A Fun Guide to Visiting 9 Romanian Castles (By a Local)
Ready to uncover some incredible places in my home country? Then hop on this post where you’ll find 9 unique Romanian castles!
I’ve been visiting these castles since I was a little and I’ve made sure to include lots of tips that I’ve gathered over the years, in this article. You’ll find information on how to reach each castle and also a short list of hotels near each one.
NOTE: For some castles, the hotels I offered are set in the nearest airport town, as there were no places to stay right near it (some are set in very remote villages).
Let’s have some fun!
Check out this map where you can visualize all the castles that I’ll talk about in this post:
1. Peles Castle & Pelisor Castle – crown jewels of castles
Often thought of as the crown jewel of Romanian Castles, Peles is an architectural masterpiece, set in Sinaia, a mountain town that’s located a 2h drive away from Bucharest, the capital.
The castle was built as the summer residence for the Royal Family and it features 19th century architecture. All 160 rooms are beautifully decorated with unique furnishings, European art, stained-glass windows and stunning woodwork.
I visited the castle a couple of times and I always remain in awe of its beauty and grandeur.
You can take a tour of Peles or visit on your own. Either way, I recommend booking your tickets in advance (here’s the website) as this place is always packed with tourists.
Right near Peles Castle, on the same vast grounds, you’ll also find Pelisor Castle, which was built for the Royal Heirs to the throne of Romania, Prince Ferdinand and Princess Marie.
I personally like Pelisor, more, as it has something special that sets it apart. It also feels more intimate and it has many interior decorations done by Queen Marie.
PRICE: from US$10
How to get to Peles Castle
The closest airport town to Sinaia, is Bucharest, the capital and below I’ll include all the ways you can get to Sinaia from Bucharest.
By car
You can rent a car from Bucharest and you’ll get to Sinaia in 2h (max 3h if there’s traffic). This is a great option if you want to visit other parts of the country.
By train
You can take a direct train from Bucharest North Train Station (map) and get there in approximately 1h 30min. You can get your ticket, which costs around US$10 from this website.
By tour
If you’re in Romania for a short time, then check out this tour from Bucharest which includes a visit to Peles Castle, Dracula’s Castle and also a stroll through Brasov’s Old Town (another touristic city in Transylvania). The tour costs US$25 and it lasts the whole day.
Where to stay near Peles Castle
Luckily, there are lots of accommodations near Peles Castle! I’ve included a short list of the best ones, for each price right below:
For those who are just taking a day trip from Bucharest or Brasov and are staying there, I’d recommend reading our post with the best areas to stay in Bucharest and the top places in Transylvania:
- Luxury: Chalet Royal – a dreamy, rustic chalet set a 20 min walk away from Peles Castle, that offers cozy rooms with wooden furnishings, a spa center and free parking.
- Mid-range: Hotel Alexandrion Experience – this modern hotel has 2 on-site restaurants, modern rooms and a great location, a 30 min walk away from Peles Castle.
- Budget: Hotel Stavilar – set on the grounds of Peles Castle, just a 10 min walk away from it, this hotel comes with a restaurant and family rooms.
2. Bran Castle – alleged home of Count Dracula
By far one of the most popular castles in Romania!
Bran Castle is set in Transylvania, in the Bran commune and it rose to fame thanks to Bram Stoker’s Gothic horror novel, Dracula.
Although most of the stories that link Bran Castle to Dracula are just stories, the castle has earned the name of Dracula’s Castle and has kept it since.
At one point the Castle used to be one of the royal residences and that’s why there’s a small museum inside the attraction dedicated to Queen Marie and the royal family.
You’ll definitely have a great time exploring this place, and might even get the chills while visiting certain parts of the castle (I know I did).
I’d recommend booking your tickets in advance for this place as it gets lots of visitors, especially in the summer months (June to August). Here’s their website.
PRICE: from US$15
How to get to Bran Castle
The closest airport town is again Bucharest and below I’ll briefly include the main ways that you can get from the capital to the attractions.
But I’d also recommend reading my post on how to get from Bucharest to Bran Castle, as you’ll find a lot of useful information.
By bus
If you want to get there by bus from Bucharest, you can get your tickets from this website. The buses leave from this station (map) but definitely double check on their website the location, and will drop you at this bus station (map) in Bran, which is set around a 20 min walk away from the Castle.
There is no Uber in Bran commune to get from the station to the castle, but you can check for some local companies on this website.
The bus ticket costs US$55 and the journey takes around 3h and 30 min.
By car
As always, the easiest way to get somewhere is by car. You can rent a car from Bucharest and you’ll get to Bran Castle in 3h or more, depending on the traffic.
