Transylvania is an intriguing region of Romania, known mostly for being the setting of the Gothic horror novel Dracula. A land of mist-shrouded medieval castles and primeval forests, its myths and superstitions inspired the vampire folklore used in Bram Stoker’s book. The vampire novel was also inspired by the brutal exploits of Vlad Tepes, a 15th-century prince. A folk hero in Romania, Tepes was known for fighting off the Ottoman Empire and nicknamed Vlad the Impaler for skewering his enemies on long spikes. 

Transylvannia is a mystical place, a historic region of Gothic castles and medieval villages with stony lanes and horse-drawn carts, bordered by the Carpathian mountains. Here are eight of the best things to do in Transylvania.

Explore the Old Town of Brasov

One of the best things to do in Transylvania is to explore Brasov’s Old Town. Founded by the Teutonic Knights in 1211 and settled by the Saxons, this medieval city of baroque buildings  and cobblestone streets is surrounded by the Carpathian mountains 

Wander the fortified town with its walls, watchtowers and Gothic spires. Be sure to climb one of the watchtowers for an impressive view of the Old Town and Tâmpa Mountain. You’ll also find quaint shops, cafes, and picturesque streets throughout the Old Town. Brasov is one of Romania’s most beautiful cities.

Visit Bran Castle

This Gothic fortress is promoted as the castle that inspired Dracula’s lair in Bram Stoker’s novel. The etching on the cover of the first edition of Dracula looks eerily similar to Bran Castle. The spooky castle matches many of the descriptions in the book. 

Bats fly around the turrets and spires of the castle that contains underground passages and chambers that display medeival torture instuments, armor and weapons. Nestled in the Carpathian mountains, the castle was a retreat for Romania’s Queen Marie and has amazing views of the surrounding landscape.  

Vampire-themed tourist sites in Transylvania are derived from the lore and legends of the strigoi. In Romanian mythology, strigoi were restless spirits who rose from the dead and roamed the countryside after dark to feed on their victims’ blood.    

One of Romania’s most stunning castles, Bran Castle makes a convenient day trip from Brasov. To learn more of its vampire lore and history take an immersive tour of the castle. Your guide will take you through the Gothic chambers of the castle and tell you about its ties to the Transylvanian Count.

Tour the Turda Salt Mine 

Outside of Cluj-Napoca, you’ll find the Turda Salt Mine in the small town of Turda. These spectacular mines were dug during the Middle Ages for mining salt. A labyrinth  of cave corridors and mine galleries, Turda is the largest salt mine museum in the world with attractions that include a 180-seat amphitheater where you can listen to concerts, a health spa and an underground theme park that looks like something out of a science fiction film. 

You’ll head 400 ft below ground into one of the most unique amusement parks in the world. In this strange underworld you can ride a Ferris wheel, play mini golf, ride a carousel, go bowling, and even ride a paddle boat on an underground lake. All the experiences here are surrounded by the unique natural formations that shaped this part of the world millions of years ago. It’s a fun experience for all ages.

Get tickets by visiting the Turda Salt Mine website.

Explore Peleș Castle

Peleș Castle is located an hour outside Brasov in the scenic town of Sinaia. Located in the Carpathian mountains, the neo-Renaissance castle was built between 1873 and 1914 as a summer palace for the Romanian royal family. The stunning castle contains a theatre hall, a concert hall, a large collection of weaponry and armor from Europe and Asia, a marble staircase, a Moorish coffee room, a Turkish smoking room and royal stables.     

The fairytale castle is beautifully situated on a hill surrounded by trees and the rolling mountains of the Bucegi National Park. The mountain views are quite impressive. Add in the striking details of the palace, such as stained glass windows, decorative frescoes and sculpted wood, and you’ll see why a visit to Peleș Castle is one of the best things to do in Transylvania.   

See Carpathian brown bears in the wild

Wildlife enthusiasts are able to observe Carpathian brown bears in their natural environment. Romania is home to 60% of Europe’s brown bear population. These brown bears inhabit the Carpathian Mountains.   

To stay safe when bear watching, it’s best to book a tour with an experienced ranger and trek into the forests of the Carpathian Mountains where you can spot brown bears as well as deer, wild boar, lynx, and other native wildlife. From a secure camouflaged hide you can observe the wild bears. Around 5,000 of these animals live in the dense forests and mountain meadows of one of the last remaining wilderness areas in Europe.     

Visit Corvin Castle

Corvin Castle is the largest medieval castle in Transylvania. This impressive castle, located near the city of Hunedoara, began construction in 1446 as a fortress against the Ottoman Empire. Perched on a rocky bluff, this Gothic castle has orange-hued turrets and medieval stones, and a drawbridge over a moat leading to the main entrance. Its pointed turrets overlook a stone courtyard and stone columns and banners decorate its halls. The walls are decorated with marble. Stone carvings adorn the windows and balconies. 

Visitors learn that Vlad the Impaler was imprisoned for seven years in the dungeons of Corvin Castle, which caused him to eventually go insane. It’s been a significant part of Transylvania’s history. The castle is full of mystery, and looks like something out of an epic fantasy film. Add Corvin Castle to your Romania travel itinerary.

See the Fortified Church of Biertan

Biertan was founded by Transylvanian Saxons as a medieval stronghold, a fortress around the town, to defend against the Ottoman army. The Lutheran fortified church and the surrounding village are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the picturesque medieval town of Biertan, a beautiful village of vineyards and pastel-colored houses, this late-Gothic church has a rib-vaulted ceiling and a stone pulpit and is surrounded by concentric walls. It feels like you’ve been transported back in time as you walk the cobbled streets leading up to the impressive church. Built between 1486 and 1524, its style feels more like an enchanting castle than a church.

Visit the steampunk bar Joben Bistro in Cluj-Napoca

Cluj-Napoca is Romania’s fourth largest city. It has a large student population and interesting art galleries, night clubs and Bohemian cafes. One of the most interesting bars in the city is known for its retro-futuristic aesthetic, pulled from the steampunk subgenre. Joben Bistro boasts a quirky industrial design, embracing all things steampunk, the subgenre of science fiction inspired by 19th-century steam-powered machinery and the stories of HG Wells and Jules Verne. Steampunk is an alternative history of the Industrial Revolution with fictional machines set in the Victorian era or the American Old West. 

Joben Bistro is divided into three rooms decorated in an industrial and retro-futuristic style. The first room serves almost as an art gallery with carefully collected vintage pieces. The second room is where you’ll find the bar, more artwork, and a small stage. The third room is filled with interesting objects and cozy furniture where you can sip on concoctions of cocktails and enjoy the menu of burgers, pasta and salads. 

The bar is decorated with brass and copper pipes, exposed mechanical gears and taxidermied deer heads. A blue zeppelin airship and top-hat lamp shades hang from the ceiling. The decor includes old black-and-white photos on bare brick walls. Listen to Romanian electronic music and bask in the sepia-toned lighting while nibbling steampunk cheese and sipping on cyber punch.