In the summer of 2024 a couple of friends and I headed to Romania. There, we were met by my dear friend Dan, who currently lives in Vienna but grew up in Romania- making him an excellent tour guide. We began our trip flying into Bucharest, and we spent several days exploring the capital city, which you can read all about on my blog post here. After Bucharest, we hit the road – via trains and buses – to visit what undoubtedly most people of with Romania: Transylvania.
About Transylvania
Transylvania is located in central Romania and is surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. It has a long and diverse history influenced by different cultures and empires (especially Hungarian and Turkish). These are apparent throughout the area in the architecture, food, culture and traditions. It was first home to the Dacians before being taken over by the Romans. Later, it became part of the Kingdom of Hungary, and Saxon settlers helped build fortified cities like Brașov, Sibiu, and Sighișoara, which are still well-preserved today (and you’ll read about later). In the 16th and 17th centuries, Transylvania was an autonomous region under Ottoman influence. During this time it was known for its religious tolerance and strong local leaders. It eventually came under Habsburg rule, leading to conflicts between the Hungarian, Romanian, and Saxon populations.
In the 20th century, after World War I and the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, Transylvania became part of Romania in 1918. During World War II, ethnic tensions continued when part of Transylvania was temporarily returned to Hungary. After the fall of communism in 1989, the region experienced cultural and economic growth. Today, Transylvania is known for its mix of cultures, medieval cities, castles, beautiful landscapes, and perhaps even vampires. All of which make it a popular and intriguing tourist destination for those who visit Romania.
During my visit to Transylvania, Romania I got to visit some incredible cities. Keep reading to find out about my trips to the area. Alternatively, click on the area of Transylvania that you want to read about and go directly to that page:
- Peles Castle and the city of Sinaia
- Brasov
- Sibiu
- Cluj
- Other suggested sites in Transylvania (as yet unexplored by me)
1) Peleș Castle and the city of Sinaia
The first place we visited after leaving Bucharest was Peleș Castle. While this castle isn’t quite in Transylvania, I had to include it in this blog post because this is the castle that Dan suggested we see, instead of the castle more often associated with Transylvania- Brans. He assured us it would be worth it, and I have to say, it was stunning! The castle offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Carpathian mountains and the surrounding valley and forests. Granted, when we visited it was undergoing some renovation and had scaffolding around it, but the visit to the interior more than made up for it.
History of Peleș Castle
Peleș Castle is located in Sinaia, Romania. It was about a two hour train ride to Peleș Castle. Getting to the castle from the train station is a fairly short (but bit confusing) walk along winding roads through the picturesque town. As you near the castle you will pass vendors selling tourist souvenirs. King Carol I of Romania commissioned the castle. Construction began in 1873 and was completed in 1914. Built as a royal hunting lodge, it served as the summer residence of the Romanian royal family. The castle was a symbol of the country’s cultural and political ambitions during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It remained a royal residence until the monarchy was abolished in 1947, after which it became a museum.
What to see at Peleș Castle
Peles castle is known for its stunning architecture and lavish interiors. It combines various architectural styles, including Neo-Renaissance, Gothic Revival, and Baroque elements. Visitors can explore its grand rooms, such as The Hall of Honour which greets visitors as they enter the castle and spans three stories. King Carol’s Study has more dark, rich wood furniture, including his desk and portraits of King Carol I, his wife Elisabeth, and their only child Maria who died at age 4. There’s the Grand Armory with over 1,600 pieces of weaponry and armor. The Florentine Hall has incredible bronze doors. There are parlors, suites, a Throne Room, Music Room, and more, all decorated with exquisite woodwork, tapestries, antique furniture, art and royal artifacts. Go through the slideshow below to see inside the castle.
The castle is set in a picturesque location surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains. Visitors can enjoy the scenic views and explore the beautifully landscaped grounds with statues, fountains, and walking paths. Pelișor Castle, located nearby, was built for King Carol I’s nephew, King Ferdinand I and his wife, Queen Marie. It’s a smaller but equally beautiful castle with a distinct Art Nouveau style and personal connections to Queen Marie. It’s open for visitors, but because of our late start in the day it was already closed and we didn’t get to go inside.
Visitor Information
Peleș Castle is open year-round, though hours may vary seasonally. During the summer (April–October), it’s open daily, while winter (November–March) hours are more limited, with some areas closed. Entrance fees depend on the type of tour chosen, and guided tours are available in both English and Romanian. Check out their website for hours and to buy your tickets in advance. I recommend visiting early to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season. And get your train tickets in advance too! We made that mistake and couldn’t get out of Bucharest as early as we wanted in order to spend the whole day at the castle. After the castle closed we did enjoy lunch nearby, taking in the adorable town. Nearby attractions include the Sinaia Monastery and the Sinaia Ski Resort It’s definitely a great idea for a day trip during a visit to Transylvania, Romania.
Click here to go to page 2 and read about Brasov.
