Transylvania - A beautiful province in Romania

Mention Transylvania to anyone in conversation, and the immediate reaction might be:  “Yes Dracula’s home!”.  Well, that is how we all got to hear about Transylvania, but in real life, it is a beautiful province in Romania.  One you need to visit…

Did you know?

Did you know the beautiful region of Transylvania (now in Romania) previously formed part of Hungary, many years ago? 

Only after World War I did it become part of beautiful Romania.  But in 1940 northern Transylvania reverted back to Hungary as a result of the Second Vienna Award.  However, after World War II’s end, Romania reclaimed it. Although Romanian is the main language spoken, there are about 5% of the population that speaks Hungarian.  This Provence in Romania with its beautiful castles and landscapes is defiantly a fairytale destination.

Dracula and the Transylvania Castles

Does Dracula’s Castle Exist in real life?

Well yes:  In Transylvania, as the author of the Dracula book, Bram Stoker, suggested.  Actually, the castle in Romania called “Bran Castle” is the closest to fit Bram Stoker’s description, in all of Transylvania, and that is why it is called “Dracula’s Castle”.  You can visit Count Dracula’s majestic castle from the “horror novel”. 

(Yes I said “horror novel” because as a teenager I’ve read all of the Bram Stoker Dracula stories and even watched a few versions of the movie, which sometimes was actually funny, so I would not call it a “horror novel” myself.)

Visit Bran Castle - Count Dracula

However when visiting Bran Castle you have to appreciate also the actual real life history of the castle, not just the connection to the Dracula story.  If you only go to see the “Dracula effect”, you might be very disappointed.  It is a beautiful castle. While visiting you have to stop at the pretty ‘Casa de ceai’ Restaurant in the lovely setting in the garden under the trees.  Plan your trip to Bran Castle, but not only with Dracula in mind.

Bran Castle is nestled in the picturesque Carpathian Mountains, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

What you need to know about Bran Castle:

Corvin Castle Transylvania
Corvin Castle Transylvania

It's all about the castles

Which castles to visit in Transylvania

When in Transylvania, you need to visit the beautiful castles, as that is partly the mystery and attraction of this beautiful province in Romania. Apart from Bran Castle, also, visit castles like Corvin’s Castle and Transylvania Castle.

Peles Castle Transylvania
Peles Castle Transylvania

Another beautiful castle - film location

I cannot write this article and not tell you to go to Peleș Castle.  This is a Neo-Renaissance fairy tale castle in the Carpathian Mountains, near Sinaia, on a medieval route linking Transylvania and Wallachia.  The castle which is featured in movies like ‘A Christmas Prince’ is a must-see in Romania.

 

When visiting Transylvania, there’s so much more to discover beyond the tales of Dracula. Embrace the region’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture.

Psst:  Did you watch the movie “The Book Club”?  Did you know you can STAY ON THE SET OF THE BOOK CLUB MOVIE?  read more…

Where is Transylvania?

Transylvania is a historic region located in central Romania. It is bordered by the Carpathian Mountains to the east and south, with the Apuseni Mountains to the west. The region is known for its stunning landscapes, medieval towns, and rich cultural heritage. Major cities in Transylvania include Brasov, Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, and Timisoara.

When to visit Transylvania

In our opinion the best time to visit Transylvania will all depend on the reason for your visit.  If you’re looking for some ski-slope action you should visit from January to the beginning of March.  But to us, springtime and summer are the most beautiful time of the year (anywhere from May and June to August).  It is the best time for sightseeing and appreciating the beautiful views, however, autumn is just as beautiful…

Things to do

Should you do a road trip, you must keep in mind the Picturesque Cheile Bicazului driving route. 

Must see places in Transylvania

Brașov

Known for its medieval Saxon walls and bastions as well as the Gothic-style Black Church. In the ‘old town’ you will find Piaţa Sfatului (Council Square) and Casa Sfatului, a local history museum.  It is also a beautiful travel destination for Christmas time.

