Bran Castle & the Dracula Myth
Bran Castle (Castelul Bran)
The "Dracula Castle" is Romania's most visited attraction — and at the same time its biggest misunderstanding. The medieval castle (14th century) dramatically perches on a rock above the Bran Pass and indeed looks like something out of a horror film. But: Vlad III. Drăculea probably never lived here — at most, he was held here in transit.
Nevertheless, the visit is worthwhile: The castle is architecturally appealing with narrow staircases, secret passages, and a courtyard. The exhibition tells the history of the castle (as a customs station and royal summer residence) and separates myth from reality. The market at the foot of the castle is pure tourist kitsch (Dracula magnets, vampire teeth, garlic chains), but somehow it belongs.
Admission: 45 RON. In summer: crowds. Come early in the morning (9 am opening) or late afternoon. Or visit in autumn (October) — guaranteed fitting atmosphere.
The Historical Dracula: Vlad III. Drăculea
Vlad III. (1431–1476), known as Drăculea ("Son of the Dragon" — his father was a member of the Order of the Dragon) or Țepeș (the Impaler), was a real Wallachian prince. In Romania, he is considered a national hero: He defended Wallachia against the Ottoman Empire and enforced brutal punishments against corrupt boyars — especially impalement.
Bram Stoker took the name "Dracula" in 1897 and associated it with Transylvanian landscapes — without ever having been to Romania. The literary vampire has almost nothing to do with the historical Vlad. But that doesn't stop the tourism industry from mixing the two.
Râșnov Fortress (Cetatea Râșnov)
Only 15 km from Bran lies the Râșnov peasant fortress — and in many ways, it is more interesting than Bran. The massive fortress (13th century) on a rocky hill was not a noble castle but a refuge for the village population: During Ottoman raids, the entire village retreated behind the walls. The view is spectacular. Admission: 20 RON. Combine Bran and Râșnov in one day.
