the castle, in which the vampire lived was surrounded by woods where wolves lived. The region where Bran castle is located is named Transylvania, which means „the place beyond the woods“ in Latin. Curiously, Bram Stoker never visited Romania, however the description of the location in his novel match quite well Bran castle and Transylvania.

The figure of Dracula from Bram Stokers novel is a Transylvanian nobleman and vampire terrifying the villagers in the surroundings. He is associated with the historical figure of Vlad the Impaler or Vlad Tepes, a Wallachian Prince with a brief connection to Bran castle. He conducted several punishment campaigns against the Transylvania Saxons, who refuse to pay custom fees to Wallachia. During that time, he briefly stayed in Bran castle and several years later he was supposed to be held prisoner there by the Hungarian King.

He was also known for his cruelty against soldiers of the Ottoman Empire who attacked Wallachia, as he used to impale prisoners to frighten his enemies.

Vlad the Impaler actually resided in the fortress of Poenari during his time as the ruler of Wallachia.

It was the Hungarian King Louis I who authorized the German minority of the Transylvanian Saxons to build a fortress located near Brasov at the Bran gorge to serve mainly 2 purposes: protection against the military expansion of the Ottoman Empire and serving as a customs house for traded goods in Transylvania.

The Dracula castle is located in the village of Bran in the region of Transylvania in Romania. The village of Bran, where the Dracula castle lies, is located 30 km from the city of Brasov and is a half-hour car ride away.

I visited the Dracula castle the first time during my school days in Romania. At that time the hype around Dracula and the castle was not that huge. Many Romanians were travelling to see the castle during summer vacations and hike in the Bucegi mountains. The tourist infrastructure around Bran castle was underdelevoped and hotels or guesthouses were scarce, so you had to know someone who owned a house there or pay a lot for a hotel in Brasov.

Luckily things have changed, making Bran castle more comfortable to visit ! The second time I visited the Dracula Castle, I was quite surprised about how much things had evolved here. Tickets and tours can be bought online in advance. I highly recommend the audio guide, which you can download to your smartphone, so remember to bring headphones. There are plenty of paid parking spaces available and the large market surrounding the castle offers all kinds of souvenirs and culinary delights. I really enjoyed this visit and loved talking a walk in the park near the castle, which gave me a moment to catch my breath.

If you´re planning to visit Romania, you should definitely plan a trip to the notorious Dracula castle. This will give you the opportunity of learning more about the history of Dracula´s castle, the turbulent history and times of the region and Transylvania and it will help you understand why the Dracula myth has become so popular and it´s connection to Romania.

The best time to visit the Dracula castle is spring or autumn. During summer there are crowds of tourists coming to the castle, the hotels are expensive and overbooked.

The fastest way to reach the Dracula castle is by car from the city of Brasov. The ride takes 30 minutes, you can either rent a car or book an Uber or taxi from Brasov.

You can also visit the Dracula castle from Bucharest; however, you should then book a hotel near Bran castle for 1 night, because the castle is a 3-hour-drive away from Bucharest. I would not recommend driving back to Bucharest after visiting the castle, because this can be quite exhausting.

If you rented a car, you should use the public parking “Aurel Stoian”, which is a large parking space. The parking here costs 1 € / hour and you should plan 4 hours here. From here the castle is only a 10 minutes-walk away. Please note that the castle is built on a steep rock, which means you will need to walk another 10 minutes uphill to get to the entrance of the castle. The other 2 parking spaces, which are closer to the castle are a bit more expensive and have less parking space.

Visiting the Dracula castle is made easy through online tickets, which you can purchase on the official website of the Bran castle. The Dracula castle itself offers the best prices for tickets, so be sure to book these before your trip. Adults pay 14 € and school children pay 4 €. Visiting the Torture Chambers costs an extra fee of 4 € and for the Time Tunnel you will also have to pay an extra fee of 6 €.

You should definitely buy your tickets in advance if you plan visiting the Dracula castle in the summer, during school vacations in Romania or around important holidays, because the castle can get overcrowded at this time. Buying the tickets in advance saves you precious waiting time in a line and you can get to the main attractions inside before the crowds do. I would also recommend choosing a weekday to visit. The best time slots to visit the Dracula castle are right after opening around 9 a.m. or around 17:00, before the last entry.

