Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour: Uncover the Legends of Dracula and Explore Historical Sites

Uncover the legends of Dracula and explore historical sites on this 4-hour tour. Visit Bran Castle, known as ‘Dracula’s Castle,’ and Râșnov Fortress. Upgrade to include a visit to the ornate Peleș Castle.

Duration: 5 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Rasnov Citadel: Garden and Panoramic View - Please note:
  • when you book online the extension of Peles Castle, we visit this site first, than Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress!
  • RASNOV FORTRESS IS CLOSED, for the moment! Anyhow, we could visit the outside walls and exterior court.

Explore two of Transylvania’s most impressive citadels and discover why the region is steeped in mysterious lore. Your professional guide will pick you up in central Braşov in a car or minivan for the 30-minute ride south to Râșnov, situated among the stunning Bucegi Mountains.

Learn about the storied history of Râșnov Fortress, a walled stone compound designed to ward off attacks by the fierce Tartars and used as a refuge for local villagers during medieval warfare. Explore the time-worn courtyards, ramparts and well of the 13th-century fortress built by the Teutons. Opt to have lunch in Râșnov if you like (own expense).

  • Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle) - A short drive brings you to Bran Castle, nicknamed ‘Dracula’s Castle’ for its ties to Bram Stoker’s 1897 Gothic tale and its bloodthirsty villain. The high stone walls and red turrets of this hilltop citadel come into view as you approach the secluded castle, set among the dramatic backdrop of the Carpathians. Enter if you dare, after paying the site fee (own expense), and wander through the castle’s many well-preserved rooms and chambers with your guide. Gothic furnishings and details help set the scene for ghastly legends of all that happened here, including the imprisonment of Vlad the Impaler.

This 15th-century prince was notorious for his bloodthirsty campaigns against invading Turks and is said to have inspired Stoker’s malevolent Count Dracula.

  • Peles Castle - If you’re thirsty for more, extend your tour by 3 to 4 hours and continue on to the nearby Peleș Castle (book in advance, online, the option). The expansive, Bavarian-style Peleș Castle was built among a lush forest to house Romania’s royalty in the 19th century and is among the most beautiful in Europe.
    A guide will lead you through many of its immaculate, ornate rooms, still adorned with luxuriant furnishings and décor. You’ll also have the chance to tour the neighbouring Pelișor Castle, a smaller royal residence decked out in art nouveau finery.
What's Included
  • Round-trip transport by air-conditioned car or minivan
  • Professional guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off from Brasov city only
What's Not Included
  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Entrance fees: Bran Castle, Peles Castle
  • 3-4-hour tour extension to Peles Castle (if option not selected)
  • Entrance fee to Peleș Castle and Pelisor Castle
Additional Information

Embark on a 4-hour intimate group tour from Braşov, unveiling the mysteries of Bran Castle - often referred to as ‘Dracula’s Castle,’ as well as the impressive 13th-century Râșnov Fortress. Begin your journey with a visit to Râșnov, where you’ll marvel at its ancient fortress, before moving on to the iconic Bran Castle - a hilltop structure famously associated with Bram Stoker’s creation, Count Dracula. Relish a spine-chilling tour of its mysterious chambers and learn about Vlad the Impaler, a 15th-century aristocrat who was once a prisoner here and became the inspiration for Stoker’s blood-chilling vampire. Optionally, extend your adventure to the beautifully extravagant Peleș Castle (additional cost to be paid at the time of booking by selecting this option!)

