Immerse yourself in the legends of Transylvania with a visit to Bran Castle and Râșnov Fortress. Departing from Braşov, the half-day hour tour begins with a stop at Râșnov to explore its imposing, 13th-century fortress. Next up is Bran Castle, also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’ — a hilltop estate that conjures up visions of howling wolves and bats fluttering in the moonlight. Wander the castle’s Gothic chambers and learn about its ties to Bram Stoker’s undead antihero. Upgrade when booking your experience and extend your tour to the beautifully ornate Peleș Castle.

Bran Castle and Râșnov Fortress tour from Braşov, led by a professional guide
Travel into Romania’s Transylvania region to visit Bran Castle, known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’
Visit Râșnov Fortress, a 13th-century fortress-village perched on a hilltop
Choose to return to Braşov after Bran and Râșnov, or opt to visit Peleș Castle

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

Letting someone else drive around Transylvania gives you more time to focus on the stunning scenery.

What's Included

Professional guide
Round-trip transport by air-conditioned car or minivan
Hotel pickup and drop-off from Brasov city only

Food and drinks
Gratuities
Entrance fees: Bran Castle, Peles Castle
3-4-hour tour extension to Peles Castle (if option not selected)
Entrance fee to Peleș Castle and Pelisor Castle

Meeting And Pickup

You can head directly to the meeting point, or request pickup

Meeting point

The Council's House
Piața Sfatului 38, Brașov 500025, Romania
The History Museum, Piata Sfatului Square

Pickup points

Select a pickup point

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Pickup details

We let you know about the pick up time from the hotel with 1 day before!

What To Expect

Explore two of Transylvania’s most impressive citadels and discover why the region is steeped in mysterious lore. Your professional guide will pick you up in central Braşov for the ride south to Râșnov, situated among the stunning Bucegi Mountains.

Learn about the storied history of Râșnov Fortress (admission at your own expense), a walled stone compound designed to ward off attacks by the fierce Tartars and used as a refuge for local villagers during medieval warfare. Explore the time-worn courtyards, ramparts and well of the 13th-century fortress built by the Teutons. Opt to have lunch in Râșnov if you like (own expense).

A short drive brings you to Bran Castle, nicknamed ‘Dracula’s Castle’ for its ties to Bram Stoker’s 1897 Gothic tale and its bloodthirsty villain. The high stone walls and red turrets of this hilltop citadel come into view as you approach the secluded castle, set among the dramatic backdrop of the Carpathians.

Enter if you dare, after paying the site fee (own expense), and wander through the castle’s many well-preserved rooms and chambers with your guide. Gothic furnishings and details help set the scene for ghastly legends of all that happened here, including the imprisonment of Vlad the Impaler. This 15th-century prince was notorious for his bloodthirsty campaigns against invading Turks and is said to have inspired Stoker’s malevolent Count Dracula.

If you’ve had your fill of vampiric lore, your guide will drive you back to Braşov at this point. If you’ve booked the upgrade for more, continue on to the nearby Peleș Castle.

The expansive, Bavarian-style Peleș Castle was built among a lush forest to house Romania’s royalty in the 19th century and is among the most beautiful in Europe. A guide will lead you through many of its immaculate, ornate rooms, still adorned with luxuriant furnishings and décor.

Rasnov Citadel: Garden and Panoramic View

1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included

Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle)

1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included

Peles Castle

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Small group tour
Sturdy hiking footwear recommended
Crowded in high season (July - August)
MONDAY BRAN CASTLE IS OPENED AT 12:00.
Peles Castle is closed MONDAY! Tuesday we can visit only the ground floor! Pelisor Castle is closed MONDAY and TUESDAY! More info about the admission time: peles.ro
Not wheelchair accessible
Near public transportation

Infant seats available
RASNOV FORTRESS IS CLOSED, for the moment! Anyhow, we could visit the outside walls and exterior court. We visit other site, instead (eg. The St Bartholomew Evangelical church / Cristian Saxon Fortified Church / Valea Cetatii Cave). The guide will inform you about the options.
Please bring your own mask; we provide hand sanitizer. We are cleaning vehicles after every tour.
Tour available with extension to Sinaia at a supplement of 20 euro/person and you have to book online Bran, Rasnov and Peles Castle option!
Please note when you book online the extension of Peles Castle, we visit this site first, than Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress!
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
"Skip the line" at the ticket office for Bran Castle only if you buy the ticket online or you pay the entrance fee to my guide.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.

Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveler Photos

Traveler Tips

The attraction to visit in one day are really worth!

