10 essential tips for visiting Transylvania

Transylvania, steeped in vampire legends and mysterious allure, has emerged as Romania’s top travel destination. Beyond the myths, this enchanting region is filled with castles, medieval fortifications, and quaint villages, all brimming with charm.

For nature enthusiasts and adventure lovers, the expansive wilderness of the Carpathian Mountains harbors some of Europe’s last untouched forests and a more traditional way of life. Here’s what to keep in mind before venturing into 'the land beyond the forest,' the literal meaning of Transylvania's historical name.

1. Is Dracula merely a legend, or something more?

Transylvania is renowned for its vampire folklore and the notorious Count Dracula, popularized by Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel. However, the real figure behind the legend, Vlad Ţepeş, known as 'Vlad the Impaler,' gained infamy for his brutal method of impaling foes on sharp stakes.

Interestingly, the 15th-century prince of Wallachia never actually resided in the clifftop Bran Castle, often dubbed Dracula’s Castle, which draws nearly a million visitors each year. Additionally, Stoker himself never visited Transylvania.

Nonetheless, Bran Castle remains a must-see during any trip to Transylvania. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the off-season or booking a private night tour for a truly atmospheric experience, fitting for a fortress steeped in mystery.

2. Transylvania is home to a plethora of castles

If Bran Castle feels too crowded, Transylvania offers many other castles to explore. Just 50 km (31 miles) south of Bran, the mountain resort town of Sinaia is home to the stunning Peleș Castle, chosen by King Carol I of Romania as a summer retreat in 1875, thanks to its breathtaking backdrop of the Bucegi Mountains. The elaborate neo-Renaissance architecture reflects the family's German roots.

A quick 20-minute train ride to Bușteni leads you to Cantacuzino Castle, a neo-Romanian structure commissioned by Prince Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino, who served as prime minister in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Built on the site of a former hunting lodge, this castle featured as the Nevermore Academy in Tim Burton’s popular Netflix series, Wednesday.

3. Medieval towns abound throughout the region

Transylvania's medieval history comes alive throughout the region. Begin your journey in Siebenbürgen, the 'seven citadels' established by Saxon merchants in the 12th and 13th centuries to defend against invading Turks and Tatars.

Brașov, one of the best-preserved fortified towns, boasts stunning Gothic spires and vibrant orange rooftops. Located near the Poiana Brașov ski resort, it's Romania's most popular destination, and a new international airport opened in 2023 for easy access. Just outside Brașov, a Hollywood-style white-lettered sign shines brightly on the hillside at the foot of Mount Tâmpa, which you can reach on foot or by cable car.

Visit the fairytale town of Sighișoara, home to the last inhabited medieval fortress in Europe, featuring a 14th-century clock tower and the colorful buildings of its UNESCO-listed old town. Nearby Sibiu, a former European Capital of Culture, enchants with its unique 'houses with eyes,' characterized by Saxon architectural heritage and eyelid-shaped windows atop their roofs.

4. Transylvania is a diverse, multi-ethnic, and multi-faith region

Nestled in a lush landscape, the small towns and villages that have stood for centuries embody a distinct form of multiculturalism. Alongside Saxon settlers and their Germanic influences, the region is home to a significant Hungarian community, rooted in the era of the Kingdom of Hungary and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Cities like Cluj-Napoca and Târgu Mureș reflect a rich tapestry of cultures. While most of Romania is predominantly Christian-Orthodox, you'll find churches from various denominations that serve multilingual congregations.

5. The authentic spirit of Transylvania thrives in its villages

To truly experience the charm of Transylvania, visit its villages and embrace slow travel. Seven villages are recognized on the UNESCO World Heritage list for their fortified churches—six are Saxon, and one is Székely. Here, traditional crafts continue, with beautifully restored Saxon houses painted in vibrant colors.

Despite a decline in Romania's German-speaking population since the fall of Communism in 1989, conservation initiatives and ecotourism have thrived in this historic Saxon region. Consider staying at a traditional guesthouse in Biertan or Viscri, where you can wake up to the melodies of birds and the aroma of wood smoke in the fresh morning air. At Casa Eva Wagner in Biertan, you can enjoy views of the impressive Fortified Church of Biertan—the largest of its kind—while relaxing in an outdoor hot tub.

