7-Day Transylvania Itinerary: Dracula’s Castles & Carpathian Road Adventures

Why Transylvania Is More Than a Myth

For centuries, Transylvania has been shorthand for one thing: Dracula. But the truth is even richer. The region is a tapestry of medieval fortresses, Saxon towns, and winding Carpathian roads that feel cinematic at every turn. Vampires may have made it famous, but the landscapes and legends of Transylvania make it unforgettable. This is a trip where history, folklore, and adventure collide.

Who This Trip Is Perfect For

• Adventure travelers craving winding mountain roads and dramatic castles.
• History lovers curious about Vlad the Impaler and vampire lore.
• Film & literature fans who grew up on Dracula stories and want to trace their roots.
• Culture seekers eager to experience Romania’s mix of Romanian, Hungarian, and Saxon influences.

Tips for Planning Your Transylvania Adventure

• Best Time to Visit: May–October for open mountain passes (like Transfăgărășan Road); October for Dracula-themed festivals and autumn fog.
  
• Getting Around: A car is essential — Transylvania is all about backroads and scenic drives.
  
• Pacing: Distances are shorter than they appear, but roads are winding — plan no more than 3–4 hours’ drive per day.
  
• Cultural Note: Vlad the Impaler is a national historical figure, not just “Dracula.” Locals appreciate when visitors respect the difference between myth and history.

7-Day Itinerary: Castles, Myths & Carpathian Roads

Day 1 – Bucharest to Brașov

Arrive in Bucharest and drive north to Brașov. Stroll the medieval Old Town, framed by the Carpathians, and visit the Black Church. Evening: dinner in a Gothic square that feels straight out of a vampire novel.

Day 2 – Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle)

Morning drive to Bran Castle, the iconic “Dracula’s Castle.” While Bram Stoker never visited, the castle’s gothic towers match his descriptions. Afternoon: explore Râșnov Fortress. Evening in Brașov.

Day 3 – Vlad the Impaler’s Poenari Fortress

Drive the dramatic Transfăgărășan Road (weather permitting) to Poenari Fortress, Vlad’s actual stronghold. Climb the 1,400 steps for sweeping views. This is the closest link to the real Dracula.

Day 4 – Sighișoara: Birthplace of Vlad

Head north to Sighișoara, a UNESCO-listed town where Vlad the Impaler was born. Wander pastel streets, climb the clock tower, and dine in the house where he entered the world. Evening: ghost tour through cobbled alleys.

Day 5 – Sibiu & Saxon Heritage

Drive to Sibiu, a city of Gothic towers and Saxon charm. Explore its plazas, fortified churches, and medieval walls. Evening: sample Romanian wines and hearty local stews.

Day 6 – Corvin Castle

Visit Corvin Castle, one of Europe’s most impressive Gothic fortresses, often compared to a film set. Its turrets and legends make it feel like Dracula could appear any moment. Overnight nearby or return toward Brașov.

Day 7 – Return via Carpathian Roads

Take a final drive through mountain passes and villages. Stop at local markets for honey, cheeses, and crafts before returning to Bucharest.

Did You Know?

• Nosferatu (1922), the first Dracula film, was banned in Germany after Bram Stoker’s widow sued—but it cemented the vampire myth in cinema.
• Vlad the Impaler’s reputation for cruelty (including impalement) inspired Stoker’s Dracula, but Bram never visited Transylvania—he relied on research and imagination.
• The Transfăgărășan Road was called “the best road in the world” by Top Gear, with hairpin curves through the Carpathians that feel cinematic.

Why Airial Makes Dracula’s World Accessible

Planning a Transylvania road trip means juggling castles, winding roads, and history that blurs into myth. Airial makes it simple—balancing Dracula lore with real medieval heritage, ensuring you see both the legends and the landscapes that inspired them.