"The Home of Dracula", even though he never lived there and his "flesh-and-blood" prototype, Vlad III Țepeș Drăculea, probably was never there.

Beautiful pictures by Mr. Iercosan Marian from a few days ago (end of September 2025). In any case, the castle is definitely worth a visit 🥰

Marienburg from Feldioara (Romanian name of Marienburg) is a medieval castle of the Teutonic Order in the region of Transylvania in the district of Brașov.

https://xn--willkommen-in-rumnien-m2b.de/ | https://welcome-to-romania.com

The castle offers a wonderful view of the surrounding area and the mountains of Brașov (German name: Kronstadt), it is located at approx. 20 kilometers away from Brașov on the way to Sighișoara (in German: Schäßburg) and was built on a hill (almost 500 meters above sea level).

In 1211 King Andrew II called. from Hungary The Teutonic Knights in support of the Kumans in the country to secure the eastern border of his growing kingdom. The king granted them many privileges, including immunity, the right to self-government, and the construction of stone fortresses to ensure the environment. In 1838, the city of Marienburg (Romanian name: Feldioara) was severely destroyed by an earthquake. Between 2013 and 2017, the ruins of the castle were renovated and largely rebuilt.

The Roman Catholic Church „ Saints Peter and Paul ” from Brașov ( Brasov ) was founded in the second half of the 18th century. 19th century built according to the plans of the architect Karl Joseph Lamasch.

The church building is the only baroque building in the city, the altar is made of wood and gilded, the stained glass windows were built in Budapest, and the organ comes from Timisoara. The church houses statues of St. Peter, St. Paul, St. Anna and St. Anthony of Padua

Priest Ignatius Wagensei asked Empress Maria Theresa for support for the construction of this church, and construction began in the summer of 1776. In 1787 the church was consecrated by the bishop of Transylvania, Ignatie Batthyany.

Shortly after leaving Brasov in the direction of Sinaia (Bucharest), turn left towards the Sapte Scari (Seven Ladders) gorge.

It is a good hour's walk to the gorge or the seven ladders, which is lined by a stream with clear, cold water and lots of nature. Even if you don't enter the gorge via the ladders (there's a charge, another three hours' walk!), the hike there and back is definitely beautiful.

For the hike: sturdy footwear is highly recommended. In places, you walk over tree trunks, small wooden bridges and loose stones or you walk directly in the stream bed or on a stony path. You should definitely take something to drink with you.

Pictures: Beginning of September 2023

We were there a few days ago, in Transylvania, Brasov County, just a few kilometers from Kronstadt (Brasov)... and we were thrilled!

An hour flies by and there is something for everyone: for the lover of history and stories, for the friend of Transylvania, the adventurer, for families with children who can explore the battlements and the way of life from long ago and so much more!

Our conclusion: The visit is 100% worth it

https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de/de/ausflugsziele-sehenswertes-reiseziele-rumaenien/

The Rucăr-Bran Pass, also known as the Bran Pass, is a mountain pass in Romania that connects the counties of Brașov and Argeș.

It offers some of Romania’s most spectacular natural experiences, with views of the Bucegi Mountains in the Southern Carpathians. The villages of Fundata and Moieciu are located along the pass.

We thank Vlad the Impaler - Dracula for the permission to use this image.

We don’t know exactly if the "nice gentleman" in the picture is meant to represent the former voivode of Wallachia or if he’s just showcasing his stylish attire as a witness of the times. 🦇🦇

He never actually lived here, but either way, the castle in Brasov County is definitely worth a visit 🥰

Beautiful pictures by Mr. Iercosan Marian from a few days ago (end of September 2025).

On the way from Sibiu to Brasov lies the city of Fagaras. At the end of the 12th century, the city’s castle was only a wooden fortress, which was expanded into a stone fortress in the 14th century.

The fortress houses a museum, which can be visited just like the fortress itself. Right next to the fortress is the cathedral/church Sfantul Ioan Botezatorul.

Beautiful pictures by Mr. Iercosan Marian from the end of September 2025.

Homorod (German: Hamruden, Hungarian: Homoród) is a community in Brasov County, near the town of Rupea. It consists of three villages: Homorod, Jimbor (Sommerburg, Szekelyzsombor), and Mercheasa (Streitfort, Mirkvásár).

The Romanesque church dedicated to Saint Peter, featuring a square choir, semicircular apse, and west tower, dates back to the 13th century. A massive eight-story keep was built above the choir, with a side length of 11 m and walls 3 m thick at the ground floor. After a fire, the church hall received its current coffered ceiling in 1792.

The community is located in the northern part of the county, on the border with Harghita County, about 60 km from Brașov. It sits on the banks of the Homorod River, at the confluence of the Homorodul Mare and Homorodul Mic.

The city of Targu Mures (Hungarian: Marosvásárhely, German: Neumarkt am Mieresch), first documented in the year 1300, is located on the Mureș River (German: Mieresch, Hungarian: Maros), on the route between Brasov and Cluj-Napoca.

