Dracula’s Castle, also known as Bran Castle in Transylvania, is undoubtedly Romania’s most iconic landmark. Its hidden passages, winding staircases, and eerie ambiance make it an essential stop for any traveler. The castle is a significant factor in maintaining Transylvania’s enchanting and mysterious reputation over the years.
When planning your visit to Romania, be sure to include a three-day excursion through medieval Transylvania. Book your tour today!
Beyond being the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula,” Bran Castle and its surroundings boast a rich and compelling history. Let’s dive deeper into its fascinating past.
Visiting Dracula’s Castle: Admission Costs
Opening Hours
Like many tourist attractions in Romania, visiting hours vary between low and high seasons. During the low season, from October 1 to March 31, the schedule is as follows:
- Monday: 12:00 to 16:00 (last admission);
- Tuesday to Sunday: 09:00 to 16:00 (last admission).
In contrast, during the high season, from April 1 to September 30, Bran Castle operates under the following hours:
- Monday: 12:00 to 18:00 (last admission);
- Tuesday to Sunday: 09:00 to 18:00 (last admission).
Ticket Prices
When you book with TravelMaker Tours, your entrance fees to Dracula’s Castle are already included in the tour price, so no worries upon arrival! Here’s a breakdown of the ticket prices:
- Adults: 70 Lei (14.7€)
- Seniors (65+): 50 Lei (10.05€)
- Students: 40 Lei (8.04€)
- Children: 20 Lei (4 €)
- School Groups (20+ people): 15 Lei (3 €)
- Torture Chambers: 20 Lei (4 €)
- Time Tunnel: 30 Lei (6 €)
Disabled and institutionalized guests have free entry, as do children under 7. To obtain discounts, please present your ID proving you are over 65 or a valid student ID.
All purchased tickets allow for amateur photography and video recording. For professional photography or videography, a signed contract is necessary, and the museum administration will provide a customized offer. Tickets purchased on-site are valid for the day, but you can also buy them in advance from the official website.
Events at Bran Dracula’s Castle
Each year, the first weekend after Halloween features a vibrant party, complete with:
- Spooky music
- A haunting tour of the castle
- Dim lighting
- A chance to meet Count Dracula and his companions
- Candy for children
- Red wine for adults
While the kids can enjoy trick-or-treating during the haunted tour, the main party is designed for adults, taking place in a tent within the Royal Park. Attendees often showcase their costumes and savor the festivities late into the night. For a romantic experience, consider the Halloween Gourmet Dinner at Bran Castle’s restaurant, which starts at 19:00. You can check the Dracula’s Castle official website for an event calendar.
Accommodation Near Dracula’s Castle
Included Accommodation in TravelMaker Tours
If you plan to stay for a night or two in the area, consider booking a three-day tour through Transylvania with us. Not only will you explore Bran Castle, but you will also visit other remarkable attractions, such as:
- Curtea de Argeș Monastery
- Cozia Monastery
- Historic Sibiu Center
- Biertan Fortified Church
- Sighisoara Medieval Town
- Brașov Medieval Town
- Sinaia Mountain Resort
- Peleș Castle
The tour price includes accommodations for one night in Sibiu and one night in Brașov, both at three-star hotels, as well as breakfast. If you prefer to stay in Bran, there are many excellent lodging options available. Here are just two to consider:
Conacul Törzburger (The Törzburger Manor)
Located just 500 meters from the fortress, this manor provides all the necessary amenities. Room features include:
- Wardrobes
- Flat-Screen TVs
- Private bathrooms
- Free Wi-Fi
The manor also features a restaurant and bar offering buffet breakfast. With prices starting at approximately 120 € per night for a double room, it is one of the highest-rated accommodations in the area. Visit their website for price details and amenities!
Hanul Bran Near Dracula’s Castle
Another fantastic accommodation option is Hanul Bran, which features a large restaurant with a medieval-themed hall serving numerous traditional local dishes. Rooms offer spectacular views of either the Bucegi Mountains or Bran Castle. Each room is equipped with:
- Carpeted floors
- Minibars
- Desks
- Private bathrooms with showers, hairdryers, and complimentary toiletries
- Free Wi-Fi
- Cable TV
Prices start at 75 € per night, and booking in advance may yield even lower rates. Visit their website to check prices and amenities!
Experience a Magical Guided Tour of Bran Castle
At TravelMaker, we offer various tours that include visits to this remarkable destination. You’ll be able to learn more about its history and legends. Book one of our tours today to witness it for yourself!
