Discovering Dracula's Realm: A Thrilling Road Trip to Transylvania
Transylvania: an unexpected adventure
It was a rainy day in early April when with a friend we decided to take a road trip. It was the first of a series of ongoing journeys that would take us in some of the most stunning locations in Europe. There was only a problem: we didn’t have any ideas on where to go! We only knew we wanted to visit a new country.
Almost randomly I had a thought: what about Transylvania? I have to admit it: I didn’t know a lot of things about this mysterious area of Romania. I only knew it because of Dracula, one of my favourite books.
“We are in Transylvania, and Transylvania is not England. Our ways are not your ways, and there shall be to you many strange things. Nay, from what you have told me of your experiences already, you know something of what strange things there may be.”
I decided to take a look at some pictures just to get the feel how how Transylvania looks like. I was immediately hooked by the he breathtaking landscapes and the majestic castles that stand guard over lush forests and picturesque mountains.
It wasn’t anything like I imagine it. There was only one task: convincing my friend to take the trip. I remember there was a little bit of esitation on his side. I can only imagine what was going through his mind. But in the end, we decided to give it a try and start this wonderful adventure.
The adventure begins (almost)
We landed at Bucharest airport on a slow Sunday of September 2018. It was quite late in the evening and a light rain was making us anxious about the upcoming days: it was our first road trip and we didn’t want to deal with rain and bad weather.
We spent the night in a small hotel near the airport. After checking in, the receptionits asked us about our trip in a mix of english and italian. He was surprised about our itinerary and wished us good luck.
That night we fell asleep talking about all the adventures awaiting us in the next few days: even the rain could not discurage us.
The next morning I booked an Uber and our first disadventure began: after long minutes, the Uber didn’t arrive at the hotel. I know is stupid worrying about such trivial thing but it was our first step towards Transylvania and we were already stuck.
The receptionist, understanding the situation with some supernatural like powers (to this day I still do not know how he was able to understand we were having some issues), asked us if we needed help. After explaining to him the situation, he made a phone call and after a few minutes a taxi was outside the hotel. It was a small gesture but he lifted our spirits: we were now ready to discover Transylvania.
We reach the airport and went to rent a car. Here the second disadventure began: there was some kind of problem with our booking. I couldn’t believe it: there was some mysterious entity that didn’t want us to start our road trip.
Fortunatelly, it was a small problem and we were able to rent the car: we were ready.
The adventure begins (for real this time)
We are finally on the road! The weather is perfect. The small setbacks we had a few hours earlier were just a memory.
Our first offical stop: Rasnov. Our GPS told us it was 146km away. With some good music on, we were “eating the asphalt” (the unofficial slogan of our trip). I am constantly looking at Google Maps to see if there are any sightseeing on the road where we can stop by.
I see a small lake. To get there we had to take a small detour but it isn’t a problem: we change our itinerary on the go and we cannot wait to get out of the car and streatch our legs on lake Paltinu’s shores. The detour was one of the best and worst decision ever: some parts of the road are uneven and difficult to drive on but we passed some of the most memorable views we encountered on the trip.
Somewhere on the road during our detour
The detour not-so-quickly took us to Rasnov. Rasnov is a charming medieval town with an iconic fortress atop a rocky hill. The imposing Rasnov Fortress, with its formidable walls and panoramic views, offers a glimpse into the region's storied past, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. Built in the 14th century, this medieval citadel was a strategic defense against invaders, providing refuge to locals during times of danger. Today, the well-preserved fortress stands as a symbol of resilience
After taking some times watching the panorama and exploring this historical landmar, we departed towards our next and final destination for the day: Brasov. Founded in the 13th century, this enchanting city grew into a significant trade hub and cultural center. With its well-preserved medieval architecture, cobbled streets, and iconic Black Church, Brasov is a living testament to its rich past. Over the years, it has witnessed historical events, including battles and cultural exchanges, leaving an indelible mark on its identity.
After a long day in the car, beign able to take a walk is a pleasurable sensation. We explore a little bit the city center but unfortunatelly, our adventure is cut short because of the rain. We run towards our hotel and on our way we found a small café and since it was still early we decided to have a couple of cups of coffee (unfortunatelly the place is now permanently closed).
