Romania is the best destination to spend Halloween in Europe, and this is largely because of the renowned Bran Castle, also referred to as Dracula’s Castle. Situated nearly 30 kilometres from Romania’s capital, Bucharest, this historic mediaeval fortress lures thousands of guests each year, with the numbers surging around Halloween.
If you are a freak for mysteries and legends, then a Bran Castle Tour is definitely for you. It is said that the infamous vampire Dracula resided here. Learn about the stories surrounding the castle and why it is a fan favourite.
Bran Castle and its resident, Count Dracula
Also known as Vlad the Impaler, who, funnily enough, may have never actually stepped into the castle, Count Dracula was a fictional character created by Irish writer Bram Stoker.
Even though Bram Stoker never actually went to Transylvania, it takes quite a bit of imagination to accurately depict the Count’s lair in the castle’s real geography.
Dracula is among the most renowned characters in the world and has been given the lead role in more than 300 films. 2021 was the 90th anniversary of the first classic motion picture, Dracula, starring Bela Lugosi, a Transylvanian native who preserved the vampire’s most memorable behaviours. 2023 marks 126 years since the publication of Bram Stoker’s horror novel Dracula.
Suspended on a rock, hovering over the village with a river, mountains, and forests enclosing it, Bran for sure lives up to the spooky vibe of the most feared place to be. And during Halloween, this place really comes to life (pun intended), hosting a fabulous annual party to make the most of the scary narrative surrounding the castle.
The Halloween Party
Out of all the creepy spots and destinations you could want to spend your Halloween in and really get into the costumes, theme, and stuff, nothing beats Dracula’s nerve-wracking castle. The tales paint Count Dracula as a bloodthirsty ghoul who took no mercy on his enemies and frequently went on a brutal killing spree across the surrounding villages. However, regardless of your opinion about the Count, there’s one thing for certain: a Halloween party at his striking castle is to die for!
So pack your freakiest Halloween costume and come to Bran Castle’s party grounds to dance the night away with fellow thrill seekers who want to spend the night in the Count’s lair. Get a cold welcome from the actual ‘Count’ at the entrance of Bran Castle before getting into the Castle for the party.
Filled with theatrical shows, live music, and costume contests, make sure to put on your scariest costume and be ready for an unforgettable Halloween party. You’ll also get the chance to climb the rundown Rasnov Fortress ruins and take in some truly remarkable vistas of the gloomy Transylvanian landscape.
Get to know Transylvania’s ancient towns of Sighisoara and Brasov, the birthplace of Vlad Tepes, and even make your way to Snagov Monastery across the water, where it is said that the Count’s headless torso was found by monks.
Activity Details
Bran Castle is without a doubt the best place on the planet to hold a Halloween party. This year, the party will be at the renowned grounds in Transylvania on October 28, 2023. Ideally, you should make your way to the site at night for a really immersive experience.
There are several dark rooms filled with ghosts, vampires, princes and princesses, and essentially any spooky thing you can think of, including coffins and cobwebs. You will get the chance to take a couple of photos with the friendly ghouls and ghosts, and you will just about embrace these mysterious characters.
In a lighter setting down in the courtyard, there will be music and lights where you can drink ‘blood’ like Dracula (don’t worry, it’s just red wine). At the castle garden, there is a big heated tent where you can dance and appreciate entertainers who will make the cold, eerie atmosphere of the castle lively. You can expect mysterious characters, freaky costumes, and masks everywhere. A professional DJ will be on hand to keep the party going until around 4:00 AM.
Final Word
So if you’re looking to have an enthralling Halloween experience, you should consider putting Bran Castle on your itinerary while in Romania.
