Experience the History of Bran Castle and Saxon Fortifications in Burzenland
Overview
Discover Bran Castle and Saxon fortifications in a small-group day tour from Brasov.
In the 12th century the German Saxons arrived in Transylvania playing a major role in the development of powerful strongholds and fortresses throughout the region. The influence of the Saxons of Transylvania, also known Sasi, heavily increase the regions economy and began a cultural evolution. 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 through out 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).
In the 12th century the German Saxons arrived in Transylvania playing a major role in the development of powerful strongholds and fortresses throughout the region. The influence of the Saxons of Transylvania, also known Sasi, heavily increase the regions economy and began a cultural evolution. 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 through out 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).
Inclusions
- Professional guide
- Round-trip transport by air-conditioned car or minivan
- Hotel (only from Brasov city) pickup and drop-off
- Fuel surcharge
- Guaranteed to skip the lines
What to expect
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle), Str. General Traian Mosoiu nr. 24, Bran 507025 Romania
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 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 Brasov: Harman and Prejmer .
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Peasant Fortified Church at Prejmer, East side of the Brasov Depression, Prejmer 507165 Romania
In the 12th century the German Saxons arrived in Transylvania playing a major role in the development of powerful strongholds and fortresses throughout the region. The influence of the Saxons of Transylvania, also known Sasi, heavily increase the regions economy and began a cultural evolution. 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 through out the region. On this day tour from Brasov our English-Speaking guide will take you to visit two Saxon Church Fortresses: Harman and Prejmer.
Prejmer church, one of Eastern Europe’s best preserved fortified (and UNESCO listed) churches, was built in a shape of a Latin cross in a Gothic style. Built in 1427 to with stand 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 long tunnel.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Fortified Church of Harman, Str. Pietii 2, Harman 507085 Romania
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
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle), Str. General Traian Mosoiu nr. 24, Bran 507025 Romania
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 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 Brasov: Harman and Prejmer .
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Peasant Fortified Church at Prejmer, East side of the Brasov Depression, Prejmer 507165 Romania
In the 12th century the German Saxons arrived in Transylvania playing a major role in the development of powerful strongholds and fortresses throughout the region. The influence of the Saxons of Transylvania, also known Sasi, heavily increase the regions economy and began a cultural evolution. 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 through out the region. On this day tour from Brasov our English-Speaking guide will take you to visit two Saxon Church Fortresses: Harman and Prejmer.
Prejmer church, one of Eastern Europe’s best preserved fortified (and UNESCO listed) churches, was built in a shape of a Latin cross in a Gothic style. Built in 1427 to with stand 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 long tunnel.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Fortified Church of Harman, Str. Pietii 2, Harman 507085 Romania
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
Additional information
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Sturdy hiking footwear recommended
- "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.
- Near public transportation
- Infants must sit on laps
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- When you book the rate as 1 person, in case we have other clients, we refund the difference you paid as solo traveler, after the tour
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 7 travelers
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
bfrosberg
October 2019
Charlie was a very friendly and extremely knowledgable guide. We booked as a couple and were with another group of four. We had a great time exploring both locations, taking many pictures, with Charlie taking the time to explain the history behind Bran Castle and Transylvania.
Charlie was a very friendly and extremely knowledgable guide. We booked as a couple and were with another group of four. We had a great time exploring both locations, taking many pictures, with Charlie taking the time to explain the history behind Bran Castle and Transylvania.238frankiea
April 2023
This tour was a fascinating look into the history of Transylvania from royalty to rural people. I was expecting it to be mainly about Dracula, but that was just a small part of it. Charlie was the best guide possible from the moment he picked me up from my hotel to when he dropped me back in Bras...
This tour was a fascinating look into the history of Transylvania from royalty to rural people. I was expecting it to be mainly about Dracula, but that was just a small part of it. Charlie was the best guide possible from the moment he picked me up from my hotel to when he dropped me back in Brasov to sample Sarmal (stuffed cabbage - traditional Romanian dish). Charlie was so knowledgeable about everything from history to literature to politics and was happy to answer any of my questions. He was also funny and the day went very quickly. Thanks Active Travel for a great trip.kathlenemaecabalda
December 2019
Me and my friend Cheryl had a nice time with our tour guide Charlie. We felt safe which was my first concern in all my travel thing. We consider him as our friend because he gave us much information about the Fortress, Bran Castle and he took great photos of us. I will surely recommend Charlie ...
Me and my friend Cheryl had a nice time with our tour guide Charlie. We felt safe which was my first concern in all my travel thing. We consider him as our friend because he gave us much information about the Fortress, Bran Castle and he took great photos of us. I will surely recommend Charlie and his travel agency to my friends back in Dubai and Philippines. Job well done guys. 😁Dreamer59188905538
November 2019
I took the tour with Tudor, which was an excellent tour guide, Not only did he provide me with info about the history of both Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress, but also he taught me a lot about Rumanian history and culture. It was a pleasure to do this tour, he is a young intelligent guy, he knows...
I took the tour with Tudor, which was an excellent tour guide, Not only did he provide me with info about the history of both Bran Castle and Rasnov Fortress, but also he taught me a lot about Rumanian history and culture. It was a pleasure to do this tour, he is a young intelligent guy, he knows a lot about history and is so passionate about his culture and his job. I hope many people get the chance to take this tour with him as he is a good value in Brasov. Thank you for the services and I hope Brasov continues developing as a touristic destination in the future!mikeburlington
September 2019
Apart from a very good half-day tour itinerary to Bran and Rasnov, what was special was our tour guide Karol. A very good, knowledgeable guide and narrator, Karol even took his own time to help us with our train tickets to Bucharest after the tour. This was so helpful and we are most grateful. ...
Apart from a very good half-day tour itinerary to Bran and Rasnov, what was special was our tour guide Karol. A very good, knowledgeable guide and narrator, Karol even took his own time to help us with our train tickets to Bucharest after the tour. This was so helpful and we are most grateful. Highly recommended.bbinthemoment
September 2019
Alex was wonderful to work with and we enjoyed our tour immensely. He facilitated flawless visits to both of our destinations. He was kind and patient with our crew, and did not rush us and was flexible with our group (we had a baby and a toddler with us). But the best part was being able to ch...
Alex was wonderful to work with and we enjoyed our tour immensely. He facilitated flawless visits to both of our destinations. He was kind and patient with our crew, and did not rush us and was flexible with our group (we had a baby and a toddler with us). But the best part was being able to chat with Alex about history, culture, and politics. One day was not enough, we all learned a bit more about Romania and want to come back for another visit.