Explore Romania’s fascinating
Transylvania for a true adventure
Located
in central Romania, Transylvania is known for its mountains, medieval towns
and castles like Bran Castle. The Gothic fortress has been associated with
the legend of Count Dracula, thanks to Bram Stoker’s novel about the
iconic vampire and the many films the story inspired. However, Transylvania
is also known for its beautiful scenery and rich history, with the city of
Brasov and its Saxon bastions and walls, the Gothic Black Church and many
baroque buildings and cafes. We list below some of Transylvania’s most
fascinating attractions, which are must-see locations on a visit to the
country.
One beautiful way to explore the
area is on a adventurous trek through Transylvania, exploring the
rugged mountains, alpine grasslands, glacial lakes and woodlands. While
exploring the beautiful, natural scenery and visiting the many attractions,
a visitor can enjoy a true adventure and experience the history of the
area.
Bran Castle and Vlad the Impaler
One
must-see attraction is Bran Castle, located in the city of Bran, which is
believed to have once held Vlad Tepes Dracula, commonly known as “Vlad
the Impaler” as a prisoner. The history is likely what inspired the
castle’s nickname of “Dracula’s Castle.” In fact, the
brutal Romania ruler was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel,
“Dracula.” Ironically, Stoker is said to have never visited
central Europe and there are many other castles with claims to Dracula’s
legend. However, the underground passages, ancient armor and weapons, along
with the creepy sounds the building makes do make Bran Castle a likely
contender for the home of the vampire Count Dracula.
Bran
Castle was built between 1377 and 1388 and overlooks a mountain pass
between Transylvania and Wallachia, the land ruled by Vlad the Impaler in
the 15th century. These days, the castle is owned by the descendants of
Queen Marie, who received the property in 1920 as a token of appreciation
for her efforts in unifying Romania.
These days, Bran
Castle is open as a museum and is largely devoted to Queen Marie.
However, the vampire myths and legends continue, with the castle a popular
location for Halloween events. Back in 2016, a competition was held with
the prize a chance to stay in the castle overnight on Halloween, much like
Jonathan Harker’s experience in the opening pages of Bran Stoker’s
novel.
Up in
the Bucegi Mountains of Romania stands a rock formation, shrouded in
conspiracy theories and mystery. When seen from a certain angle, it
resembles the Great Sphinx of Giza in Egypt. Over a period of millions of
years, the 40-foot-tall rock was carved to resemble a woman’s face.
However, while this is one of the “Seven Wonders of Romania,” the
appearance of the rock isn’t its main attraction.
Also
dubbed the Sphinx of Busteni, the rock formation is surrounded by
conspiracy theories and folklore. Some believe it has a strong energetic
force field and is one of Earth’s supposed chakras. Others believe it
was carved by an ancient civilization, said to represent some kind of
supreme god. Naturally, others claim aliens were somehow involved in the
Mountain Sphinx.
Whichever
legend you believe, the trek to the Sphinx of Busteni is a worthwhile
journey and is perfect for the latest Instagram post. The sphinx can be
accessed by a number of hiking trails from the towns of Busteni and Sinaia
and it is also possible to take a cable car up to the site.
Brasov ‘Hollywood’
sign, Transylvania
The
charming old town of Brasov features a “Hollywood” sign on the
hill above the town. This kitsch landmark is likely an appropriate homage
to the repeated use of the area as a film set. For example, the 2003 movie
“Cold Mountain” was filmed in the town’s surrounding fields
and the farmland of the Carpathian Mountains.
Brasov’s
sign is located on top of Mount Tampa and can be viewed from all over the
old medieval town. It can easily be accessed by cable car from Casa
Padurarului at the base of the mountain. From there, a short, five-minute
walk along a rough path takes visitors right behind the giant letters, with
spectacular views over the countryside.
Explore
Transylvania on your next European tour – take in the history, beautiful
scenery and the legends of Count Dracula and so much more.