It's an expensive tour, but there were only 3 of us on the tour, which was so nice, especially at Bran Castle where there were extremely large groups.

Reviews

5.0

642 reviews

Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews

Reviews by Viator travelers.

Showing 1-10 of 642 reviews

A “must-do” tour out of Brasov

Claire_D, Jun 2023

The tour exceeded our expectations, it was such a fun and interesting day! Bran Castle and Rasnov are two places that cannot be missed, and the fortified church was an added bonus. Karoly (“Charlie”) is an incredible guide and was truly one of the best parts of our tour. I highly recommend prioritizing this activity if you’re in Brasov!

Response from Host, Jun 2023

We appreciate your review for our guide and our Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Optional Peles Castle Visit, Claire! The day trip is a "must-do" especially in a small group tour (maximum 7 people) and with a guide as Charlie!

Essential Transylvania experience

Kari_N, Jun 2023

What a wonderful day! I’m really glad I did it, I learned SO MUCH about the area and it’s very interesting history. All three locations were beautiful and totally unique from each other. Our guide Charlie is very special, he knows so much and he kept things very fun.

Response from Host, Jun 2023

Thank you for sharing with us and with our future clients your review for our Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Optional Peles Castle Visit, Kari!

Book it now! Don't skip it when you're in Brașov :)

Sonata_S, Apr 2023

What a memorable trip, I absolutely fell in love with Transylvania! Tiberiu was an amazing guide and in fact, one of a kind. He was extremely intelligent and knowledgeable, you could speak about him for hours about any topic! I was really impressed by his stories. He was also very caring and hospitable, always making sure I felt comfortable. I could 100% recommend this experience! THANK YOU :)

Response from Host, May 2023

Thank you a lot for your detailed review for our Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Optional Peles Castle Visit, Sonata! Indeed, the day trip is memorable especially when you have with you my good friend and guide, Tiberiu.

Fabulous, informative day

Andrea_H, Apr 2023

Extraordinary day out. Charlie was a great tour guide, informative, a great driver, and laughed at our jokes :) we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Response from Host, Apr 2023

We thank you for reviewing our Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Optional Peles Castle Visit, Andrea!

Fantastic Travel Experience!

Craig_C, Apr 2023

I had a brilliant time visiting Peleś Castle, Bran Castle and Râsnov Fortress. Charlie was a informative guide and made the day fun.

Response from Host, Apr 2023

Thank you a lot for reviewing our guide and our Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Optional Peles Castle Visit, Craig!

Relaxed and informative, with great views of the surrounding area.

Hardy_B, Apr 2023

Very good value. Tiberiu was a friendly and knowledgeable guide. As well as visiting Bran Castle and Rasnov fortress, we were also taken to a local Palinca distillery to see how the drink was made and enjoy a tasting. Although the price of admission is not included, Tibi joined us giving historical context for what we were seeing.

Response from Host, Apr 2023

We thank you so much for reviewing our guide and our Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Optional Peles Castle Visit, Hardy!

A great day out!

rebecca_h, Apr 2023

we had a brilliant time today. Charlie was an amazing tour guide. He is so very knowledgeable and was able to answer so many questions. We loved our group and the transport. We all laughed and learnt in equal measure. Please pass on our heartfelt thanks to Charlie for providing such a memorable experience

Response from Host, Apr 2023

We appreciate your detailed review for our guide and our Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Optional Peles Castle Visit, Rebecca! Indeed, the day trip is great in a small group tour (you were 6 and we run our day trips with maximum 8)and when you have with you my good friend and guide, Charlie!

Very informative trip....

reubenweisz1946, Mar 2023

Very informative trip. Unfortunately Râşnov was closed for renovations . It could be viewed only from outside. Peles was just closed for 2 days

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you for reviewing our Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Optional Peles Castle Visit, Reuben! When you make the booking you have the info about Rasnov fortress. Unfortunately it is not under our control. We hope will be opened asap, also!

Loved it

Donna_S, Mar 2023

Dan was an excellent guide and very knowledgeable about everywhere we went. My favourite part was probably peles. Great day

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you for reviewing our guide and our Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Optional Peles Castle Visit, Donna!

Our guide was extremely...

Tamar_B, Feb 2023

Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and really helpful. Would definitely recommend this tour to anyone.

Response from Host, Feb 2023

Thank you for your review for our Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Optional Peles Castle Visit, Tamar!

Super!

Asia_G, Jan 2023

Transilvania is very beautiful and with our guide it was even more interesting and fun! Strongly recommended

Response from Host, Jan 2023

We thank you a lot for reviewing our Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Optional Peles Castle Visit, Asia!

