If you’re a fan of Bram Stoker’s gothic novel, you may have always wanted to see Transylvania for yourself. In fact, Transylvania has much more to offer tourists than just vampire lore. The most popular region in Romania for a number of reasons, it could be a great destination for your next trip. Let’s take a look at what it has to offer.
1. Its Own Airport
Easily reach Transylvania from another European city by flying into Avram Iancu International Airport. It’s second busiest airport in the country, meaning there are a number of flight options. Alternatively, you could fly into the capital at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport and make your way up the country (but it will take a few hours).
2. Numerous Castles
One of the main reasons tourists love Transylvania is the numerous castles. Many are in exceptional condition, with well-preserved architecture and intricate details.
Of course, the most famous is Bran Castle because it’s the supposed home of Vlad the Impaler (although it’s likely he never did actually live there), who some claim was the inspiration for Dracula. Although the links between the castle and the novel are dubious, it’s a hugely-popular castle and certainly a must-see.
Other castles are (slightly) less crowded and equally impressive. Peleș Castle is actually a palace, chosen by King Carol I for his summer residence. Beautiful inside and out, it has carved wood and gold interiors and a Neo-Renaissance architecture. Surrounded by the Bucegi Mountains, it is often covered in snow during the winter.
Another option is Cantacuzino Castle — another summer residence, this time of Prince Gheorghe Grigore Cantacuzino. It was made famous by being the shooting location of the TV series Wednesday.
You may also want to visit what was more likely Vlad’s residence: Poenari Citadel. Just be aware that this ruined fortress is only accessible after climbing 1,480 concrete stairs.
3. A Different Atmosphere with Every Season
Think carefully about what time of year you’d like to visit Transylvania — the season will have a big impact on your overall trip. For mild weather, choose the spring, when it’s comfortable to explore the outdoors. If you want to see stunning red and orange leaves, choose the fall (but be aware that it may be rainy). The summer is hot, but you can always cool off with a dip in the lakes. Lastly, winters are often biting cold, but the deep blanket of snow that covers everything is particularly picturesque.
4. Medieval Towns to Explore
Transylvania is a large region — around the equivalent of Maine. This gives you a good amount to explore. If you want to see as much as possible, move around every couple days and stay in different Medieval towns. Brașov is the largest in the area (where you’ll arrive if you fly into Transylvania) — a fortress town with spires and red roofs. Sighisoara is a great choice because its historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also make sure you see Sibiu for the eyebrow dormers on the houses, called the Eyes of Sibiu.
5. Delicious Food and Drink You Weren’t Expecting
You may be surprised by the variety of delicious dishes in Transylvania, as Romanian cuisine is not well known internationally. Expect to find things like polenta, rose hip jam, and various soups, including pork and rice, beef tripe, and tarragon. Also popular is gulyas — better known as Hungarian goulash. Although its considered a Hungarian dish, it’s common to find this soup throughout Transylvania. It’s traditionally cooked outdoors and eaten as part of a social event. In addition, you’ll often receive a shot of pălincă with your meal, which is a strong plum brandy. For the best local food, stay in a family guesthouse that serves homegrown food.
6. Plenty of Opportunities to Be Active
If you’re looking to have an active vacation, there are few better options than Transylvania. If you go hiking in the mountains, you may like to stay in a cabin (you’ll find the most authentic by calling rather than booking online — many are only available this way). If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you could even sleep in a tent. Other outdoor activities include cycling, horse riding, and skiing in the winter.
7. Wildlife in the Mountains
Traveling in the Carpathian Mountains will almost certainly give you the chance to spot some exciting wildlife. In addition to wolves, lynxes, and chamois antelopes, Transylvania is home to the largest population of brown bears in Europe, estimated at around 8,000. One of the best places to see bears safely is Libearty Bear Sanctuary, which has bears rescued from captivity.
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