We returned to our hotel but not before having dinner in one of the local restaurants: Casa Romaneasca. This was our first traditional meal and we were not disappointed. The food was good and the prices reasonables. At the end of the meal, we were offered a couple of glass of traditional spirt.
It was what we needed: once in the hotel room we collapsed on our beds and immediately fell asleep. We didn’t know the first day was just a taste of what Transylvania has in store for us.
Dracula’s birthplace
We wake up early in the morning: the sun is still not up but we cannot sleep anymore. We decided to take a walk in the city before leaving Brasov. As I look at the map a name caught my attention: The White Tower. Being a Lord of The Rings fan, I decided to go see what it was.
It turns out The White Tower of Brasov is a monument sitting atop the city's medieval fortifications that provides stunning panoramic views of the city. After a few pictures we return in the main city square to get a coffé to get the morning energy we need to face another full day of travel.
The final destination of the day is Sighișoara. Before reaching it, we have some intermediate stops that will take us to see some of the country’s castle. First stop: Bran castle!
Bran Castle, also known as "Dracula's Castle," is a captivating medieval fortress steeped in history and folklore. With its Gothic architecture, mysterious corridors, and breathtaking views, it remains an iconic landmark that intrigues visitors from around the world.
Of all the castles we saw in our trip, this is probably my least favorite. You can tour the inside and the outside are amazing but, maybe because there were quite a lot of tourist, I wasn’t able to fully love it. Do not get me wrong: is still an amazing attraction worth visiting.
Bran castle
Unfortunatelly, we do not have much time to explore Bran and Bran Castle. We leave almost in an hurry, like if Dracula was chasing us.
Before reaching our final destination there is another stop. This is one of my favourit spot of the trip: Rupea. Nnestled atop a rocky hill, Rupea is a stunning medieval stronghold with a history spanning over 600 years. This majestic citadel has witnessed the rise and fall of empires. Today, visitors can explore its well-preserved walls, towers, and courtyards, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
It is difficult to express why this is my favourite spot. Other than being a photogenic place with some breathtaking views, there were just a few people visiting (less than 10) so we had the place all for ourselves. This is definitivelly a must vising in every Transylvania road trip.
With a little sadness in our hearts, we leave Rupea towards the town that will provide us a bad for the night. The 50 minutes ride goes by and we finally arrived in Sighișoara.
Sighișoara is famous for being a well-preserved medieval citadel in Transylvania, Romania. Its historical significance lies in being one of the few inhabited medieval fortresses in Europe. The city's iconic Clock Tower, colorful houses, and cobblestone streets add to its charm and allure. Additionally, Sighisoara is renowned for being the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, who inspired the Dracula legend, adding a touch of mystery and intrigue to its history. Today, Sighisoara's cultural heritage, architectural beauty, and vibrant atmosphere make it a popular destination for tourists seeking a glimpse into the past and an enchanting travel experience.
One might think that because is the birthplace of Dracula, the city must be dark and moody. Nothing prepared me to the reality: a collection of colorful houses that make the town truly enchanting. Strolling through its cobblestone streets, you'll be mesmerized by the vibrant hues, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. These charming facades tell stories of the city's past, and each house adds its unique touch to the lively scene
Sighișoara’s colorful houses
We spend the day aimlessly walking around the city. After a good dinner and another stroll to the city, we go to our hotel room: tiered but happy to being there.
We wake up refreshed and exited for the new day. But Sighișoara had another surprise for us. As I open the room’s window I see a thick fog: this is exactly I immagined the city to be like. Without having breakfast we left the room so we could walk in the city with this new atmosphere.
I have to say it: as much as I loved walk with sun and those amazing colors, being able to expirience the city with the fog adding a sense of mystery was exactly how I though about Transylvania. I was expecting to see a vampire or another leggendary creature appearing from the fog (but for that, I had to wait another day).
Unexpected views
The final destination for the day is Sibiu, almost 100km away from where we are. Since is still early, we decide to take a detour from the main road. We end up in Biertan. Here we discover that Transylvania is famous for its fortified churches.