6. Watch out for Transylvania's ever-present bears

The Carpathian Mountains boast a rich diversity of wildlife, including wolves, lynxes, and chamois antelopes. Notably, they are home to Europe’s largest population of brown bears, with around 8,000 individuals, a figure that has been on the rise.

Spotting bears can be thrilling, and sightings are frequent along mountain roads, but vigilance is essential. Recently, bears have begun to leave their natural habitats, encroaching on mountain resorts and attacking livestock. Travelers may encounter warning text messages or posters in hotels alerting them to bear activity in the area.

Many visitors mistakenly feed bears, increasing the chances of dangerous interactions. Following a tragic bear attack, Romania enacted a bear control law in 2024 aimed at managing the growing bear population. To stay safe, make noise while walking in wooded areas and keep your distance from bears with cubs.

For a safe bear-watching experience, head to the Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Zărnești, where 100 rescued brown bears live freely across 69 hectares (170.5 acres) of lush coniferous forest after being saved from dire conditions in captivity.

7. Romania boasts incredible road trip opportunities

Regarded as the best drive globally by the motor show Top Gear, the Transfăgărășan road offers an exhilarating experience for adventurers. This route connects Transylvania to historic Wallachia, traversing the highest peaks of the Făgăraș Mountains, reaching an elevation of 2,034m (6,673ft) near the stunning glacier lake of Bâlea, accompanied by a picturesque waterfall. Along the way, you can glimpse the rugged remains of Poienari Citadel, the actual fortress of Vlad the Impaler.

Constructed in the 1970s in response to the Soviet Union's 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia, this high-altitude highway was commissioned by Nicolae Ceaușescu to ensure a secure route for military movement across the mountains. However, it's only accessible during the summer months. Plan your visit between mid-June and late October, and be sure to confirm that the road is open, as events and adverse weather can cause temporary closures.

8. Prepare for locals to generously fill your plate

In Romania, be ready to indulge in more food than you intended. The rural hospitality thrives on the idea that ‘the more, the merrier’, and Transylvania’s culinary offerings are particularly tempting.

Local delights include rose hip jam and hearty tarragon soups, often accompanied by a shot of robust pălincă – a plum brandy with an alcohol content between 40% and 50%. For an authentic taste of Transylvanian hospitality, spend a few days at a family-run guesthouse that cultivates its own produce, allowing you to savor plentiful, wholesome meals.

9. Transylvania is an excellent destination for hiking

For a genuine experience of pastoral village life, the cornerstone of Romanian culture, embark on the newly established long-distance Via Transilvanica trail. This route, which spans seven historical regions of Romania, was inaugurated in October 2022 and has already earned the Europa Nostra award for its innovative approach to sustainable local development and heritage preservation. Following this 1,420 km trail for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding feels like a journey back in time to rural communities that have seen little change over the years.

The 'path that unites' meanders past a variety of captivating UNESCO World Heritage Sites, offering the most comprehensive exploration of Transylvania's forests and verdant meadows. Along the route, you'll meet villagers who cultivate their own crops, travel in horse-drawn carts, and dry hay in the sun, just as they have for centuries.

10. Experience a royal retreat

Surprisingly, Transylvania is a beloved destination for King Charles III. The British monarch has been visiting the region regularly since 1998. Interestingly, Vlad the Impaler is among his ancestors, as many European royal families are distantly related!

Captivated by the area's untouched beauty, King Charles actively participates in preserving Transylvania's rural heritage. He has restored several Saxon farmhouses available for overnight stays, including a private nature retreat located in the Zalán Valley, just north of Brașov. This retreat, built in the 17th century, showcases authentic Transylvanian architecture.

The King’s House in Viscri reflects the monarch's commitment to traditional architecture, sustainable farming, and biodiversity conservation. Open to the public from April to October, it features exhibits and workshops that promote local craftsmanship.