Bran Castle Tours and Activities

Bran Castle showing château or palace and heritage architecture
Bran Castle which includes château or palace and heritage architecture
Bran Castle featuring interior views, château or palace and heritage elements
Bran Castle featuring interior views and château 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 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 metres) 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 honour 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 kilometres) 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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Popular places to visit


Top Bran Castle Hotel & Accommodation Deals

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 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
Hillden Boutique Cazare & Restaurant

Hillden Boutique Cazare & Restaurant

3.5 out of 5
463 Strada Iancu Gon?ea, 0723426768, Bran, BV
Hillden Boutique Cazare & Restaurant
Resort EuroPark

Resort EuroPark

3 out of 5
sat Fundatica, nr. 219B, Fundata, Brasov
Resort EuroPark
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 Aurelius Imparatul Romanilor

Hotel Aurelius Imparatul Romanilor

4 out of 5
25 Poiana lui Neagoe, Brasov, Brasov
Hotel Aurelius Imparatul Romanilor
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 various activities such as skiing at nearby resorts, relaxing at local spas, and experiencing pony riding. Consider taking a day trip to explore the stunning landscapes and engaging outdoor activities, making the most of your time in this beautiful region of Romania. Camping options are also available for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature.

Shopping

In Bran Castle, enjoy local shops for unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit Afi Brașov, a vibrant shopping mall 24.1km away, or Republicii Bulevard, a family-friendly shopping centre 22.5km away, both offering a mix of shopping and entertainment.

Recreation

Head to Silviu Ploiesteanu Stadium, a sports facility located 24.1km from Bran Castle, for an energetic day. Enjoy a variety of sports activities and soak up the lively atmosphere while getting your heart pumping in this vibrant venue.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of the Busteni - Babele cable car, located 14.5km from Bran Castle, offering stunning outdoor views. For camping enthusiasts, Cheile Râșnoavei is an adventurous campground 12.9km away, perfect for family outings and outdoor activities. Don't miss the Pestera - Babele cable car for more breathtaking scenery.

Nightlife

For a fun night out, visit Zao Park, an arcadeAdventureZone located 27.4km from Bran Castle. With a lively atmosphere and family-friendly adventure vibes, it’s perfect for gaming and entertainment after a day of exploring the castle.

*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 offers a rich blend of history and adventure, making it a must-visit for any traveller. Explore the historic fort and nearby national parks, or indulge in local culture and outdoor activities. For a complete experience, consider checking out other attractions in Bran, as well as nearby hotels for a comfortable stay. Whether you're after adventure or a cultural deep dive, Bran Castle has something for everyone.

  • Vama Bran Museum: Located a short 483m from Bran Castle, this museum offers a deep dive into the local culture and history. Its charming exhibits and welcoming atmosphere make it a perfect spot for those keen to understand the heritage of the region.
  • Rasnov Fortress: Situated 11.3km away, this historic fortress stands as a testament to the area's rich past. With its impressive architecture and panoramic views, it provides a fascinating glimpse into medieval life and strategic fortifications.
  • Piatra Craiului National Park: About 14.5km from Bran Castle, this national park invites you to explore its breathtaking landscapes. Ideal for adventure seekers, it offers numerous trails and outdoor activities amidst stunning scenery, perfect for nature lovers.

Best time to go to Bran Castle

The best time to visit Bran Castle can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Bran Castle falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Bran Castle falls in January, 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 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 the cheaper months of April, June, or November, and book your accommodation about a month in advance for the best rates. Wednesdays are the most affordable days to stay, while Fridays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and combine your hotel, flights, and activities for potential package savings. Lastly, keep an eye out for last-minute deals and flexible booking options to maximise 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: Book your hotel around Bran Castle about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you’re looking for. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some cash by combining your Bran Castle hotel booking with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.