Great tour of Peles Castle, Bran Castle, and Rasnov Fortress with Tiberiu

Grace_L, Jan 2023

We toured Peles Castle, Bran Castle, and Rasnov Fortress with Tiberiu. He's a wonderful guide that shares the incredible history of these destinations through energetic storytelling. Would definitely recommend this tour!

Response from Host, Jan 2023

We thank you so much for booking with us our Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Optional Peles Castle Visit, Grace! We appreciate your review, a lot!

Awesome castles!

Kelan_A, Jan 2023

We throughly enjoyed our tour across the Romanian castles with our guide, Tibi. He was informative and helpful, teaching us about Romanian history and even showing us local food. Would recommend this tour.

Response from Host, Jan 2023

We thank you so much for reviewing our guide and our Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Optional Peles Castle Visit, Kelan!

5* to the max! Loved it!

Caroline_T, Jan 2023

We cannot recommend this highly enough! 5* for our amazing, friendly and extremely well-informed tour guide Charlie, who not only brought Peles, Bran and Rasnov to life but also introduced us to delicious Romanian food and was such a great laugh. Charlie’s knowledge of the history and culture was impressive and inspiring. We also loved how tailored this tour was to our small group and our interests. Conversation flowed at all the right times - and I was even able to have a quiet nap between castles in the beautifully-equipped tour car. If we could give this 6*, we would! Thank you Charlie and Active Travel Brasov!

Response from Host, Jan 2023

We thank you a lot for your detailed review for our guide and our Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Optional Peles Castle Visit, Caroline! We are specialized in private and small group tours (maximum 8 people for our day trips), so you experience our tailor trips.

Cool experience exploring the sights!

KALLIOPI_V, Nov 2022

The tour was very well organized and Charlie was an amazing guide! Very friendly, social and knowledgeable! He was taking good care of us! He also new some cool spots for nice pictures!! Also, we started early and we managed to skip the huge lines in all places (mainly Peles castle and Bran castle). I would definitely recommend the specific tour!!

Response from Host, Nov 2022

We thank you a lot for reviewing our guide and our Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Optional Peles Castle Visit, Kallio!

Loved the fortress and...

Michael_W, Nov 2022

Loved the fortress and the castle. Tibi was very informative and gave us a great oral history of Romania and Transylvania.

Response from Host, Nov 2022

Thank you so much for reviewing our Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Optional Peles Castle Visit, Michael!

Excellent in every way!

Cindy_E, Oct 2022

This is a WONDERFUL tour! Charlie, our guide, was professional, knowledgeable, friendly and made the trip fun. The beautiful views are as intriguing as the castles. We enjoyed every minute and highly recommend this tour! (Be sure you include Peles! It’s worth it!)

Response from Host, Oct 2022

We thank you a lot for reviewing our guide and our Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Optional Peles Castle Visit, Cindy! We appreciate your advise about taking the Peles Castle option. It helps the future tourists.

Amazing tour!

Jennifer_H, Oct 2022

We opted for just the tour of Bran’s Castle and the fortress and this was enough for one day! We had an amazing tour and learned so much about the history of the Transylvania area. Try the Kürtőskalács chimney cakes in Bran!! The best we had!!

Response from Host, Oct 2022

Thank you so much for reviewing our Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Optional Peles Castle Visit, Jennifer! Yes, the Kürtőskalács is the right one!

Great tour

Yan_N, Oct 2022

The tour went very smoothly and had great value. Tiberiu is a very experienced and knowledgeable guide who made it all possible. Peles Castle is the definite highlight of the tour by far, so consider that when booking.

Response from Host, Oct 2022

Thank you a lot for reviewing our Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Optional Peles Castle Visit, Yan!

Easy way to see 2 castles and the fort

Maggie_V, Oct 2022

Good tour. Easy way to see the two castles and the fort. Guide was nice and very helpful with answering any questions. If you want to pay credit card for the tickets to enter each place make sure you tell your guide ahead of time. He likes to pay in cash to save time on the lines, But I found there was still time for you to get in line if you wanted to and pay credit card. Tour was a bit long at Peles Castle. No stop for lunch so make sure to bring snacks. Place to buy food at second stop mid day but not a sit down lunch.

Response from Host, Oct 2022

Thank you for reviewing our Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress Tour from Brasov with Optional Peles Castle Visit, Maggie! Regarding the stop for lunch: you were 7 people, some of you had sandwiches, some of you wanted to buy only sandwiches, so my guide gave you, as usual, 1 hour free time in Bran village where you have a lot of options for a good sit down meal.

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