By tour
You can take the same tour I recommended for those who want to visit Peles. It’s this tour which costs US$25 and it lasts the whole day.
Where to stay near Bran Castle
Here are some of the best accommodations near Bran Castle, for all budgets:
If you are staying in the capital and taking a day trip to Bran, check out our post with the ultimate places to stay in Bucharest:
- Luxury: Conacul Törzburg – a stunning place that offers rooms with Castle views, an on-site restaurant and a great location just a 10 min walk away from Bran.
- Mid-range: Zara Chalet – this rustic accommodation is located a 10 min walk away from Bran Castle and it offers a spa center and cozy rooms with a balcony.
- Budget: Casa Din Bran – set less than a 5 min walk away from Bran Castle this place offers a complimentary breakfast and free parking.
3. Corvin Castle – ultimate fairytale castle
This castle reminds of the ones that I read about in stories and legends, as a kid. It looks so amazing!
Corvin Castle is located in Hunedoara, a town a 2h drive away from both Timisoara and Cluj-Napoca (both home to international airports).
Dating back to the 15th century, the castle is set atop a rocky cliff, offering some impressive views of the surrounding lands. It is also one of the largest castles in Europe and it has a lot of towers and cool chambers that you can explore.
You can get your tickets from this website, and I’d recommend buying them in advance.
PRICE: US$10
How to get to Corvin Castle
The closest airport town to Corvin Castle is Cluj-Napoca. Below I’ll include the main ways that you can get there from Cluj.
By bus
There’s a bus from Cluj-Napoca to Hunedoara (home town of Corvin Castle) and you can check for tickets on this website. The journey lasts around 3h and the ticket costs US$15.
By car
Rent a car from Cluj-Napoca and you’ll arrive at the castle in approximately 2h and 30 min.
By tour
I found this amazing tour, from Cluj that includes a visit to Corvin Castle, Turda Salt Mine and the town of Alba Iulia. The tour lasts the whole day and it costs US$108.
Where to stay near Corvin Castle
Below you’ll find a list of the top places right near the Castle, but if you’re staying in Cluj or other towns in the region, and just taking a day trip, check out our post with the top hotels in Transylvania to find your dream hotel.
- Luxury: Werk Hotel & Spa – set just a 10-min walk away from the Castle, this amazing accommodation offers bright rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and
- Mid-range: The Corner House – this historic building boasts apartments with family rooms and a balcony, just a 10-min walk away from the Castle.
- Budget: Curtea Veche – located a 10-min walk away from the castle, this place comes with a restaurant and a bar.
Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!
4. Sturdza Castle – Moldova’s hidden jewel
Located in Miclauseni, a small town from Moldova, a region in the North part of the country, this castle will make you feel as if you’ve arrived in some fairy tale!
Although not very big, the castle’s Neo-Gothic style and gorgeous surroundings will make you fall in love with this place.
The property belongs to the Sturdza family, a well-known family from Moldova, of whom you can learn more about during your visit.
PRICE: US$5
How to get to Sturdza Castle
Here are all the ways you can get to the castle, from Iasi, the largest airport town near it:
By bus
There is a bus that you can take from Iasi to Miclauseni, and once you get there you can just walk to the castle since it’s a very small village. Here’s the website from where you can check the routes. The ticket costs US$4 and the journey lasts around 1h to 1h 20 min.
By car
Rent a car from Iasi and you’ll be there in 1h 20 min.
Where to stay near Sturdza Castle
Since Miclauseni is a super small village there are no hotels near the castle, except one which is set right on the castle grounds and which I included below.
PRO TIP: I’d recommend contacting the accommodation by the phone number they have on their website since their page is not translated.
The best option would be to book your hotel in Iasi, the biggest town (which has an airport) and get the bus or rent a car to get to the castle.
- Luxury: Hotel International Iasi – this amazing hotel comes with an indoor pool, 2 on-site restaurants and modern rooms.
- Mid-range: Hampton By Hilton Iasi – simple, yet cozy rooms in a hotel that offers free parking and an airport shuttle.
- Budget: Casa Macrina – set on the castle grounds, this accommodation offers family rooms with comfy beds.
5. Iulia Hasdeu Castle – with unique symbolism
There are many stories surrounding this mini-castle which was built by Bogdan Petriceicu Hașdeu (famous Romanian writer) for his daughter Iulia, who died very young.
Many of the stories say that Hașdeu built the mini-castle with the plans from Iulia that he’d learned about during his spiritism sessions. Once you get there you’ll see there are many symbolic images and the place does have this “unusual” vibe to it.