  • Small group tour
  • Sturdy hiking footwear recommended
  • All year - round try to avoid week-ends.
  • MONDAY BRAN CASTLE IS OPENED AT 12:00.
  • Peles and Pelisor Castles are closed MONDAY and TUESDAY! More info about the admission time: peles.ro
  • RASNOV FORTRESS IS CLOSED, for the moment! Anyhow, we could visit the outside walls and exterior court.
  • Please bring your own mask; we provide hand sanitizer. We are cleaning vehicles after every tour.
  • Tour available with extension to Sinaia at a supplement fee and you have to book online Bran, Rasnov and Peles Castle option!
  • Please note when you book online the extension of Peles Castle, we visit this site first, than Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress!
  • “Skip the line” at the ticket office for Bran Castle only if you buy the ticket online or you pay the entrance fee to my guide.
  • The recommendations of our tour guides: We are always eager to make sure our guests have a wonderful time while participating on our tours. Organizing private and small group tours allows us to be flexible with time and always have opportunities for breaks. Usually, we arrive to Bran around mid-day and after visiting Bran castle our guests can have some free time on the premises and nearby the castle grounds for lunch, shopping or photographing the area. In the Tea House, a small restaurant in the castle’s courtyard one can try the Funeral cake, a porridge like dessert with walnuts, raisins, rom and much more. In Romanian called Coliva the funeral cake usually is served at funerals and commemoration of deceased loved ones. It goes well with a good coffee or tea. Nearby the castle entrance a small souvenir market is located, our favorite stall is selling traditional masks and handcrafted objects and textiles. Please ask your guide to point it out to you! Our guests have the option to decide to have a proper sit-down meal or something quick on the move. The same market has food stalls, one of the most popular ones sells Romanian Hot Dogs (local sausage sandwiches) and Hanul Bran restaurant offers a large choice of tasty Romanian cuisine.
Location
The Council's House
Piața Sfatului
The History Museum, Piata Sfatului Square
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(841 Ratings)
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Colin
Aug 30, 2024
A recommended way to visit the castle - Alex was a really good and knowledgeable guide. He was attentive and professional.it’s a great way to see and learn about the castles, highly recommended.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Alichas
Aug 20, 2024
A trip through Romanian history - We booked through Viator and had a tour from Dan who was fantastic! He arrived bang on time giving clear instructions on collection point. He was polite, really knowledgeable and passionate about the history which made it very interesting. We really enjoyed our tour, thank you 🙏
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Jimbocrimbo
Aug 20, 2024
Excellent guide & amazing day - Dan was a very friendly and knowledgeable guide and gave us a brief tour & history of some of the area around the main square in Braşov before heading off to Rasnov Fortress, pointing out and giving us historical info about numerous places and sights on the way. Once st Bran Castle Dan was highly knowledgeable & passionate about the history of the castle but also Romanian history itself. A fascinating and very educational trip and Bran Castle is of course absolutely stunning.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ellipses_gone
Aug 16, 2024
A wonderful tour - I had a wonderful time with knowledgeable guide Dan. I was able to learn a lot about European and Romanian history, and the company was very good. Thank you very much!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fionabu6121oq
Aug 15, 2024
Great way to explore surroundings of Braşov - Charlie was a great guide. He was very knowledgeable and passionate to show people his home town and surroundings. He had a great sense of humour and ensured that the other solo traveller and I skipped the lines. It was much better to be in a car to avoid bus queues and have to wait for 40 other people. Great day out with Charlie.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Oriolm450
Aug 10, 2024
Wonderful Visit: Expert and Friendly Guide - Our Guide was a great expert in history and art history, having studied a Humanities career, I can say that his explanations lived up to many of the teachers I had. We really enjoyed the visit and would highly recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Glyn_j
Aug 9, 2024
Great experience with a superb guide - Just two couples and a superb guide. Great experience at Bran Castle. Cut through the fake Dracula stuff and focussed on the real story of Bran Castle. Given the option of going to Rosnov fortress (which is closed long term) and viewing from the outside, or choosing a more interesting option. Went to Harman Fortified Church instead. Great choice. Totally recommend this trip even if Tasnov isn’t really an option at this time.
Review provided by Viator
Maroochydazza18
Aug 4, 2024
A fun day out searching for Dracula 🧛🏻 - I spent the day with a small group touring Peles and Bran castles and Rasnov fortress and really enjoyed my time. Our guide, Charlie was super efficient, has messaged the day before to confirm details and everything went ahead as per the itinerary. We had a lovely group of tourists that were sociable and made the trip fun and Charlie was really knowledgeable and really helpful and made the trip a really pleasant experience. I would certainly recommend this tour as it was good value for money and a fun day out.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Martinkt643ri
Aug 13, 2024
Fortress tour from Braşov - Fantastic views. Unfortunately we couldn’t get in to the Rasnov fortress - it will be worth a visit when the renovations are finally finished. Bran Castle as expected was very busy.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Pawe_k
Aug 9, 2024
Bran Castle worth the hype? - Informative tour and knowledgeable tour guide. Bran Castle is worth seeing especially in the morning to avoid crowds. Castle is small and not very impressive. Spoiler alert: has nothing to do with Dracula. Râşnov fortress is closed, so not worth seeing. Trip not worth its price.
Review provided by Viator
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