Bran Castle, Rasnov Fortress, and Peles Castle visit | Brașov, Romania

📍 Brașov, Romania

4.9 ( 1,944 reviews)

Bran Castle, Rasnov Fortress, and Peles Castle visit | Brașov, Romania

From

Duration4.5 hours

FitnessModerate

CancellationFree cancellation 24h before start time

🔒Secure payment

✅Instant confirmation

🏅Association of Ecotourism in Romania (AER) Certification

Overview

The 10-hour tour takes you to the heart of the mysterious Romanian region. After hotel pickup in Brasov, we drive to Sinaia to visit Peles Castle, a striking example of Neo-Renaissance architecture, then tick off top attractions such as the dramatic Rasnov Fortress and Bran’s Castle, whose Gothic turrets and hilltop perch have earned it the nickname of ‘Dracula’s Castle’. Peles surprises not only with its exterior beauty but with its intricate interior and attention to detail. Built as a summer residence for Romania's first monarch, Carol I, it is a blend of style, beauty, and intricately carved wood. The Palace of the Pels is the first castle in Europe to have electrical power and was equipped with an electric elevator, hot and cold running water, central heating, and a vacuum cleaner. Our knowledgeable guides will take you through the castle's magnificent rooms, highlighting its details and hidden secrets. Our second stop will be in Bran Castle, also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’ — a hilltop estate that conjures up visions of howling wolves and bats fluttering in the moonlight. Wander the castle’s Gothic chambers and learn about its ties to Bram Stoker’s undead antihero, inspired by Vlad the Impaler, a harsh but rightful ruler. Initially built by the Teutonic Knights and later reconstructed as a stone structure by the orders of Ludvig de Anjou, it protected the southeastern border of Transylvania with Wallachia. Not only a military fort, but also a customs building where merchants paid their taxes before entering Transylvania. Strategically built on Dietrich Rock, it offered a strong vantage point over the trade route passing through. After the Great Unification of Transylvania with the rest of Romania, the castle's tale took a turn. It became the favourite summer residence of Queen Maria, the Queen of all Romanians and one of the key makers of Greater Romania. Accompanied by our guide, you'll not only learn about the castle's history but also gain an introduction to the numerous tales and legends that inspired Bram Stoker to create his successful novel Dracula. Next up is Rasnov Fortress, also known as the Peasant Castle, which was used by the inhabitants of Rasnov (Rosenau) as a place of shelter during numerous invasions. The fortress included dwellings where villagers could live and be protected by thick walls with openings for shooting and pouring. Not only did the community consider their food resources, but they were also ambitious enough to dig a very deep well to ensure they had water inside the fortress. Our guide will happily tell you tales and legends while taking in the beautiful views around the fortress.

What you will be doing

Meet up

Meet your guide in central Brasov, or at your hotel if pick up option is selected.

Travel by car or minivan to Rasnov, in the Bucegi Mountains

Learn about Rasnov Fortress and how it fended off attacks from Tatars. Explore the courtyards and ramparts of the 13th-century fortress. Choose to pause for lunch in Rasnov (own expense).

Bran Castle

Continue by car to Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle. Admire the high stone walls and red turrets flanked by the Carpathian Mountains. Enter the castle (own expense) and wander through with your guide. Learn about the area's stories and legends.

Peles Castle

If you opted to upgrade your tour at booking continue to the 19th-century Bavarian-style Peles Castle

Things to know

AccessibilityChildren friendly

Fitness levelModerate

Tour languageEnglish

Licence requiredNone

Sturdy hiking footwear recommended
The castle opening time is 12 pm on Monday
"Skip the line" tickets for Bran Castle can be purchased online or pay the fee to your guide.
Peak season is July - August
Peles Castle is closed on Mondays, and on Tuesdays, we can only visit the ground floor
Pelisor Castle is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays
RASNOV FORTRESS IS CLOSED for the moment. We could visit the outside walls and exterior court. We will visit other sites instead (e.g. The St Bartholomew Evangelical church / Cristian Saxon Fortified Church / Valea Cetatii Cave). The guide will inform you about the options.

Inclusions and Exclusions

✅ Included

Tour transport
Pick up and drop off transport
Tour guide

❌ Not included

Refreshments
Snack
Lunch
Entrance ticket
Gratuities

Where we'll meet

Meet up/Pick up location: Piața Sfatului 28, Brașov 500025, Romania

Instruction: Meet at Casa Sfatului. If you choose pick up: Complimentary pick-up from Brasov city is offered for this tour. If you require this service please contact us at least 48 hours in advance at hello@kodamatravel.com. We will inform you about the exact pick up time prior to the trip. If you are not arriving within the specified timeframe, please contact Active Travel Day Tours prior to your travels, or immediately upon arrival at your destination. Please be ready at least 10 minutes prior to departure time. On departure the guide will hold a signboard for you.

ReturnThis trip returns to meeting point.