History, Myth, and Legend
Bran Castle was not built to be a home but was instead a fortification and customs point for traders travelling between Transylvania and Wallachia, and was also used as a prison for those caught smuggling goods. Of course Bran castle also has the legend of Dracula surrounding it. Peles Castle, on the other hand, was built to be a royal residence for King Carol I and his family and is on the route between Bucharest and Bran Castle.
How To Get There (& How We Got There)
We booked a a guided tour through Viator with Trip2Ro, and it was a really great experience (not sponsored). For around £25/$30 each they picked us up near our Airbnb and drove us to Sinaia, Peles Castle, Bran Castle, and to Brasov. Our guide was a local and very knowledgeable so would highly recommend booking a guided tour to the castles.
Alternatively, you can get a train for under $10 from Bucharest to Sinaia and walk 20 minutes to Pele’s Castle. You can also get a train straight to Bran Castle for under $36 but this requires taking a 50 minute taxi for around $25. You can also get a train from Bucharest to Brasov for under $13
My Thoughts on Bran and Peles Castle
Despite being surrounded by the Dracula legend Bran Castle has a lot to offer in its own right. The whole space includes information pertaining to the history of the castle and its previous residents.
The building is a really interesting place as it used to be a fortress. It has beautiful views over Sinaia too. However, for me, Peles Castle was by far the winner. I’m not a big fan of sprawling estates so when I saw this smaller castle I was excited. It is exquisitely decorated and considered throughout.
The castle has over 160 rooms, and each one is more opulent than the next. The grandiose throne room features a massive crystal chandelier and an enormous fireplace. The dining room has an impressive collection of porcelain plates from all over the world. And the king’s bedroom suite includes a lavish bathroom with a gold-plated bathtub.
What’s more there are themed rooms throughout including styles like: Turkish, Moorish, Italian Renaissance, etc. Peles Castle is also home to an incredible art collection, which includes paintings by Rembrandt, Raphael, and other masters. There is also a library with over 50,000 books, and a music room with a grand piano.
The castle grounds are just as lavish as the interior of the palace. The gardens feature fountains, sculptures, and beautifully manicured lawns. And there is even a zoo on the property, which is home to tigers, elephants, and other exotic animals. Today, Peles Castle is one of Romania’s most popular tourist attractions.
FAQs on Bran Castle
Why is Bran Castle Famous?
Bran Castle is best known for being home of the legend of Dracula the vampire. In the novel Dracula, the castle described is eerily similar to Bran Castle, despite the fact that author Bram Stoker had never actually visited Bran Castle in Romania.
Can You Sleep in Bran Castle?
Although AirBnb once ran a competition to win a nights stay in Dracula’s castle, it is not actually open for the public to stay over.
Is Bran Castle Worth Visiting?
My mum and I really enjoyed our visit and hearing all the stories of the legend of Dracula. The castle has so much interesting culture surrounding it that it’s definitely worth a visit even if, like me, you’re not a huge Dracula fan.
Did Dracula Live in Bran Castle?
In the novel Dracula lived in a Castle in Transylvania, but Dracula’s inspiration came from Vlad the Impaler who never actually visited Bran Castle.
Who Owns Dracula’s Castle Now?
The current rightful owner of Dracula’s Castle is septuagenarian Dominic Habsburg, who spent his childhood at Bran Castle in Brașov, Romania, where his grandparents Queen Marie and King Ferdinand I also lived. He inherited the 14th-century castle in 2006.
Who Was The First Vampire?
The Dracula legend suggests he was the first vampire, but other sources suggest the real first vampire was a man named Jure Grando Alilovic, who lived in the 16th century.
How Long Does It Take to Visit Bran Castle?
One and a half hours is ideal. This is roughly how long me and mum were there.
FAQs on Peles Castle
What Happened to Peles Castle?
Peles Castle is currently in tact and open to the public for interesting tours!
What is Peles Castle Known For?
The castle was commissioned by King Carol I for he and his family to live in. It was built between 1873 and 1914 and was designed by the renowned German architect Johannes Schultz. It lies in the Carpathian mountains, close to Sinaia, Romania, on the medieval route which connects Transylvania to Wallachia.
Does Anyone Live in Peles Castle?
Currently Peles Castle is a tourist attraction and not a domestic dwelling, however, there have been ongoing disputes over the castle’s ownership.
Is Peles Castle Worth Visiting?
My mum and I thoroughly enjoyed our time here. Although my mum was more enthralled with the myths surrounding Bran Castle, I personally much preferred Peles Castle. It is a small castle and so easy to explore, but it packs a lot of beauty into its modest walls. The castle is ornately decorated throughout by King Carol’s wife Queen Elisabeth who was known for being creative and talented with a mastery of art, poetry, and music. What’s more, the castle enjoys stunning views over the Carpathian mountains that truly took my breath away.
Lucy Robson: Pen & Purveyor 
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