Bran Castle Tours and Activities

Bran Castle showing heritage architecture and château or palace
Bran Castle showing heritage architecture and château or palace
Bran Castle showing a castle, heritage elements and interior views
Bran Castle featuring interior views and a castle
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 novel and 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 legendary vampire 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.

Plan a trip to see Bran Castle

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Hotel Michelangelo
Scala Boutique Hotel
Conacul Coroanei Luxury Boutique Hotel

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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
Conacul Bratescu

Conacul Bratescu

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

Club Vila Bran

3 out of 5
str. Alunis, nr. 9, Bran, BRASOV
Club Vila Bran
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
Conacul Ambient

Conacul Ambient

5 out of 5
Grivitei St., no. 5, Cristian
Conacul Ambient
Hotel Orizont

Hotel Orizont

4 out of 5
Str. 3 Brazi nr. 6, Predeal
Hotel Orizont
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

Bran Castle offers a variety of exciting activities for visitors, including thrilling Halloween tours and weekend getaways. You can enjoy a day trip filled with recreational opportunities such as skiing, spa treatments, and camping in the picturesque surroundings. Whether you're seeking adventure or relaxation, Bran Castle has something for everyone looking to explore this enchanting destination in Romania.

Shopping

In Bran Castle, you'll find charming local shops for souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit Afi Brașov, 24.1km away, for a variety of family and entertainment options, or head to Republicii Bulevard, 22.5km away, for a vibrant shopping experience in a city setting.

Recreation

Silviu Ploiesteanu Stadium, located 24.1km from Bran Castle, offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Engage in recreational activities, including running or attending local matches, while soaking in the vibrant community spirit that surrounds this popular venue.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Telegondola, a cable car located 16.1km from Bran Castle, offering stunning views for families and adventure seekers. Cheile Râșnoavei, an 12.9km campground, invites outdoor enthusiasts to explore nature, while Busteni - Babele, 14.5km away, combines family fun with breathtaking landscapes.

Nightlife

Experience the thrill at Zao Park, an arcadeAdventureZone located 27.4km from Bran Castle. Enjoy a family-friendly atmosphere filled with fun and adventure, perfect for winding down after exploring the castle. It’s an exciting spot to create lasting memories with loved ones!

Find the best attractions near Bran Castle

Bran Castle, known for its historic allure, offers a range of activities for tourists seeking outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Explore the Bran Castle Museum to delve into its fascinating history, read reviews to uncover its eerie yet magnificent charm, and enjoy the surrounding national park and nature reserves. This enchanting destination in Brașov County is sure to captivate every visitor with its unique blend of adventure and heritage.

  • Vama Bran Museum: Located a mere 483m from Bran Castle, this history museum immerses you in the rich local culture. Explore exhibits that showcase the region's traditions, crafts, and historical artifacts, providing a unique glimpse into the life of the Carpathian villagers.
  • Rasnov Fortress: Situated 11.3km away, this historic fort offers a fascinating journey into the past. Wander its ancient walls, learn about its strategic significance, and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making it a captivating spot for history buffs.
  • Caraiman Peak: Also 11.3km from Bran Castle, this scenic peak is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Hike to its summit for breathtaking vistas of the Bucegi Mountains and the stunning Prahova Valley, making it an unforgettable experience for nature lovers.

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 when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your stay about a month in advance or taking advantage of last-minute deals on Expedia can yield great savings. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to book, while Fridays tend to be the most expensive. Don’t forget to explore free activities nearby, like Lake Bolboci, and use Expedia’s search tool to find eco-friendly hotels and package deals that combine flights and accommodations for extra savings.

  • 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: 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 Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Bran Castle is Friday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred hotel type. For instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" option will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay at Bran Castle with your flights and activities by opting for an Expedia package.