Bran Castle
I never knew Romania/Transylvania was home to the legends of Dracula and vampires.
What I thought was in New Zealand for some reason, so I figured since I was in Bucharest for a couple of days I may well see this famous castle.
I decide to make a day trip and not hired a guide since I travel solo and I usually prefer the challenge.(was a challaged)
Bran Castle
I never knew Romania/Transylvania was home to the legends of Dracula and vampires. So I thought, what better time to explore this than with family! After researching tour prices and train tickets, we decided to attempt a day trip ourselves. I used to hate tours because of how restricted and forced it would feel, but now I’m neutral. If I can make the journey myself, however, I usually prefer the challenge.
The Train to Brasov
Apparent was a train it takes you from Bucharest to the castle, someone told me at the station, which would take you to the castle. Seemed simple enough (kidding).
I told myself I could be going on a journey that could be a disaster because I had no idea about the train in Romania. Usually, i research a country a lot before visit but since I end up in Romania because visa issues with turkey I had no idea what I was getting myself in.
Train rides last 2 hours and 30 minutes from Bucharest to Brasov, so I started my journey super early.
We arrived at the station 10 minutes before the 9 AM train.
The ride was quite lovely, the train was full, so if you’re planning a trip, I recommend to buy your ticket the day before .mainly towards the latter half of the trip.
When we arrived in Brasov, you have to take a local bus or taxi that will take you to another bus station where you take another bus it will take you to the town call Bran where the castle is located.
This is an adventure for those who are in a budget is a lot changing bus a lot of locals on the bus, and I ride the bus for 30 minutes standing.
If you’re in a rush and not in a budget, you can take a taxi for 20$ OR 30$.
The Castle
The castle ticket IS 35 lei/person ($8.75). Bring your student ID if you have one, to pay 20 lei ($5) instead!
I decide not to visit inside, is just a personal thing, after visiting so many castles over Europe for me feels the same but it’s up to you if you want to do, and beside the line was 2 hours wait.
Dracula’s castle took about 30 minutes to get through if you’re taking pictures and looking around the garden. As a quick lesson: “Dracula” was based on the historical (real-life) figure – Vlad the Impaler. He and his name inspired the legends of Dracula because of his blood-thirst and the number of people he killed. But the castle itself doesn’t have much association to Vlad the Impaler.
After the castle, I went to lunch which was around 50 lei for one person ($12).