The fortified churches of Transylvania stand as architectural marvels, embodying a rich history and unique cultural heritage. These awe-inspiring structures, dating back to medieval times, were built as places of worship and defensive fortifications against invaders. Their imposing walls, watchtowers, and defensive features add an air of grandeur and mystery to the landscape. With a harmonious blend of Gothic, Romanesque, and Renaissance influences, each fortified church bears its distinctive style and symbolism. The interior of these churches showcases impressive frescoes, wooden carvings, and ornate altars that narrate centuries of religious and cultural significance. Today, these fortified churches are not only places of worship but also UNESCO World Heritage Sites, preserving the rich traditions and stories of Transylvania's past for generations to come.
We decide to visit Biertan’s fortified church. I cannot express the feelings of confusion being in a religious place, surrounded by fortified walls.
Biertan fortified church from above
After leaving Biertan, we quickly reached Sibiu. Sibiu is a hidden gem that exudes old-world charm and cultural allure. This enchanting city boasts a rich history that dates back to the 12th century when it was founded by German settlers. Its well-preserved medieval architecture, cobbled streets, and imposing fortifications paint a captivating portrait of its past. Strolling through the historic Old Town, visitors are transported back in time as they encounter stunning squares, charming houses, and intricately designed churches. Sibiu's cultural heritage is equally remarkable, with numerous museums, galleries, and festivals that celebrate its artistic spirit. As you explore its winding alleys and majestic plazas, Sibiu's warm ambiance and friendly locals make it an inviting destination for travelers seeking an authentic Transylvanian experience. With a blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, Sibiu offers an unforgettable journey that lingers in the heart long after you depart.
For all the time in Sibiu I had this strange sensation of being watched. Maybe it had to do because of the way how houses watch you (just kidding)!
Spying windows
Through the Carpathian
Today is the last true day of out trip in Transylvania. We will then go for a last night in Bucharest and then back home. We have a mix of feelings: excitement because of what we will do this day and sadness because we can see the end of the trip.
We leave Sibiu with a clear destination: Transfăgărășan. Stretching for 90 kilometers, this epic route crosses breathtaking landscapes, weaving past rugged cliffs, verdant forests, and glacial lakes. With its challenging hairpin turns and elevations reaching 2,042 meters, it offers a thrilling drive that promises unforgettable panoramic views. Transfăgărășan's dramatic beauty has earned it the nickname "the road to the sky," enchanting travelers with its ever-changing scenery and captivating alpine vistas.
Unfortunatelly, Transfăgărășan's stunning beauty is accompanied by a poignant history of sacrifice and dedication. During its construction, the road claimed the lives of many workers who braved the treacherous conditions and harsh terrain.
This raod is incredible. You go from the sunny plain to the snowy mountaintop. At the top we stopped at Bâlea lake where some people where selling coffee and hot chocolate.
After a refreshing stop, we left and reached Poenari Citadel.
Sitting high atop the rugged Carpathian Mountains in Romania, is a formidable fortress steeped in history and legend. Once the residence of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration behind the Dracula myth, this citadel has played a significant role in Romania's medieval past. With its strategic location, the citadel served as a defensive stronghold against invaders, offering commanding views of the surrounding valleys. Today, reaching the summit requires climbing 1,480 steps, a journey that immerses visitors in both the citadel's history and the breathtaking natural beauty of the landscape. As you explore the ruins, the whispers of the past echo through the stone walls, transporting you to a bygone era of mystery and intrigue.
After stopping to have some lunch we decided to climb the steps. Unfortunatelly, because a bear was spotted nearby, it was not possible to go up. With sadness in our hearts, we left towards Pitesti.
Going home
The last stops had a bittersweet sensation: we still visited new places but the best was behind us and in a few hours we will be home.
It is difficult to express what Transylvania ment for us. We left home without really knowing what we would find. But now we know: beautiful panoramas, lush green forests, hight mountains, castles, fortified churches and amazing people ready to help (there were others setbacks along the road but we always found people willing to help).
Transylvania is an underrated and still (mostly) unknown destination that should be on everyone to-do list.
“What comes to your mind when you think of the word Transylvania, if you ponder it at all? What comes to my mind are mountains of savage beauty, ancient castles, werewolves, and witches - a land of magical obscurity. How, in short, am I to believe I will still be in Europe, on entering such a realm? I shall let you know if it’s Europe or fairyland, when I get there. First, Snagov - I set out tomorrow”
Check the full photo gallery here: https://www.lostlensjourneys.com/transylvania