Beyond Dracula: Reasons to Visit Brasov, Romania

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The small city of Brasov may not be well-known around the world. In fact, I'm sure many of you have never even heard of it. But in Romania, this little city of 230,000 is kind of a big deal.

Brasov is one of the larger cities in Romania, and also one of the country's top tourist destinations — for both domestic and foreign tourists. Its central location — roughly equidistant from the Black Sea and the wooden churches of Maramures — makes it a good base for exploring the rest of the country.

Brasov, Romania

But of course Brasov has plenty of draws of its own, too.

Located in Transylvania, Brasov was settled by the German Saxons in the 1100s (much like Sighisoara) as a favor to King Geza II of Hungary. At that time, Transylvania bordered the Hungarian empire, and the Saxons were rewarded handsomely for settling the region and defending it in the name of the king.

Today, remnants of the Saxons' fortifications can be seen in the Old Town of Brasov, with its old stone walls, imposing watch towers, and orange-tiled roofs.

Brasov doesn't feel nearly as medieval as Sighisoara, however, even though both cities boast walls and a Saxon past. Brasov feels much more modern, with a lively cafe culture and more open space.

Brasov, Romania

And there's also a bit more more to do and see in Brasov than in Sighisoara.

Having spent two days in Brasov, here are what I deem to be the “must-dos”:

The top things to do in Brasov, Romania

The walls/towers

The Old Town of Brasov consists of what used to be the Saxons' fortified town. The walls and watch towers have been restored (partly using UNESCO funds) in recent years, and you should definitely find time to get up at least one of the towers. I can say from personal experience that the view from the Black Tower may well be the best view in the city.

Brasov, Romania
View from the Black Tower
Brasov, Romania
One of the gates into the city

Visit the Black Church

The Biserica Neagra, or Black Church, dates back to the late 1470s, when it was built to replace a much older church that used to stand on the same site. It got its “Black” name after a fire in 1689 blackened its outer walls. Inside, the church holds an impressive collection of antique Turkish carpets, which have been a staple in the church for centuries.

Outside, a small detail worth noting is a statue of what appears to be a small boy on the roof of the church. One story goes that, during the church's construction, the best builder was actually a young boy of about 14. Some of the older men were jealous of the boy and his skills, and he “accidentally” fell off the roof before the church was finished.

Black Church, Brasov, Romania

Black Church, Brasov, Romania
It's not really very black.

Go up Mount Tampa

Rising 900 meters above Brasov is Mount Tampa, a small forested mountain with great views out over the city and surrounding region. You can hike up the mountain (it takes roughly an hour each way), or you can take the funicular up for a few dollars.

Either way, go up if the weather is nice. You can admire the city from behind the Hollywood-esque “Brasov” sign.

Brasov, Romania

Mount Tampa, Brasov, Romania
The funicular up Mount Tampa.

Brasov, Romania

City Center (Piata Sfatului)

Piata Sfatului is the center of Brasov, where a huge open square is always filled to the brim on nice summer evenings. Cafes serving traditional Romanian dishes, ice cream vendors, street performers dressed up like Jack Sparrow… you'll find it all here.

Brasov, Romania

Brasov, Romania

Brasov, Romania
And yup, you can see “the Brasov sign” from the center, too.

Day trips from Brasov

Brasov is also quite close to a few other big attractions in Transylvania that are worth checking out:

Bran Castle

This former fortress on the border of Transylvania and Wallachia is often said to have been Bram Stoker's model for Dracula's castle in his 1897 novel. However this castle has no real connection to Stoker, or Vlad Tepes (“the Impaler”) who supposedly was Stoker's inspiration for his blood-sucking main character. That doesn't stop it from being one of Romania's top tourist attractions, though. During peak season, this small “castle” can see thousands of visitors per day.

Bran Castle, Romania

The castle was originally built as a fortress to defend the border, but in 1920 became a royal residence — mainly a mountain retreat for Romania's Queen Marie (yes, Romania had Kings and Queens!). Today, the small fortress/castle serves as a museum, and usually makes it onto everyone's Romania itinerary.

Bran Castle, Romania

Bran Castle, Romania
A room inside the castle.

Rasnov Fortress

Not far from Bran Castle lies Rasnov Fortress, built atop a mountain that towers over the town of Rasnov. This fortress easily outshines Bran Castle, in my opinion.

A 13th-century Dacian fortress used to stand on the site, and then the current fortress was built atop its remains. The fortress sat empty and decaying for quite some time until some wealthy people and then eventually the Romanian government decided to spruce the place up and turn it into a tourist attraction. Today it's much less touristed than Bran Castle — and also quite a bit cheaper.

Rasnov Fortress, Romania

Rasnov Fortress, Romania
The view from inside the fortress.