Targu Mures was founded by the Székelys. The city was first mentioned in historical records in 1300 as Forum Siculorum. The history of the city, like that of all Transylvania, was shaped by the Kingdom of Hungary, the Principality of Transylvania, and from the end of the 17th century by the Habsburg Monarchy, later Hungary, and then Romania.

Pictures: May 25, 2026

Pictures from May 28, 2026, from Brasov / Kronstadt in Transylvania. Simply beautiful 🥰

https://discover-brasov.com | https://kronstadt-erleben.de

On the way from Brasov to Poiana Brasov, shortly before arriving, a glance to the right... and a wonderful sight 🥰 We simply had to stop and take a picture!

https://discover-brasov.com | https://welcome-to-romania.com

Picture: May 29, 2026

The village of Viscri (German: Deutsch-Weisskirch, Hungarian: Szaszfeheregyhaza) is located in Brasov County in Transylvania.

It lies northwest of the town / fortress of Rupea (German: Reps) and southeast of the city of Sighisoara (German: Schäßburg). Between the 18th and 20th centuries, the village had about 700 inhabitants, mainly Transylvanian Saxons plus a Romanian part of the village. Viscri is characterized by both its fortified church and the village structure shaped by Saxon farmsteads.

Pictures: Mai 2024

Located just around the corner from Brasov / Kronstadt and simply beautifuuuuuuuuuuuuuul!!! 🥰

The Black Church is one of the landmarks of the city of Brasov (German: Kronstadt) in Transylvania (German: Siebenbürgen).

Interior views from May 19, 2026.

Originally, it was consecrated as a Catholic church dedicated to the Holy Virgin Mary. With the Reformation in Transylvania, which among the Transylvanian Saxon population was strongly influenced by the reformer and later parish priest of Brasov, Johannes Honterus, the Catholic patronage was abandoned. The church has borne the name “Black Church” since the great city fire of 1689.

The Sphinx (in Romanian Sfinxul) is a natural rock formation located in the Bucegi Mountains*, at an altitude of approximately 2,215 meters.

*The Bucegi Mountains are located south of the city of Brașov, on the eastern edge of the Southern Carpathians in Romania.

https://willkommen-in-rumänien.de | https://welcome-to-romania.com

Pictures from early May of last year from Brasov / Kronstadt.

https://discover-brasov.com | https://welcome-to-romania.com

Rupea Fortress (German: Repser Burg) is located near the town of Rupea (German: Reps), about 50 km from Brasov (Kronstadt) – on the way to Targu Mures – and is one of the oldest castles on Romanian territory.

The fortress was built in the 11th century and is the landmark of the town of Rupea (Reps). High above the town on Kohalmer Hill (578 meters), it can be seen from far away. It was first mentioned in documents in 1324, when the Saxons fought against the King of Hungary.

Pictures: May 2024

To cross rivers, there are many regions in Transylvania that are still hanging bridges, suitable only for pedestrians.

They are mostly made of wood and remind a bit of Indiana Jones movies in terms of construction and condition / accessibility 😁

These images were made on the Buzau River on the way to Brașov (Kronstadt).

The city of Targu Mures (Hungarian: Marosvásárhely, German: Neumarkt am Mieresch), first documented in the year 1300, is located on the Mures River (German: Mieresch, Hungarian: Maros), on the route between Brasov and Cluj-Napoca.

Targu Mures was founded by the Székely people. The city was first mentioned in historical records in 1300 as Forum Siculorum. The history of the city, like that of all Transylvania, was shaped by the Kingdom of Hungary, the Principality of Transylvania, and from the end of the 17th century by the Habsburg Monarchy, later Hungary, and then Romania.

Pictures: June 02, 2026

On the way from Sibiu to Brașov lies the town of Făgăraș. At the end of the 12th century the town's fortress was only a wooden fortification, which was expanded into a stone fortress in the 14th century.

The fortress houses a museum, which—like the fortress itself—can be visited. Directly next to the fortress is the cathedral / church Sfantul Ioan Botezatorul.

Beautiful pictures by Mr. Iercosan Marian from a few days ago (end of September 2025).

Located high above the city and currently (and probably for the next few years) under renovation.

https://discover-brasov.com | https://kronstadt-erleben.de

It’s good that these old fortresses are being preserved (Rasnov Fortress is also currently being renovated), but less good that it usually takes 4–7 years. One might think it’s the same planners / contractors at work as on a certain well-known German train station in a city in Baden-Württemberg 🙈🙈😅

Pictures from June of the year before last from the city of Brasov / Kronstadt in Transylvania.

https://kronstadt-erleben.de | https://discover-brasov.com

Always worth a visit and a photo 🥰 Village and fortified church (picture) Viscri (German name Deutsch-Weißkirch) in Brasov County.

https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de/de/uir/das-dorf-viscri-und-die-befestigte-kirche/

Pictures from late May 2026 taken from the cable car and the upper station on Mount Tampa, as well as from the iconic "BRASOV" sign, overlooking the city of Brasov.

https://kronstadt-erleben.de | https://discover-brasov.com

The city of Sfantu Gheorghe is the capital of Covasna County, located north and northeast of Brasov.

