10 things you need to know before visiting Transylvania – Lonely Planet (2024)

Transylvania is best known as the mysterious land of bloodthirsty vampires and howling wolves. Some may think it’s fictional, but this central Romanian region is a real place. And it’s pretty special, too.

Bordered to the east by the Carpathian Mountains, ‘the land beyond the forest’ still feels undiscovered. So, pack your garlic – here’s the lowdown on one of Eastern Europe’s most captivating regions.

10 things you need to know before visiting Transylvania – Lonely Planet (1)

Dracula is real (sort of)

Bram Stoker’s 1897 vampire novel was inspired by centuries-old superstition and the real-life exploits of Vlad Dracula. Known by his murderous moniker, Vlad Ţepeş (the Impaler), the 15th-century Wallachian nobleman was said to have skewered up to 80,000 enemies on long spikes.

Despite his wicked ways, he’s considered a hero in Transylvania, so not everyone’s thrilled with the region’s bloodsucking reputation. After years of opposition from locals, the Romanian tourism board announced plans to develop ‘vampire tourism’ using European funds.

It’s like stepping back in time

While it’s hard to avoid the creepy count, you’ll also find hardwood forests, lush pastures and wildflower meadows. Travelling around Transylvania, described as ‘the last truly medieval landscape in Europe’, feels like you’ve gone back 100 years. Horse-drawn carts rumble along dirt roads, while shepherds tend their flocks and villagers make hay in the sunshine.

Keep your romantic notions in check, though. This also means poor infrastructure, such as potholed roads and slow trains, so you’ll need a bit of patience.Trains are slow, so buses are your best bet between towns and cities (check timetables here), but you’ll need to hire a car to explore the countryside (try Autonom). Driving conditions aren’t as bad as some make out. Crater-sized potholes and the odd stray dog are your biggest challenges.

10 things you need to know before visiting Transylvania – Lonely Planet (2)

A Hungarian phrasebook comes in handy

Tongue-twisting Hungarian is the default language in eastern Transylvania.It’s also widely spoken in cities such as Miercurea-Ciuc, Târgu Mureşand Cluj-Napoca and the counties of Covasna and Harghita. That’s because the region had been associated with Hungary for over a thousand years, up until the end of WWI when it was united with Romania. Today, ethnic Hungarians make up around 19% of the population of Transylvania. Around half of these are Székely people, thought by some to be descended from Attila’s Huns.

The Saxons made their mark

German merchants arrived in the 12th century to help defend the region against the Tatars and Turks. Over the next few centuries, they built seven fortress towns, known as the Siebenbürgen, and hundreds of fortified churches. Must-see spots include the pastel-hued city ofSighișoara and the churches of Biertan and Viscri, all Unesco World Heritage Sites. While the medieval Saxon architecture has survived, the population has dwindled. Following the collapse of communism at the end of 1989, around 90% fled to West Germany.

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You can wallow in thermal springs

Transylvania has a number of resort towns, famed for their therapeutic waters. The mineral mud and warm salty waters of Bear Lake in Sovata are rumoured to cure infertility. The buoyant, balmy waters of Ocna Sibiului near Sibiu – right up there with the Dead Sea when it comes to salinity – are good for arthritis.

Feeling brave? Head to Covasna for a mofette, a ‘sauna’ of post-volcanic gases, mainly carbon dioxide and a dash of eggy sulphur, thought to benefit cardiovascular conditions. Patients stand for up to 20 minutes while the heavier carbon dioxide gas swirls around their knees and is absorbed by the skin. Inhaling the gas can be fatal, so it’s strictly under medical supervision.

It’s great for bear-spotting

The Carpathian Mountains are home to wolves, lynx and Europe’s largest population of brown bears. Around 5000 bears roam the oak and beech forests. Strangely, the population flourished during the communist period, as dictator Nicolae Ceauşescu was the only person allowed to hunt.

