The Best Day Trips From Brasov

Only a half hour by car from Brașov lies the home of the blood-thirsty vampire Dracula, the Bran castle. Surrounded by myths and legends, Bran castle has been, over time, a custom stronghold between Transylvania and Wallachia and later, a property of Queen Marie of Romania. However, after the release of Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula, the castle, strikingly similar to the one described in Stoker’s story, became one of the most famous in Europe and allegedly the residence of the most feared vampire.

On your way to Bran Castle, you can stop at Râșnov citadel. Perched on a hill, the citadel served as a refuge for the citizens living in the surrounding villages during long-time sieges. Inside the citadel, a fascinating well was carved in the stony soil. But what is truly fantastic are the views you get up there.

With so many natural attractions around, Brașov is an ideal starting point for a day in the Carpathians. And the best mountains for a trek are the Piatra Craiului Mountains. You can start your excursion with a stop in Zărnești for a visit at the Liberty Bear Sanctuary. Created at the end of the ‘90s, the sanctuary has the role of protecting brown bears that have been rescued from a miserable life. At the sanctuary, 70 hectares of forest have been converted into a new home for the big mammals.

From Zărnești, you can start your journey in one of the most beautiful mountains of Romania. Craggy tops, narrow valleys, marvelous forests, and peculiar caves are scattered in the mountains waiting to be discovered. One of the most popular trails is the one through Prăpăstiile Zărneștilor, a two-kilometer gorge carved in the mountains.

This one day trip mingles fairytale castles with natural wonders at a just one-hour drive from Brașov. Take the road that goes to Sinaia, a mountain resort also known as the Carpathian pearl. Yet, it is more like a shell sheltering one of Romania’s treasures: the Peleș castle. Among the best preserved royal castles in Europe, Peleș was the summer residence of King Carol I. Today a museum, the castle looks like it was taken out of a fairytale, boasting stunning Neo-Renaissance architecture and no less than 170 astounding rooms.

On your way to Peleș Castle, stop in Bușteni and take the cable that goes towards two of the most curious rock formations of Romania: Babele (the old ladies) and the Spinx. Shaped by erosion and sited at 2,216 meters (7,270 feet), the two formations are luring travelers to admire Mother Nature’s miracles.

North of Brașov, two monumental citadels exhibit Saxon mastery in building fortifications. Arriving in Transylvania starting in the 12th Century, the German colonists left behind a fantastic heritage. The village of Prejmer houses the largest fortified church in southeastern Europe, known to have withstood 50 sieges. 12-meter (40-feet) high and four-meter (10-feet) thick walls with built-in rooms surround the church, serving as a shelter for the villagers in time of blockade and as food deposits in times of peace.

Not less impressive is the fortified church in Hărman, built by Teutonic Knights in the 13th Century. Strong walls and towers encircle the gothic church, boasting a beautiful 15th-Century fresco and a 16th-Century horologe.

Truly outstanding, Sighișoara shelters the best preserved, inhabited medieval citadel of Europe. Erected by the Saxons in the 13th Century, the picturesque citadel exhibits colorful houses, charming cobbled streets, centuries-old churches, and greatly preserved towers. Once you step inside, you will surely fall under its charm. Don’t miss the Clock Tower, inside the Museum of History, and the amazing views you can get from the top. And if you are around in July, re-live the medieval ambiance at Sighișoara Medieval Festival.

When going back to Brașov, stop in Viscri, a beautiful and unique Saxon village. Sheltering a centuries-old fortified church, the village has mesmerized even Prince Charles of Wales, who bought a traditional house, while today it is a cozy guest house. A walk into the village, among its beautifully restored houses and quiet streets, with a cart passing by here and there and women knitting socks and clothes is a great way to relax while taking in the pristine scenery around you.