Rasnov Fortress, Romania

You can also easily reach some of the other castles in Transylvania, too, from Brasov, including Peles Castle near Sinaia.

Where to stay in Brasov

Here are some hotels to check out in Brasov:

  • Kronwell Hotel – This 4-star hotel is the top-rated hotel in Brasov on TripAdvisor.
  • Bella Muzica – An affordable hotel right on the main square in the city.
  • Pensiunea Toscana – This B&B has great views over Brasov.

Brasov tours

Definitely check out these day trips in/around Brasov, which are handy if you're not renting a car in Romania:

Have you been to Brasov? If not, is it a place you'd like to visit?

 

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The best things to do in Brasov, Romania

 

*Note: Intrepid Travel has graciously provided me with a complimentary “Explore Eastern Europe” tour. But all opinions, as always, are entirely my own.

"It's a dangerous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and, if you don't keep your feet, there's no telling where you might get swept off to." - JRR Tolkien

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40 Comments on “Beyond Dracula: Reasons to Visit Brasov, Romania

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  1. Really nice post on my hometown, Brașov.
    Not only it is a charming city, being surrounded by mountains and nature really offers guests the possibility of exploring the forests at their own pace or, why not, on a bicycle. And remember, Brașov is not only a city, but a county as well, which offers much more than medieval atmosphere and fancy restaurants.
    I would say Brașov is the perfect destination, the only things missing is the sea / ocean. But that can be solved with a visit to the Aqua Park, which is pretty close.

    I must say I linked your post on my blog cause I wish people to see another opinion than mine, a Romanian native. I’m still working on it. I like the way you kept it short and conclusive. Thank you for writing about it as I believe Romania is so unique and push me to say is an unexplored gem.

    I HAVE VISITED ROMANIA AND FOUND IT TO BE ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL. THERE ARE ROSE BUSHES AND POPPIES EVERYWHERE I LOOKED AND THE AIR SMELLS SO FRESH. THERE IS NO HUMIDITY AND THE PEOPLE WHO LIVE THERE WORK HARD IN THEIR GARDENS, AT THEIR JOBS. IT WAS SO SERENE, SO TRANQUIL. IN FACT, I MISS IT NOW. I MUST SAY I INDULGED ON THE RUM ICE CREAM AND THE GREAT COFFEE BECAUSE I WAS NOT USED TO THE FOOD THERE. BUT TO WAKE UP TO A DONKEY DRAWN CARRIAGE, OR A COW CHEWING HIS CUD IN YOUR WINDOW, THE MORNING SKY SO PINK AND WHITE, THE CLEAN AIR AND THE BIRDS SINGING SO BEAUTIFUL. IT IS A WONDERFUL PLACE TO VISIT AND YOU MIGHT JUST FALL IN LOVE WITH THE SIMPLICITY OF IT ALL. I DID.

    First: Black Church was Roman St.Mary founded by Teutonic Order – their Patron – 1200 continued by Queen Marie D’Anjou of Hungary 1377 and finished by famous and glorious Prince Dracula Vladislav Tzepesh 1477. It was an Angevine -Aragonian Basilica the largest in South-Eastern Europe so-far. It is the only one with statue of Santiago, Spanish patron.
    It was not built by Saxons..
    Second: Dracula Tzepesh was born 1410 in the upper mountainous part of this old city named ‘Scheaisborgo ‘ Schei and that was a confusion with the small market of Schassburg (Sighisora) which was in those times just a Bohemian glass-factory village. The mistification of Tzepesh history was made by Lutherans (Saxons) after 1900 to destroy Roman (Catholic) history. It continued by Communists to destroy this great Romanic city. The walled down-town Saxon intramuros was Dracula’s prison and the Germans were as slaves at the crafts (guildas). Only Spanish Italian French Polish Magyars were fighting as Dragon knights (Uhlans Huszars) against Turks Tartars Bulgarians etc.
    Third: the tapestry inside Black Church was made in Corona Kronstadt (German TEPISCH like TEPISCH) as it was the greatest Weaving centre of South-Eastern Europe.
    And this add was made by me Brassovian native historian Diana Bertha Krausser

    My partner and I are visiting Bucharest..brazov and sighisoara next week…thank you for your excellent insights…we will also be staying in istanbul…I will have to read your recommendations for that city..j.t.

      Enjoy, Jeffrey! Romania really is a great country – I hope you enjoy your time there (and in Istanbul!).

    Brasov is simply amazing. And there are many more objectives in the area: Poiana Brasov (the best Romanian winter resort), the fortified churches, lots of castles and history, Transfagarasan not far away, etc. One of the best destinations I have been in Europe

      I really enjoyed Brasov, too. A very cool part of Romania!

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