Sprawling across the heart of Romania, Brașov County lies on the northern edge of the Carpathian Mountains. It’s an important industrial area, with fighter aircraft, automobiles and machinery built within its borders, while it also boasts beautifully preserved cities, castles and fortified churches.
Things to do in Braşov
From the cobblestone streets of Brașov to the storied rooms of Bran Castle, Brașov County is one of Romania’s most fascinating destinations.
Sightsee in Brașov. Serving as a gateway to Transylvania, Brașov is an enchanting city framed by the rugged peaks of the Carpathian Mountains. Overlooking its main square are colourful Baroque buildings, including the 13th-century Casa Sfatului with its history museum. Marvel at one of Eastern Europe’s largest Gothic churches, the immense Black Church, and ride the cable car up Tampa Mountain, from where you can admire the red-tiled roofs of the city below.
Visit Bran Castle. Often referred to as “Dracula’s Castle”, Bran Castle lies on the historical border between Transylvania and Wallachia. While there’s no evidence that it inspired the setting of Bram Stoker’s novel, it’s worth a visit for its magnificent architecture and collection of antique furnishings and artwork. At the base of the castle is an open-air museum where traditional cottages and barns are on display.
See the fortified church of Prejmer. Prejemer is one of seven Transylvanian villages that have been collectively listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to their fortified churches. Founded in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights, the Prejemer Fortified Church was carefully restored during the 1960s. Surrounding its oval-shaped courtyard are 12-metre-high walls while many of its 270+ rooms are open to the public.
Getting around Braşov
Henri Coandă International Airport near Bucharest is just over two hours’ drive from Brașov and has flights to destinations across Europe and the Middle East. Regular trains connect to the Brașov railway station and travel to major towns throughout the county while buses serve smaller villages. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting around Brașov County.