Transylvania is famous for its medieval and period castles, many linked to famous myths and historical figures. Here are the four you must see.
🦇 Bran Castle — Dracula's castle
30 km south of Brașov, in the Bran Pass. Built in 1377 by Saxons as a customs fortress, later residence of Queen Maria of Romania. The Dracula link (Vlad the Impaler) is largely literary — Bram Stoker never visited Romania. Vlad may have been imprisoned here for a few months, not historically confirmed.
Visit: 70 lei adult. Interior: Queen Maria's original furniture, displays on the Dracula legend, weapons hall. Summer: queues of 1–2h, go early (10:00) or evening (15:00–16:00).
👑 Peleș Castle — the royal jewel
In Sinaia (45 km from Brașov, in the Carpathians). Built 1873–1914 by King Carol I of Romania, the country's first king. German neo-Renaissance style, 160 rooms, library with 4000 books, themed halls (Arab, Turkish, Italian, French). Central heating, electric lighting and lift — Europe's first castle with these facilities, from 1890.
Visit: 50 lei (basic tour — 1st floor), 70 lei (1st+2nd floors). Pelișor Castle, smaller (1899–1903), Queen Maria's residence, is next door: 30 lei separately.
🏰 Corvin Castle (Hunedoara)
In Hunedoara (4h from Bucharest, or 2h from Cluj). Built in the 14th c. by John Hunyadi, father of the future King Matthias Corvinus. One of the largest and most impressive Gothic castles in Central Europe — pointed towers, 30 m drawbridge, knights' halls. Place where Vlad the Impaler was held prisoner for 7 years (1462–1469).
Visit: 30 lei. Less touristy than Bran or Peleș.
🛡️ Râșnov Citadel
Near Bran (15 km). Saxon peasant citadel built 13th–14th c. as refuge against Mongol and Turkish invasions. On a hill, panoramic view of mountains and Râșnov village. Visit: 15 lei. Much less touristy than Bran.
🚗 Day tour from Brașov
Best way: rent car from Brașov or hire private guide (around 100 EUR per day for 2 people). Day itinerary: Brașov → Râșnov → Bran (lunch) → Peleș (Sinaia). 8 hours total, 100 km round trip.