Holiday in Brașov

What makes Brașov special as a destination?

Brașov is the gateway to Transylvania — a picturesque Saxon founding city at the foot of the Carpathians, which fascinatingly combines Gothic churches, medieval fortifications, and the legend of Count Dracula. The seventh largest city in Romania is nestled in a basin, surrounded by dense forests and the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Carpathians, and was one of the most important trading centers of Transylvania in the 13th century under the name Kronstadt. The Black Church (Biserica Neagră), the largest Gothic hall church between Vienna and Istanbul, is the city's landmark: Its name comes from the devastating fire of 1689 that left the outer walls charred. Inside, it houses the largest mechanical organ in Southeastern Europe (4,000 pipes) and a unique collection of over 100 Anatolian carpets from the 15th to 18th centuries. Bran Castle (Castelul Bran), located just 30 kilometers southwest of Brașov, sits atop a rock overlooking the gorge between Transylvania and Wallachia: Although Vlad III. Draculea (the historical Dracula) probably never lived here, the atmosphere of the castle perfectly fits the vampire legend — winding stairs, secret passages, and a view over misty forests. Tampa Mountain (955 m) rises directly behind the old town and is accessible by cable car or on foot: At the top, the huge sign BRASOV stands out in Hollywood style, and the panorama over the city, the red roofs, and the Carpathians is breathtaking. In winter, the ski resorts Poiana Brașov and Predeal can be reached in 20-40 minutes. Strada Republicii, the car-free pedestrian zone in the heart of the old town, is lined with pastel-colored Baroque houses, street cafes, and the Town Hall Square (Piața Sfatului), where one of Romania's most atmospheric Christmas markets takes place in December.