We thank Mr. Frank Schleßmann for sending these beautiful pictures (early October 2025).

Many holidaymakers travel to Romania with their own car or rent one at the airport and... may feel a little overwhelmed by the parking situation in some cities. Therefore, here are some useful tips and information.

And first of all: don't be tempted to imitate the sometimes creative parking style of some locals. A car can be towed away very quickly (for example from fire lanes, in front of hospitals, at intersections, pedestrian crossings, etc.) and can only be recovered by paying a fee. The problem is that you first have to find out where your car has been taken... and that can become quite a challenge 🙈

# Relaxed parking in Brăila 🥰
Brăila is located in southeastern Romania and has around 150,000 inhabitants. There are almost always enough parking spaces, even in the city center, and all public parking in Brăila is free of charge.

# The neighboring city of Galați... not quite as relaxed 😅
Galați is also located in southeastern Romania and has around 300,000 inhabitants. In many parts of the city (the center as well as residential areas), parking is paid (Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM). Payment can be made at parking machines or via SMS (a Romanian phone number is required). IMPORTANT: If you do not pay, it usually takes only a short time before you find a nice yellow or orange wheel clamp 😅 on one of your front wheels. The removal fee is 200 or 300 lei (approximately €40 or €60), depending on the time of day.

# Brasov – allow plenty of time to find a parking space
In the center of Brasov and nearby areas, finding a parking space is difficult at almost any time of day. There are only a few parking spaces, and because of the many one-way streets, the search can take quite a while. Don't be in a hurry here! Parking is paid (Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM) and can be paid at parking machines, via SMS (one hour per SMS; multiple SMS messages can be combined, but a Romanian phone number is required), or through an app (including 24-hour parking). Paid parking is available throughout the city, so always pay attention to the signs.

# Timisoara, European Capital of Culture 2023... modern technology 😁
Parking in the city center is also paid here, but the search for parking offenders is handled in a very modern way. A specially equipped camera car regularly patrols the streets and parking areas. It automatically reads license plates and checks in real time whether parking has been paid. We do not know the exact process, but we assume that drivers without a valid parking ticket receive a fine very quickly.

# Bucharest... no words 🙈
Parking in Bucharest is easy: either at your hotel parking lot or about 20 km outside the city 😁. Anyone who has ever driven in Bucharest knows that you need plenty of time, patience, and a relaxed attitude, as the traffic often resembles that of large Italian cities. In many districts, the city center, and around shopping malls, traffic is usually very heavy (GPS: "Your destination is 800 meters away. Estimated travel time: 48 minutes."). Parking is paid and can usually be paid at parking machines, via SMS (Romanian phone number required), or through an app. Depending on the district (especially the Old Town), finding a parking space can be very difficult or extremely expensive (for example, 300 lei (€60) for 24 hours in a private parking lot). Our advice is clear: choose a hotel with free parking and then explore the city on foot or by taxi, Uber, bus, or metro. It is well worth it!

# In the countryside and in small towns
Things are usually much more relaxed here. You park and that's it 😊. However, always keep an eye on local signs, especially near tourist attractions, as paid parking may also apply there.

# Finally... the idea: simply don't pay the fine!!!
This almost never works because in most cities, in addition to the parking ticket, you will also receive a nice yellow (or orange) wheel clamp on the driver's front wheel. The removal fee varies depending on the time of day or night. Therefore, if parking fees apply, it is definitely in your own interest to pay them.

If you have experiences with parking in other Romanian cities, feel free to share them in the comments!

# One more thing: the Romanian vignette (Rovinieta)
To use Romania's motorways and national roads (mandatory for all cars), you need a vignette. The vignette (Rovinieta) can be purchased online up to one month in advance (including a German-language interface). The prices are reasonable: €3 for 7 days, €7 for 30 days, €13 for 90 days, and €28 for one year. Rental cars usually already include a valid vignette, but it is always worth asking. More information is available here:

https://www.roviniete.ro/de/

Pictures from Brasov from late September 2025. At any time and in any season, this city in Transylvania / Burzenland is worth a visit.

https://kronstadt-erleben.de | https://discover-brasov.com

Beautiful pictures by Mr. Iercosan Marian. Thank you for sending them, dear Marian 😊

The house was built 100 years ago… in the middle of the mountains in Brașov County. Simple and yet connected to nature, an experience that will always be remembered.

https://urlaub-in-rumänien.de/en/uir/house-pelinica/

The fortified church of Tartlau, in the commune of Prejmer, Brasov County, has the most powerful ring wall of all the Saxon fortified churches in Transylvania. The oldest fortification ring is said to have been built before 1300 and was expanded at the end of the 15th and the beginning of the 16th century.

In its present form, the walls still stand 12 to 14 meters high and up to 5 meters thick at the base. Inside the fortress are over 270 refuge and storage chambers, arranged on up to four levels.

We thank Tom & Helga for these beautiful pictures from their Romania tour in September and October 2024. Many thanks 🥰