Bran castle tours are available online and cost around 42 € per person. Guided tours are available in English, Spanish and Italian. A guided tour of the Dracula castle will take you to the stone staircases, secret rooms, armories, and dungeons of Bran Castle. You will also learn more about the legend of Vlad the Impaler, who was briefly imprisoned and tortured in the castle and about the history of the castle as fortress. You will also get the opportunity to explore the tower and the kitchens. The tour takes about 1 hour and includes the price for the entry ticket.

I only recommend a guided tour if you are interested in details regarding the castle and Vlad the Impaler that go beyond a simple visit to take photos. It is however a great opportunity with an educational factor 😊.

If you plan on visiting the Dracula castle with kids, you should be aware of the gothic, dark atmosphere surrounding the castle. Especially the Torture Chamber is not suitable to be visited with children. Pictures of the fictional character Dracula, graves, crosses, torture instruments and weapons can be found inside the castle, which can all be quite scary for children and can cause nightmares. I would not recommend visiting the Dracula castle with children younger than 8 years. Depending how good your child can distinguish between fiction and reality, you should consider visiting the Dracula castle once your child is about 12 years old.

If you are looking for a hotel near Dracula castle, there are several guesthouses and pensions where you can stay. Please note that the prices are higher during summer and around important holidays. A quite comfortable place to stay with a pool, entertainment and restaurant is Club Vila Bran starting at 50 € per night.

If you want to see more from Transylvania, I would recommend staying in the old town of Brasov in Hotel Kolping. From here you have an amazing view over the Tampa mountain and the main highlights in Brasov such as the Black Church are only a short walk away.

There are several Highlights you can visit around the Dracula castle. Here are some great options for destinations near the Dracula castle, which you can reach within 1 hour.

Valea cu Povești is a whimsical attraction that brings Romanian folklore and fairy tales to life. Located in a picturesque valley near Bran, this family-friendly park features wooden sculptures of fairy tale characters, interactive story areas, and playgrounds.

Children can explore enchanted cottages, meet costumed characters, and participate in storytelling sessions. The park combines entertainment with education about Romanian folklore traditions. During summer months, the park hosts puppet shows and theatrical performances based on traditional stories.

The natural setting enhances the magical atmosphere, with walking paths winding through forested areas and along a small stream. There is also a restaurant serving traditional Romanian food where families can relax after exploring.

Official website: www.valeacupovesti.ro

The Bran National Museum complements your castle visit by providing deeper historical context about the region. Located near the castle, this museum houses archaeological artifacts, historical documents, and exhibits detailing the evolution of Bran from medieval times to the present.

The museum’s collection includes medieval weapons, royal memorabilia, and exhibits about Queen Marie of Romania, who was gifted Bran Castle in 1920. You will find detailed information about the castle’s architectural development and its various functions throughout history.

The museum also highlights the connection between Bran Castle and the Dracula legend, explaining how Bram Stoker’s fictional character became associated with this historical monument. Interactive displays help visitors understand the complex history of Transylvania and its place in Romanian culture.

Official Webseite: www.bran-castle.com

The mountains surrounding Bran offer excellent hiking opportunities for all skill levels. The area sits at the edge of the Bucegi Mountains, providing diverse trails through forests, meadows, and rocky terrain.

Popular hiking routes include:

• Măgura Village Trail: A moderate 3-hour hike from Bran to the picturesque village of Măgura, offering stunning views of the castle and surrounding valleys.
• Simon Village Circuit: An easy 2-hour walk through traditional villages with well-preserved architecture and local culture.
• Bucegi Mountains: For more experienced hikers, trails lead into the Bucegi Natural Park with options to reach summits like Omu Peak (2,505m).
• Piatra Craiului Ridge: The dramatic limestone ridge of Piatra Craiului National Park is accessible from Bran, offering challenging hikes with breathtaking panoramas.

For information about hiking trails and guided tours in the Bran area, these websites may be helpful:

• Romanian Mountain Guide Association: www.rmga.ro
• Piatra Craiului National Park: www.pcrai.ro
• Bucegi Natural Park: www.bucegipark.ro

Also you should consider visiting Peles Castle which is only 1 hour away from Bran castle. Located near Sinaia, this stunning castle is a former royal residence known for its architectural beauty and historical significance. Check out my blog article on this fairytale castle.

Bran castle which is considered the Dracula castle is located in the village of Bran, in the region of Transylvania in Romania.

During summer, the castle is open on Mondays from 12:00 a.m. until 18:00 p.m. and Tuesday until Sunday from 09:00 a.m. until 18:00 p.m.

During Winter daily from 9:00 a.m. until 16:00 p.m.