Sighișoara

Known to be a popular tourist destination because of its well-preserved walled ‘old town’, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Biertan

The picturesque village of Biertan (or Birthalm) is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the most important Saxon villages with fortified churches in Transylvania.   It is beautiful and definitely a must see destination with tons of photo opportunities.

Moieciu

Moieciu (German: Mösch; Hungarian: Alsómoécs) is located 29 km south of Brașov. It has six villages: Cheia, Drumul Carului, Măgura, Moieciu de Jos, Moieciu de Sus and Peștera. All beautiful with unique places to stay.  Our booking.com link below, will help you find the best accommodation.

Cluj-Napoca

This is the unofficial capital of the Transylvania region and it is famous for its vibrant nightlife and music festivals. From central square, Piața Unirii, you can visit the Gothic-style St. Michael’s Church. 

Târgu Mureș

This beautiful city lies on the Mureș River, the second longest river in Romania.  The city offers a lot of sight-seeing adventures.  You can book various tours through our Viator or Get-Your-Guide links below.

Brasov is a beautiful Christmas destination
Visit Brasov in Christmas time

Nearest airport

The nearest airport to Transylvania is Cluj-Napoca (CLJ) Airport which is about 56 km away.

While in Transylvania...

Wander through charming towns like Brasov and Sibiu, where cobblestone streets and colorful buildings transport you back in time. Don’t miss the opportunity to hike in the breathtaking Carpathian Mountains or indulge in traditional Romanian cuisine at local taverns. And above all, interact with the friendly locals, who are eager to share their heritage and traditions with you. Transylvania is a place of enchantment and wonder, waiting to be explored beyond the shadows of myth and legend.

What to eat - Local cuisine

When visiting Transylvania, be sure to try “sarmale,” a delicious local specialty. Sarmale consists of cabbage leaves stuffed with a flavorful mixture of ground meat (usually pork), rice, onions, and spices, cooked slowly until tender. It’s often served with sour cream and a side of polenta, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that’s bursting with traditional Romanian flavors. This dish is a beloved staple in Romanian cuisine and is sure to delight your taste buds with its rich and comforting taste. Don’t miss the chance to savor this iconic Transylvanian delicacy during your visit!

Get the recipe for Sarmale and make it at home >>.

Sarmale Tradisional food in Transylvania

Where to stay

With the natural beauty of Romania as a country, you have a huge variety of beautiful accommodation options in Transylvania.  Let’s look at accommodation options near Peles Castle:

Uphill Residence where to stay near Bran Castle in Transylvania

Uphill Residence - Why we recommend

Set in Sinaia, 2.3 mi from George Enescu Memorial House, Uphill Residence features views of the mountain. Among the various facilities are ski-to-door access, free bikes, as well as a garden. Valea Dorului Ski Chairlift is 5 mi from the guest house and Pelisor Castle is 1804 feet away.  They offer an airport shuttle service.

Complex La Tunuri - Vila Economat - Why we Recommend

stay on the castle grounds in Transylvania in your own room with a view from the balcony

Complex La Tunuri – Vila Economat is the former Royal Guard Office of Peles Castle, located on the Royal Domain directly opposite the castle and just 328 feet from Pelisor Castle. Sinaia Monastery is 1640 feet away. Book a room with a balcony that has a view of the castle.

Looking for something special, unique and really beautiful?

Zara Chalet

most beautiful place to stay in Transylvania something special Zara Chalet in Bran

Why we recommend:

An 8-minute walk from Bran Castle in Bran, Zara Chalet provides accommodations with access to spa facilities and wellness packages. With garden views, this accommodation features a balcony.

Dino Parc is 8.3 miles from the accommodation, while Council Square is 18 miles from the property. The nearest airport is Sibiu International, 87 miles from Zara Chalet, and the property offers a paid airport shuttle service.

For more beautiful travel destinations, visit our blog.