This September I checked another box off my bucket list and went to Romania to tour Bran Castle or Dracula's Castle. I booked the tour from Bucharest City Tours which included Peles Castle, a stop for lunch in the medieval town of Brasov and then finishing up at Bran Castle or otherwise known as Dracula's Castle. The tour was advertised as 12 hours but it actually took 13 hours due to traffic.
Our tour guide was awesome and always kept us informed on what we were seeing at all points of the tour. Although it was a long day the bus was comfortable and we made stops to stretch our legs. For this post I'll focus on Bran Castle.
Everyone wants to see Dracula's castle when they visit Romania. The legend of "Vlad the Impaler" who inspired the story of Dracula is well known. The town around the castle and the walk up to the castle is lined with tourist shops selling Dracula related stuff. The castle itself is very close to the town and a short walk. I found the best view of the castle was from the pond in the park in front of the castle.
Things to remember --
- This is a popular attraction and can be very crowded.
- There are many steps and stairs, not ADA complient!
- In 1920 the castle became a favorite residence of Queen Maria, who restored and arranged it to be used as a residence of the royal family. It doesn't look like it did in Vlad the Impaler's time.
Even though it is touristy and remodeled I would still make the journey since the rest of the tour was worth the price.
I actually liked Peles Castle better and will talk about that next.
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