Adults pay 14 € and school children pay 4 €. Visiting the Torture Chambers costs an extra fee of 4 € and for the Time Tunnel you will also have to pay an extra fee of 6 €.

Bram Stoker’s Dracula is a Transylvanian vampire nobleman loosely based on Vlad the Impaler, a Wallachian Prince who briefly stayed at Bran Castle. Vlad punished Transylvanian Saxons for refusing to pay fees to Wallachia and was later reportedly imprisoned at Bran Castle by the Hungarian King.

Yes, it´s absolutely fine to visit the castle at your own pace and without a guided tour.

Most highlights of the castle can be visited within 1 hour, however I recommend visiting the park below the castle. Form here you have the best angle to shoot your photos.

The best time to visit Dracula castle is spring or autumn, because fewer tourists visit the castle at this time. I recommend purchasing tickets online and starting your visit as soon as the castle opens or 1 hour before it closes. Around noon it tends to get overcrowded.

No, the Dracula castle is not suited for persons with any mobility issues. Inside the castle you will find many narrow staircases to climb up and down.

Bran Castle offers numerous events throughout the year that immerse visitors in its magical and mystical atmosphere:

Halloween Celebrations: In October, the castle transforms into a spooky setting with night tours, costume contests, and special events.

Medieval Festivals: Historical reenactments regularly take place, recreating life in the Middle Ages.

Concerts and Art Exhibitions: The castle often serves as a venue for classical concerts and exhibitions by local artists.

Christmas Markets: During the Advent season, the castle shines in festive splendor with stalls offering traditional crafts and foods.

Check out the official website of Bran castle to find out what events are scheduled during your visit.

You can either rent a car or get an Uber/Bolt to the castle. The ride takes about 30 minutes.

Yes, taking photos is allowed and does not cost extra.

Yes, there are 3 paid parking available. You should choose the biggest parking, which is about 10 minutes away from the castle. Here you pay about 1 € / hour. Make sure you have Romanian RON money, as you will need it to pay the parking.

Inside Bran Castle, you can explore the following chambers:

The Great Hall: A medieval gathering space with wooden beams, tapestries, and a large fireplace.

The Armory: Displays of medieval weaponry, including swords, shields, and armor.

The Royal Apartments: Rooms once used by King Ferdinand and Queen Marie, featuring royal furniture and artwork.

The Secret Staircase: A hidden passage connecting different floors of the castle.

The Tower (Donjon): Offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Torture Chambers: A separate ticketed area showcasing historical punishment devices.

History of Dreads Exhibition: Focused on myths, fears, and Dracula’s transformation into a cultural icon.

If you are fan of the Dracula myth, vampire novels, medieval history and want to explore the beautiful mountain landscapes surrounding the Dracula castle, then the castle is definitely worth your while.

However, if you are interested in a medieval castle with tons of chambers and artefacts that literally flash you, the you should rather visit the Corvin castle. This is also a better choice if you are travelling with small children. Check out my complete guide für a family holiday to Romania for more details.

No one resides in Bran Castle today. It operates as a museum showcasing art and furniture collected by Queen Marie of Romania.

Yes, Bran Castle occasionally offers night tours or special events. It is best to check the official schedule for availability.

To avoid long queues:

Arrive early in the morning.

Purchase tickets online in advance.

Join guided tours that include skip-the-line access.

Yes, there are restrictions. The castle has many stairs and narrow passages, which might be challenging for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia.

Separate tickets are required for the Torture Chambers and the Time Tunnel.

Bran Castle was built in 1377 by Saxons as a fortress on the border of Transylvania and Wallachia. It served as a strategic defense point against invasions and later became associated with Vlad the Impaler (though he had minimal connection to it). In the 20th century, it was a royal residence for Queen Marie of Romania. After being confiscated during communist rule, it was returned to her descendants in 2009 and restored as a museum.

The real Dracula castle is the fortress of Peonari, which is a about 1 hour away from Bran castle. This is where the Wallachian prince Vlad Tepes knwon as Vlad the Impaler spent most of his life.

If you plan on visiting Romania and plan on flying to Bucharest or Brasov, you should definitely consider adding the Dracula castle to your list of destinations. Visiting Romania´s most popular castle will allow you to gain an insight into what the Dracula myth is all about, what it has to do with Romania and it will also allow you to understand Romanian history and people much better. The surroundings of the Dracula castle are really amazingly beautiful and the Carpathians nearby offer tons of great photo opportunities.

Drum bun! (Have a great trip)