Many people associate Transylvania with the legend of Dracula, but the region has so much more to offer. In fact, there is something incomprehensibly mystical about Romania’s forests and steep landscapes that casts a magical spell over those who visit.

To me, Transylvania’s wilderness equals freedom — for it is here, in the heart of nature, that the mind finds calm and the soul finds peace. Two years in a row, I spent my birthday in Brașov, one of Transylvania’s most iconic historical cities. Although getting there meant an exhausting eight-hour bus ride, the sight of Brașov always brought a sense of relief. Moreover, Brașov holds a special place in my heart because it was there that my husband and I spent our first holiday together.

Nestled at the foot of Tâmpa Mountain, Brașov is unique for several reasons. First of all, it serves as a gateway to Transylvania and the Carpathians. Secondly, Brașov is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. Last but not least, historically, it has been home to Romanians, Germans, Hungarians, and Jews — a cultural heritage reflected in its cuisine, festivals, and bilingual signs.

Affordable accommodation can be found right in the heart of the Old Town. Whether you choose an Airbnb or a hotel room, take the opportunity to stay in a historic building, decorated with restored furniture and Saxon wool carpeting.

While dining out can be relatively expensive here, it’s absolutely worth the pocket. Romanian cuisine offers hearty, juicy meat dishes, mouth-watering grilled sausages, savory çorbas, vegetables cooked in every imaginable form, rice dishes, rich dairy products, and elaborate desserts.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Brașov and its surroundings, whether you’re a couch potato or a passionate hiker. Still, the best way to experience the city is to wander its winding streets without a plan, soaking in its everyday charm. Street vendors sell wooden magnets and engravings of historic buildings. On a street corner, a pigeon helps itself to bagels displayed outside a bakery. In the main square, restaurants and terraces buzz with the clinking of cutlery and contented conversation.

In Brașov, you can climb Tâmpa Mountain for panoramic views, load your suitcase with books purchased downtown, explore the Museum of Living in Communism and the Art Museum, and visit the famous Black Church in the city center.

Beyond Brașov lie dramatic landscapes that no camera can truly capture — only your eyes and heart can. If you’re not traveling by car in Romania, consider booking a guided tour to see Transylvania’s breathtaking castles. In our case, we found our tour guide through the Viator app, and it was one of the best experiences of our lives! For a small fee, he took us by van to four different locations, including Peleș and Bran castles.

While Peleș Castle was the residence of Romania’s royal family, Bran Castle is famously known as ‘Dracula’s Castle,’ inspired by the terrifying historical figure Vlad the Impaler — a 15th-century ruler infamous for his cruelty. To the disappointment of many, he never actually lived in Bran. Instead, the castle is more closely associated with Queen Marie of Romania. 

In 1920, Bran Castle was gifted to Queen Marie by the people of Brașov as a gesture of gratitude. She transformed the once-defensive fortress into a romantic, storybook royal residence. Some of her traditional Romanian dresses, along with her room, are still on display.

The village near the castle has a curious mix of mysticism and tourism. In the local market, we found souvenirs related to Dracula and witchcraft, but our interest lay more in ‘matters of the belly’, as we enjoyed a delicious lunch at a nearby restaurant, and even savored grilled corn.

Finally, I want to end this article by highlighting an important aspect of Transylvania’s wild beauty: beware of bears, the forest dwellers, who are more dangerous than they appear. Although bear attacks on people are rare, they can be fatal. If you enjoy hiking and exploring nature, never go alone — travel in large groups and avoid the forest edges at night.