There are audio guides that you can rent out if you want to learn more about the Hașdeu family and history of the castle, which is set in Campina, around 2h away from Bucharest.
PRICE: US$3
How to get to Iulia Hasdeu Castle
If you’re based in Bucharest during your holiday, you can easily get to the castle. Here are the main ways you can do so:
By train
You can take a direct train from Bucharest North Train Station (map) and get there in approximately 1h to 2h (depending on the route). You can get your ticket, which costs around US$5 from this website.
By car
You can rent a car from Bucharest and get there in 1h 40 min.
Where to stay near Iulia Hasdeu Castle
I’ve included below a short list of hotels set right near the castle. If you’d prefer to stay in the capital and just take a day trip, here’s a post with the top places in Bucharest:
- Luxury: Hotel Oscar – set a 20 min walk away from the Castle, this hotel offers modern rooms, a restaurant and a bar.
- Mid-range: Pensiunea Oscar – feel at home in this cozy accommodation set a 15 min walk away from the castle that has a restaurant.
- Budget: Villa Nina – a super affordable villa that offers a big yard and different rooms with a private bathroom, just a 10 min walk away from the castle.
6. Banffy Castle – Transylvania’s treasure
If you’re in Cluj-Napoca you can’t leave without visiting this amazing castle, which although it hasn’t been rehabilitated to its former glory it still looks incredible!
If you’ve ever been to the famous festival Electric Castle, then you already know the place, since the festival takes place on the castle’s grounds.
The castle boasts a mix of Baroque and Neo-Gothic architecture, and it has belonged to the Banffy family since 1387, when they received it as a gift from King Sigismund of Luxembourg.
PRICE: US$3
How to get to Banffy Castle
The castle is located in Bonita, a small village, near Cluj Napoca. The best option is of course to stay in Cluj and get to the castle from there. Here are the main ways:
By car
It takes around 40 min to get from Cluj to Bontida with good traffic (up to 1h if there’s a lot of traffic).
By bus
You can take the bus from Cluj-Napoca to Bontida village and it’ll take you around 40 min to get there. The bus will leave you near the Castle and from there you’ll just have to walk. You can buy your tickets, which cost around US$2 from this website.
Where to stay near Banffy Castle
There are no hotels near the castle, so the best option would be to stay in Cluj-Napoca. Here are 3 amazing hotels for all budgets:
- Luxury: Hotel Platinia – a gorgeous hotel that offers family rooms, an airport shuttle and a complimentary breakfast.
- Mid-range: Golden Tulip Ana Dome Hotel – enjoy your stay in this accommodation that has a restaurant and a bar on-site.
- Budget: Carpe Diem Cluj – located centrally in Cluj-Napoca, this place has apartments with a flat-screen Tv and a small kitchen.
7. Cantacuzino Castle – with a romantic vibe
If you’ve watched the Tv series Wednesday on Netflix, then you might recognize this place, which is located in Busteni, just 2h away from Bucharest, the capital city.
In the Tv series, the castle’s exteriors were transformed a bit and used as the iconic Evermore Academy. Since then the number of visitors has doubled!
If you see some pics, you’ll get why! The castle is surrounded by green hills and mountains and it also has a garden filled with pathways, little fountains and statues.
The castle belonged to the Cantacuzino family and its architecture is made of a mix of Gothic and Art Nouveau elements.
You’ll also find a restaurant on-site (map) where you can grab a bite and some coffee.
Definitely buy your tickets in advance, because since Netflix filmed here, everyone wants to visit this place. You can get the tickets from this website.
PRICE: US$17
How to get to Cantacuzino Castle
As I said earlier, the closest big city to the castle is Bucharest. So you can easily visit it as a day trip from the capital. Below you’ll find all the ways you can get there:
By train
You can take a direct train from Bucharest North Train Station (map) to Busteni Train Station (map) and get there in approximately 2h. From the station, you just have to walk 20 min and you’ll arrive at the castle. You can get your ticket, which costs around US$10 from this website.
By car
Rent a car from Bucharest and you’ll arrive there in 2h.
Where to stay near Cantacuzino Castle
Since Busteni is a touristic town, I decided to offer you some hotels set there. Check them out below:
- Luxury: Kayus – set a 20 min walk away from Cantacuzino, this hotel offers rooms with balconies, an outdoor hot tub and a restaurant.
- Mid-range: Moon Resort – you’re going to love these bungalows that offer incredible mountain views and a terrace.
- Budget: Pensiunea Clasic – simple and affordable hotel with family rooms and free parking.