Our shared tours to Dracula’s Castle Bran in Transylvania accommodate up to 16 people. We can meet you at the Romanian Athenaeum or pick you up from your hotel in Bucharest for an additional fee. From there, we will transport you by minibus to all the destinations included in your selected tour.
Our friendly and knowledgeable guides will present you with the landmarks in fluent English and are happy to answer any questions about Dracula’s Castle. Audio guides are also available in Spanish, Italian, and French via your mobile phone.
When reserving your tour to Dracula’s Castle Bran in Transylvania, let us know if you require the audio guide in any of those languages so we can provide you with installation details ahead of time. The path up the hill leads you to this incredible castle, and be prepared for many stairs to climb in order to explore all its nooks and crannies.
Private Tours of Dracula’s Castle Bran
If you prefer, consider a Private Trip to Peleș Castle & Bran Dracula Castle tour. This option allows you ample time to explore the haunted castle.
The entire tour lasts roughly one hour, during which you’ll learn about the castle’s construction, its historical owners, and its significance to the area.
Following the castle tour, we can either continue on to the next attractions, stay overnight in one of the medieval towns, or return you to your accommodation in Bucharest.
Explore Two Castles in One Day – Peleș Castle, Bran Castle & Brașov
If you wish to visit two castles in one day, simply book our tour “Two Castles in One Day – Peleș Castle, Bran Castle & Brașov,” and we’ll handle all the details. It often takes about three hours to drive from Bucharest to Bran Castle.
This popular destination is also surrounded by ski resorts, so travel times may increase during weekends and winter months.
While driving is the best option, public transport is possible. You can take the train from Bucharest to Brașov, the nearest city. The closest train stations to Bran are Zărnești and Râșnov, but be mindful that English speakers may be scarce to assist you with directions or taxi services. Local buses are available near these train stops.
BY TRAIN – The ride from Bucharest to Brașov lasts between 2.5 and 3.5 hours, with tickets costing around 70 LEI (14 €). Booking online may get you a 5% discount.
Upon arrival at Brașov, you’ll need a cab or bus. The bus station is a good distance from the train station, with departures every 30 minutes on weekdays and hourly on weekends.
- The bus ticket costs about 15 LEI (3 Euro), but expect lots of walking and potential waiting at the station. The taxi could run up to 100 LEI (20 Euro).
Choosing our tour means you won’t need to worry about transportation, as it is all included in the tour price.
What to Expect Inside Dracula’s Castle Bran
More than just a medieval residence for royalty, Dracula’s Castle Bran was initially constructed as a defensive stronghold. You’ll admire its impressive architecture both outside and within, including 57 rooms and a secret passage leading down to the terrace below the watchtower. On the grounds, Queen Marie constructed:
- A guesthouse
- A wooden church
- Staff accommodations
- Stables and a garage
Many of these buildings now house a restaurant, tea house, and souvenir shops. The Saxons, who were instrumental in constructing the original fortification, left their architectural mark, blending wooden beams with white walls and characteristic window shapes.
While the interior rooms may seem simple at first glance, each features unique and precious details. The room configurations, with their many small nooks and alcoves, create an intriguing atmosphere.
Rounded, ornate, and geometric patterns adorn the small windows, allowing sunlight to dance across the walls, enhancing the textures inside Dracula’s Castle Bran.
The furnishings can befit royalty. Many of the bookshelves were custom-designed and showcase intricate handcrafted figures and painted panels. The terracotta stoves are adorned with painted motifs, and each room tells a different story through its fireplace.
Visit to be inspired by this exquisite yet simple architectural style. Our guides will be with you to answer any questions during your exploration of the castle.
The interior courtyard, complete with a well, along with the exterior towers and terraces, offers breathtaking views of the mountains and surrounding area. Be prepared to navigate the many stairs that lead you through every corner of Dracula’s Castle Bran.
Discover Dracula’s Castle Bran in Transylvania!
This wraps up everything you need to know about Romania’s most famous landmark, which is deeply intertwined with vampire folklore in the Transylvania region. The truth may lie somewhere in between the tales.
Find out for yourself by booking our tours today! You can spend up to three magical days in this mystical, medieval region of Europe.
If you’re curious about the top sights and activities in Transylvania, feel free to read our article: Things to Do and See in Transylvania – Discover the Legends!