The Forestry Commission owns a number of hides where you can observe bears in the wild with a ranger, including the popular Stramba Valley hide north of Zărnesti. The best way to visit a hide is through a tour company, such as Transylvanian Wolf. Not so keen to meet one in the wild? The Libearty Bear Sanctuary near Brașov cares for more than70 bears rescued from cages and circuses.

10 things you need to know before visiting Transylvania – Lonely Planet (4)

Prince Charles is a big fan

The heir to the British throne first visited Transylvania in 1998 and has been a regular visitor ever since. The Prince of Walesis involved in conservation of rural villages and has bought and restored a handful of farmhouses that visitors can rent.

The guesthouses, in the remote villages of Viscri and Zalánpatak, are decorated with handmade wooden furniture and rugs. Prince Charlescan evenclaim kinship with the region’s most infamous son; according to genealogists he’s a great grandson 16 times removed of Vlad the Impaler.

It has the world’s most amazing road

While most Transylvanian roads are heavily potholed or unpaved, the Transfăgărășan Roadbucks the trend. Built as a military route in the 1970son Ceauşescu’s order, it winds up and over the towering Făgărăș Mountains. The road zigzags up a barren valley toLake Bâlea and through a 900m-long tunnel, before continuing down through the forests of Wallachia region. Heavy snow means the roadis open only a few months a year, usually from late June until early October, when it’s packed with petrol-heads.

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Palincă is the local tipple

Transylvanians like to start a meal with a slug of palincă, a fiery brandy traditionally made from plums. At around 45% proof (or more if it’s the homemade variety), the double-distilled drop certainly packs a punch. It’s served at room temperature and downed in one with a hearty Noroc!(‘cheers’ in Romanian) or Egészségére!(inHungarian).

And it’s not just for pre-dinner drinks. Locals like to welcome guests and toast most happy occasions with a shot. You’ll see roadside stalls selling homemade firewater, or pop along to Teo’s Distillery in Sighișoara to taste brandies made from different fruits.

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Bran is just one of many incredible castles

Perched on a peak with turrets and towers, Bran Castle looks straight off the pages of your favourite vampire novel. The 14th-century pile near Braşov pulls in the crowds accordingly, but Vlad the Impaler’s real digs were at Poienari Citadel in Wallachia. Now a ruin, it’s difficult to visit bypublic transport so it’s one for Vlad’s hardcore fans.

If you don’t fancy shuffling through Bran, head 50km south to the mountain resort of Sinaia. The fairytale Peleş Castle rivals Bavaria’s best and was built for King Carol I in 1875 as his summer retreat.It’s technically in Wallachia but easiest reached by either bus or train from Braşov (one hour).

This article was first published in October 2013 and updated in August 2015, May 2019.

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10 things you need to know before visiting Transylvania – Lonely Planet (2024)

FAQs

10 things you need to know before visiting Transylvania – Lonely Planet? ›

How many days do you need in Transylvania? One week in Transylvania is enough for you to discover the most famous attractions in the area. If you can stay longer, either add lesser-known destinations to the route, or extend your vacation with a tour of Maramures.

How many days do you need in Transylvania? ›

How many days do you need in Transylvania? One week in Transylvania is enough for you to discover the most famous attractions in the area. If you can stay longer, either add lesser-known destinations to the route, or extend your vacation with a tour of Maramures.

How safe is Transylvania? ›

It is by far the safest part of Romania according to all surveys and one of Europe's most secure destinations. Three out of five Romanian cities ranked in top 100 in the world are located in Transylvania. They are: Cluj Napoca, Timisoara and Brasov. They are also among the top 10 safest cities in Europe.

What are some important facts about Transylvania? ›

Transylvania, historic eastern European region, now in Romania. After forming part of Hungary in the 11th–16th centuries, it was an autonomous principality within the Ottoman Empire (16th–17th century) and then once again became part of Hungary at the end of the 17th century.

What is the best time to visit Transylvania? ›

The Best Time to Visit Transylvania

Transylvania's collection of astoundingly beautiful cities, Gothic architecture, dense fairy-tale forests and lush foothills are best explored from March through to October. At this time of year, the temperatures are mild, so outdoor activities and sightseeing are comfortable.

