Laine Slowski

Halloween is my favourite unofficial holiday – the candy, the costumes, the history – I love it all.  Where better in the world than to celebrate this occasion than in Transylvania?  I toured around the country with G Adventures for a week, walking in the footsteps of royalty and casualties.  Romania is a fascinating country and you must check out these places when you visit.

Corvin Castle

You might recognize this castle from the movie, Hotel Transylvania.  It is said that Vlad the Impaler (aka Dracula) was imprisoned here.  Although not proven to be true, you can wander into the torture chamber and gaze down into the bear pit.

Corvin Castle is where the Halloween festivities took place.  ‘Dracula’ welcomed the crowd across the bridge into the courtyard where pillories were displayed.  A lavish feast welcomed party goers in the Knight’s Hall and traditional Romanian dancers entertained the crowd.  Yours truly won second place for best costume!

Peles Castle

Peles Castle appears to be straight out of a fairy tail.  Located in the Carpathian Mountains, this is one of Europe’s most stunning castles.  Built in 1883, it served as a summer home of the royal family.

We hiked a fair distance through the forest and were welcomed by this picture perfect scene. Unfortunately the castle closed early and we were unable to roam inside.  Surrounded by seven terraces, there is plenty of space to wander outdoors and ample opportunity for impressive photos.

Bran Castle

Known as Dracula’s Castle, Bran Castle is far from spooky.  Perched on top of a 200 foot rock, this castle’s link to Bram Stoker’s ‘Count Dracula’ is a weak one.  The author never visited the castle or Romania, but relied on research and his imagination to create the classic tale.

Inside is a large collection of art and furniture collected by Queen Mary.  Narrow stairways and hidden passages connect rooms of the castle.  The property overlooks Bran, a picturesque village.  If you wander behind the castle, across the river, you will find the original burial location of Queen Mary’s heart.  It has since been reunited with the grave of her body but the tomb is still in it’s original location.

Casa Dracula

Ever wonder where Vlad Tepes, the real Dracula, was born and raised?  Casa Dracula is the house turned restaurant that he resided in until the age of four.

Enjoy Dracula themed meals and beverages then wander upstairs to Vlad’s room.  We were in for a little scare since it was the eve of Halloween.

Poienari Citadel

Poienari Citadel has the strongest connection to Vlad the Impaler on this list.  It was used as one of his main fortresses and displays an example of the tortures he put people through.

Located on Mount Cetatea, it’s a climb of 1480 stairs to reach the citadel.  Views of the surrounding landscape will take your breath away.  Once a castle, Poienari Citadel is now in ruins.  Watch your step while walking among the rubble.