8. Bethlen Haller Castle – for wine lovers
Built between 1560 and 1624 after the models of the castles in the famous Loire Valley, this amazing place should definitely be on your list of things to see while in Romania.
As most castles, this one has a rich history and while visiting it, you can learn all about the Bethlen family, who built the castle.
Bethlen Haller Castle is also linked with the Jidvei Winery, which is located only a 10 min drive away. So while you’re here, why not do some wine tastings while visiting and even see the wine cellars.
You can check all the offers they have on their website, some also include lunch and other cool things.
NOTE: You can book rooms to stay in the Castle, however they’re only available for groups of a minimum of 20 people. But if you’re traveling with a group then you can definitely, complete the form on their website and they’ll probably reply with the prices.
PRICE: from US$9
How to get to Bethlen Haller Castle
The closest airport town to the castle is Sibiu, which is a 1h 30 min drive away.
Cluj-Napoca (another airport town) is also 2h away by car. Another option is Sighisoara which doesn’t have an airport but it’s also a touristy town is 1h away. You can easily rent a car from either of those places and head to the castle.
In terms of public transport, you can use the train to go from Sibiu or Sighisoara to the Castle as a day trip (the journey would take around 3h 30 min). However. I’d personally not recommend it as the trains are not so reliable in Romania. Especially in smaller towns like the place where the castle is set.
You’d risk the trains being canceled or other things like that. However, if you don’t mind taking the risk, you can check for train tickets here.
Where to stay near Bethlen Haller Castle
Since there are no hotels near the castle, I included below a short list of the best accommodations in Sibiu, the nearest airport town to Bethlen Haller Castle.
- Luxury: Noblesse Boutique Resort – a great hotel near Sibiu’s Historic Center that offers breakfast, free parking and family rooms.
- Mid-range: Apartment Green – such a stylish apartment that has a kitchen, a flat-screen Tv and free Wi-Fi.
- Budget: Lumiere House Sibiu – this cool place has spacious rooms and a great location near the Historic Center.
9. Royal Castle in Savarsin – for history lovers
Located in Arad County, Savarsin is one of the residences of the Romanian Royal Family and a gorgeous place to visit!
NOTE: The Royal Castle is only open to the public from the 1st of May to the 1st of October, so if you want to visit it, make sure it’s during those months. You can check for more information on their official website.
The extensive grounds are home to the castle, the royal park, alleys, a tea house and some cemeteries.
NOTE: You can only visit the royal park by booking in advance, to do so call this number 0770 562 822 or send an email at [email protected]/.
How to get to the Royal Castle
To visit the castle, you’ll probably need a car. The closest airport town to Savarsin is Timisoara, however this is set a 4h 30min train ride away, so a day trip wouldn’t really be a possibility.
And unfortunately, there are no hotels near the castle where you could spend the night, if you were coming from Timisoara by train.
However, if you rent a car you can get from Timisoara to Savarsin in 1h 30 min, which is super fast!
PRICE: US$6
Where to stay near the Royal Castle
Since Timișoara is the closest big town (with an airport) I decided to offer you a list of hotels located there, as there are no accommodations right near the castle.
- Luxury: Atlas Hotel – a great hotel that offers modern rooms, complimentary breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
- Mid-range: Hotel Timișoara – this accommodation has an indoor pool, a restaurant and a bar.
- Budget: Hotel Serenity Timișoara – an affordable hotel that has cozy rooms, 2 restaurants and a bar.
| 🏰 Largest castle: | Corvin Castle |
| 🧛 Iconic castle: | Bran Castle |
| 👸 Unique Castle: | Peles Castle |
FAQs about Romanian castles
🤩 Why is Romania so special?
Romania has a rich history and culture and is known for its natural beauty, delicious food and amazing architecture.
🏰 What is the largest castle in Romania?
Corvin Castle is the largest castle in Romania and one of the biggest ones in Europe.
🧛 Which castle in Romania is known as Dracula’s castle?
Bran Castle, set near Brasov is known as Dracula’s Castle.
Final thoughts on Romanian castles
Already in love with all these Romanian castles? I know the feeling!
Luckily, now you can start planning your trip and start visiting all your favorites!
For each castle, I included the best hotels near the castle (or near the closest airport town) and offered you a short list with all the ways you can get there.
I’d also recommend reading the posts we have on Romania, on our website as we have some cool guides and itineraries that will help you plan this trip.
And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to drop me a comment below. Since I’m from Romania and live here, I can surely help you!
Happy exploring,
Victoria
Pin it for later!
Pin it for later!