Is Transylvania cheap to visit? ›

Cheaper than Western Europe We all know that traveling requires a very well-planned budget, so it might help to know that Transylvania is relatively cheap to explore.

Is it safe to travel to Transylvania right now? ›

Exercise normal precautions in Romania. Read the country information page for additional information on travel to Romania. Danger level: 2 - Travel is usually safe. This is the general advisory usually covering the country as a whole.

What not to do when visiting Romania? ›

Don't accept food, drinks, gum or cigarettes from people you've just met. Thieves posing as police officers may ask to see your ID and wallet. Romanian police won't stop you at random to do this. If you suspect someone is posing as a police officer, ask to see their identification.

Is Romania safe for American tourists? ›

Romania is one of the safest countries in Europe. Its crime rate is low, and most tourists enjoy a stress-free journey in this gorgeous country. However, before you start dreaming about Romania, make sure you have the Romania Travel Application Form.

Is Romania rich or poor? ›

That means Romania is in top 50 richest countries in the world. In year 2023, in Europe, Romania is ranked on position 12 by GDP, and on position 7 by Purchasing power parity (PPP). The country's economic growth has been one of the highest in the EU since 2010, it is expected to reach the EU average wealth by 2030.

What language do they speak in Transylvania? ›

The official language is Romanian, and it is spoken by approximately 89% of the 23m population. Hungarian is spoken by around 7% of the population, mainly in Transylvania. There is also a population of German speakers who make up around 1.5% of the national population.

What monster lives in Transylvania? ›

You may know about Dracula, the Transylvanian vampire, as created by Bram Stoker, but there are way more creatures haunting the surrounding the Carpathian Mountains!

Is Dracula real in Transylvania? ›

However the fictional character, created by author Bram Stoker, was in fact based on a real historical figure called Vlad the Impaler. Vlad the Impaler, also known as Vlad III, Prince of Wallachia, was a 15th-century warlord, in what today is Romania, in south-eastern Europe.

What food is Transylvania famous for? ›

10 Culinary Dishes To Try In Transylvania
  • Pie On Lespede, With Cheese And Greens. ...
  • Lamb Stew with Onion, Garlic, and Spices (Shepherd's Recipe) ...
  • Sibiu Pork Tenderloin. ...
  • Bean Soup With Pork Leg, Served In A Bread Bowl With Red Onion. ...
  • Chicken Paprikash With Sauce And Dumplings. ...
  • Gulyas. ...
  • Pig's Alms. ...
  • Shepherd's Bulz.

Why do people go to Transylvania? ›

Driven by vampire lore and mystery appeal, Transylvania has become Romania's most popular region for travelers. But legends aside, this magical land of castles, medieval bastions and old-world villages packs in a lot of charm.

Does it get cold in Transylvania? ›

January to March are the coldest months in all of the Balkans, including Romania and Bulgaria. Temperatures may be as low as -5°C inland, and the weather in Transylvania is crisp, bringing heavy snowfall.

How many days is enough for Romania? ›

Three weeks is enough duration to turn you into a 'native'! However, given that not all travelers have two or three weeks to spare, we highly recommend anywhere from seven to ten days to explore the best of this country that is shrouded in myth and mystery.

How long to beat Hotel Transylvania? ›

7½ Hours
Single-PlayerPolledLeisure
Main Story15h
Main + Extras26h 46m
Completionist116h 30m
All PlayStyles411h 54m

Is there a train from Bucharest to Transylvania? ›

The best way to get from Bucharest to Transylvania is to bus which takes 7h 26m and costs $16 - $24. Alternatively, you can train, which costs $55 - $70 and takes 9h 10m.

Can you spend the night in Dracula's castle in Transylvania? ›

Although it's not possible to stay in the castle, you can explore it alone or as part of a tour group. And while you cannot spend the night, the remote village of Bran has an abundance of lavish accommodation available for fans of the fanged legend.

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