Experience the History of Bran Castle and Saxon Fortifications in Burzenland

Description Experience the History of Bran Castle and Saxon Fortifications in Burzenland

Discover Bran Castle and Saxon fortifications in a small-group day tour from Brasov.

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15% OFF: From €59 to €50

Rates:

• 79 euros for one person (When you book the rate as one person, in case we have other clients, we refund the difference you paid as a solo traveler, after the tour).

• 59 euros/person for a minimum of two people

The package includes:

• transportation: by car or minibus with an air conditioning system

• Licensed English-speaking tour guide

Not included:

• entrance fees, lunch, drinks, tips

Duration (flexible): 5-6 h

Guaranteed departure: all year round, except Monday!

Meeting point: In front of Biblioteca Județeană "George Barițiu", Bulevardul Eroilor 33-35 - 08:30 AM. Please be aware that we provide pick-up and drop-off services exclusively within the city of Brașov, as well as for guests staying outside the old town. The pickup time will vary based on the requested location. Additionally, we are happy to drop off guests at a different location than the pick-up point for an additional fee. Our guide holds the sign "Meeting Point GUARANTEED DEPARTURES DAY TOURS”.

You have to make the booking 1 day in advance until 8 PM!

Starting August 1st, 2025, guided tours inside Bran Castle will be conducted exclusively by the Castle’s official guides or independently, without being accompanied by our tour guide, due to Bran Castle’s new policies—more details on their website.

 

In the 12th century, the German Saxons arrived in Transylvania, playing a significant role in the development of powerful strongholds and fortresses throughout the region. The influence of the Saxons of Transylvania, also known as the Sasi, significantly enhanced the region's economy and initiated a cultural transformation. The spirit of the Saxons can still be seen today in such medieval towns as Brasov, Sibiu, Sighisoara, Medias, and Sebes. But the most impressive mark left by this culture are the Fortified Churched scattered throughout the region. On this day tour from Brasov, our English-speaking guide will take you to visit Bran Castle - also known as ‘Dracula’s Castle’ — a hilltop estate that conjures up visions of howling wolves and bats fluttering in the moonlight, and two Saxon Church Fortresses - Harman and Prejmer (UNESCO World Heritage Site). First, wander Bran Castle’s Gothic chambers and learn about its ties to Bram Stoker’s undead antihero, inspired by Vlad the Impaler, a harsh but rightful ruler. Initially built by Teutonic Knights and reconstructed as a stone building by the orders of Ludvig de Anjou, it protected the south-eastern border of Transylvania with Wallachia. Not only was it used as a military fort, but it was also used as a customs building where merchants paid their taxes before entering Transylvania. Strategically built on a rock called Dietrich Rock, it offered a great outlook on the trade route passing through. After the Great Unification of Transylvania with the rest of Romania, the castle's tale took a turn. It became the favorite summer residence of Queen Maria, the Queen of all Romanians and one of the key makers of Greater Romania. Accompanied by our guide, you'll not only learn about the castle's history but also get an introduction to the numerous tales and legends that inspired Bram Stoker in creating his successful novel Dracula. Our journey continues to Prejmer (Tartlau), where the best preserved fortified church reveals itself to us. The church, built in the shape of a Latin cross in a Gothic style, houses the oldest triptych altar in Transylvania. The fortification was built in 1427 to withstand Ottoman attacks and shelter the village's inhabitants. The walls are 14 meters high and 5 meters thick. Access to this massive fortress can be gained through a 5-meter-thick, long tunnel, once surrounded by a moat. The last, but certainly not the least, will visit the church in Harman (Honigberg), which is a Roman basilica with Gothic elements. The west tower, chapels, and water moat still retain this era's character today. By exploring the interior courtyard, our guide will take you to one of the side chapels, where frescoes dating back to the 13th century were discovered and restored. Walking through the defensive walls, we can understand how communities managed to fight back against attackers. Like most fortified churches, villagers could find shelter in the rooms built directly on the inside of the circular wall, which today accommodates an interesting and vast ethnographic museum.

 

What To Expect

Itinerary

Stop At: Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle)

Leave central Braşov by air-conditioned car or minivan and head south to the village of Bran (around 30 minutes driving), nestled beneath the Bucegi Mountains in the Southern Carpathian range. Visit Bran Castle, the 14th-century Transylvanian fortress-palace linked to the legend of Count Dracula, the vampire of Bram Stoker’s 1897 novel. Admire the high-turreted hilltop castle on approach and pay at the entrance (own expense) to go inside. Wander the eerie rooms filled with Gothic furniture and armoury as your guide unravels the castle’s links with Dracula, sparked by its association with Vlad the Impaler. This brutal 15th-century nobleman was imprisoned in the castle in 1462 and was known for impaling enemies on stakes. Having investigated the Dracula legend, hop in your minivan or car, and return to Braşov to continue the medieval adventure to the Saxon Fortified Churches around Braşov: Harman and Prejmer.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Admission Ticket: Not Included

 

Stop At: Peasant Fortified Church of Prejmer

Prejmer church, one of Eastern Europe’s best preserved fortified (and UNESCO-listed) churches, was built in the shape of a Latin cross in a Gothic style and built in 1427 to withstand the attacks of the Ottomans. The walls are 14 meters high and 5 meters thick. Access to this massive fortress can be gained through a 5-meter-thick tunnel.

Duration: 1 hour

Admission Ticket: Not Included

 

Stop At: Fortified Church of Harman

Harman Church is a Roman basilica with Gothic elements. The west tower, chapels, and water moat still maintain this era today. Inside, you can find paintings dated back to the 13th century.

Duration: 1 hour

Admission Ticket: Not Included

 

Important Information

• Your local contact is Active Travel Day Tours on 0040728804952.

• Please note: Complimentary pick-up from Brasov is offered for this tour/activity. If you require this service, you must contact Active Travel Day Tours at

  • Locally on 0040728804952

  • By email at marian@activetravel.ro

  Please don't hesitate to contact us at least 24 hours before your tour/activity date to confirm your pick-up time and location. If you are not arriving within the specified time frame, please don't hesitate to contact Active Travel Day Tours before your trip or immediately upon arrival at your destination.

• Please be ready at least 10 minutes before departure time.

Map of visited POI's:

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