Romania has always had a rich history filled with myths and folklore. However, nothing has quite captured the imagination like Bram Stoker’s legend of Dracula and the ruler who inspired it, Vlad the Impaler!

Today, monuments catering to this legend’s fiction and reality still mark this storied land. From the uplands of Transylvania to the historic heart of Wallachia, this road trip itinerary aims to highlight the myths and misunderstandings behind the popular legend whilst showcasing the real history of Romania’s most famous leader. And maybe even highlight some hidden gems along the way…

On the Trail of a Mythological Bloodsucker!

(1) Sibiu

Sibiu makes for a wonderful start on any trip to Romania. Although it doesn’t share a history with either Dracula or Vlad Tepeș, it makes for a perfect drop-off point to discover the charms of Transylvania. A beautiful city and cultural behemoth, it’s lined with streets of Saxon-style abodes, cafés and thought-provoking museums.

WHAT TO DO: See the city’s mix of Germanic and Romanian heritage from above by climbing the old town’s Lutheran Cathedral.

WHERE TO EAT: Head down to the cellar at Crama Sibiul Vechi to sample some of Transylvania’s tastiest treats or catch the sunset with a slice of Sachertorte at Cafe Wien.

(2) Corvin Castle

Playing centre stage in the latest Dracula adaptation by Robert Eggers, Corvin Castle is one of the many castles thought to have inspired Bram Stoker. Its intimidating edifice hides an equally terrifying history. Bloody battles, torture, and curses are interwoven into the castle’s stone walls.

OF SPECIAL INTEREST: Keep an eye out for the castle’s main well in the central courtyard. Despite its ordinary appearance, it is said that the two slaves who built it cursed the castle and the royal family for betraying them after denying their freedom.

IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Nosferatu (2024) isn’t the only starring role this castle has had. It has had its moment of fame in other films such as Ghost Rider and paranormal shows like Ghost Adventures.

(3) Sighișoara

Less than an hour and a half away from Sibiu, Sighișoara is a beautiful fortified town nestled within the elevated slopes. Along the ancient cobbled streets stands an important monument capitalising on the ever-popular Dracula mythology. The town plays host to the house where it is said that Vlad the Impaler was born. The house is home to a suitably kitsch tourist attraction and a surprisingly nice restaurant.

(4) Brașov

Crossing to the other side of the county, the city of Brasov has gained notoriety in no small part thanks to the legend of Dracula. As you might expect, there are plenty of tacky souvenirs and reminders of its claim to fame. However, the city is so much more.

Set between forested hills, the city has a quaint and charming old town and has some of the nicest locals around.

WHAT TO DO: Attend one of the nightly organ concerts held in the famous Black Church.

FOR A SUMMER’S DAY: Exhausted from the summer heat? Why not try a sumptuous scoop of gelato at the local branch of Velocita, or why not try Romania’s twist on lemonade at one of the many good restaurants in town?

(5) Bran Castle

Just outside of Brașov, the legend of Dracula reaches its apex. Perched atop a sheer cliff, the castle certainly gives off the Gothic horror aesthetic. However, the castle’s relation to the legend is all hype.

While the castle may be one of the many options that could’ve inspired Stoker’s story, its own story is no less impressive. Bran Castle was the impetus behind Queen Marie Alexandra’s decision to fight for the reunification of Romania.

Time for something more?

Alba Lulia makes for a great morning/afternoon visit. Situated near Sibiu and Sighișoara, the town is something of a national unifier. It’s the former seat of Romanian royalty and a place where each of the nation’s religions stands side by side.

Hunting for the Son of the Dragon!

Leaving Transylvania via the Transfagarasan Highway, a communist mega-project, is where the real history behind Vlad Tepeș begins. The road’s twists and turns reveal a royal and bloody history to rival any mythology.

(1) Poenari Castle

Known as Vlad’s impenetrable fortress, it was whilst out hunting that the bloody prince saw the potential of the area as the ultimate defendable spot. Now lying in ruin, the journey up its more than 1,000 steps offers the perfect way to experience an era filled with siege warfare.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT: The Transfagarasan Highway is a great place for spotting bears; just make sure not to feed them!

(2) Curtea de Argeș

Continuing on the Transfagarasan Highway, the road gives way to the medieval town of Curtea de Argeș. Home to a monastery and cathedral of the same name, it is where the members of the Romanian royal family are laid to rest.

A GRIM TALE: Legend has it that the monastery took more than blood, sweat and tears to get built. To ensure that it would be finished, one of the construction workers buried his wife alive within its walls as a sacrifice.

(3) Târgoviște

Once the medieval capital of Southern Romania, its royal roots can still be seen today with the remains of the capital’s princely court. This court played residence to the most famous royals in the land, including Vlad Tepeș. Evidence of his time at the fortress still stands tall with the Chindia Tower, one of the best-preserved parts of the site.

SHORT ON TIME?: If time is of the essence, Târgoviște can be visited on a day trip from Bucharest, which is less than two hours away.

(4) Bucharest

While Bucharest has no relation to the legend of Dracula or Vlad Tepeș, the city is no stranger to bloodsuckers, with scars from the nation’s communist era still looming large over the city. In recent years, however, Bucharest has transformed into a cosmopolitan metropolis, with leafy boulevards filled with high-end shops and world-class museums.

A WILD RIDE: Take a leap back in time, and witness firsthand life under Ceausescu’s regime with a tour in a Soviet-era car.

A MEAL WITH A VIEW: Grab a bite at Stadio Unirii and watch as the Palace of Parliament lights up the night sky.