Bucharest to Brasov and Bran Castle: Private day trip

Founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211 on an ancient Dacian settlement, and redeveloped by the Saxons as one of their seven walled citadels, Brasov’s location at the intersection of trade routes allowed Saxon merchants to obtain considerable wealth during their reign. To protect their hub, the city’s fortifications were continually expanded, with each of its several towers maintained by a different craft guild. While it was an important industrial center during communism, and even renamed ‘The City of Stalin’, its historic center has managed to retain its medieval charm. The ‘Black Church’, named after the fire damaged that blackened its walls, is the largest hall church east of Vienna. Inside, along with many Gothic embellishments, visitors will find the largest organ in Eastern Europe. Behind it, the Town Hall Square is lined with colorful baroque buildings, all centered on the 15th century Town Hall, which now houses the local museum.

Perched on a 200 foot high rocky outcrop, ‘Dracula’s Castle’ was actually founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1212, and rebuilt by the Saxons of Kronstadt under the permission of Louis I of Hungary in 1377. Despite its name, Prince Vlad, Stoker’s inspiration for Dracula, never lived in the castle. However, it did serve as the royal residence between 1920 and 1957. A gift from the people of Brasov to Queen Marie. Today, the castle is a museum open to the public. Following underground passages and winding stairways through 60 timbered rooms, visitors can admire Queen Marie’s collection of art and furniture, see weapons and armor dating from the 14th to the 19th centuries, and even take a closer look at the tools of torture.