Transylvania is best known as the mysterious land of bloodthirsty vampires and howling wolves. Some may say it’s fictional, but this central Romanian region is a real place. And it’s pretty special, too.
Surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains, “the land beyond the forest” still feels undiscovered. So, get in touch with us, pack your garlic and come to have some fun while discovering it’s many wonders. Here is the lowdown on one of Eastern Europe’s most captivating regions.
Dracula is real ( sort of)
Bram Stoker’s vampire novel was inspired by century-old superstitions and the real-life exploits of Vlad Dracul. Known by his moniker, Vlad Tepes (the Impaler), the 15th-century Wallachian nobleman was said to have skewered up to 80,000 enemies on long spikes.
Despite his wicked ways, he’s considered a hero in Transylvania, so not everyone’s thrilled with the region’s bloodsucking reputation.
It’s like stepping back in time
While it’s hard to avoid the creepy count, you’ll also find hardwood forests, lush pastures and wildflowers meadows. Travelling around Transylvania, described as “the last truly medieval landscape in Europe”, feels like you’ve gone back 100 years. Horse-drawn carts rumble along dirt roads, while shepherds tend their flocks and villagers make hay stacks in the sunshine.
The Saxons made their mark
German merchants arrived in the 12th century to help defend the region against Tatars and Turks. Over the next few centuries, they built seven fortress towns, known as the Siebenburgen, and hundreds of fortified churches. Must see spots include the pastel-hued city of Sighisoara and the churches of Biertan and Viscri, all Unesco World Heritage Sites. While the medieval Saxon architecture has survived, the German population has dwindled. Following the collapse of communism at the end of 1989, around 90% fled to West Germany.
It’s great for bear- spotting
The Carpathian Mountains are home to wolves, lynx and Europe’s largest population of brown bears. It is estimated that around 5,000 bears roam the oak and beech forests. Strangely, the population flourished during the communist period, as dictator Nicolae Ceausescu was the only person allowed to hunt.
The Forestry Commission owns a number of hides where you can observe bears in the wild with a ranger from the safety of the observatories.
King Charles III is a big fan
The king of Great Britain first visited Transylvania in 1998 and has been a regular visitor ever since. King Charles III is involved in conservation of rural villages and has bought and restored a handful of farmhouses that visitors can rent.
The guest-houses, in remote villages of Viscri and Zalanpatak, are decorated with handmade wooden furniture and rugs. King Charles III can even claim kinship with the region’s most infamous son; according to genealogists he’s a great grandson 16 times removed of Vlad the Impaler.
Bran is just one of many incredible castles
Perched on a peak with turrets and towers, Bran Castle looks straight off the pages of your favourite vampire novel. The 14th-century pile near Brasov pulls in the crowds accordingly, but Vlad the Impaler’s real digs were at Poienari Citadel in Wallachia, now a ruin, it’s difficult to visit, so it’s one for Vlad’s hardcore fans.
If you want to fancy deeper into the Carpathian you can visit the mountain resort of Sinaia. The fairytale Peles Castle rivals Bavaria’s best and was built for King Carol I in 1875 as his summer retreat.
Transylvania and Romania are both gaining popularity with tourists, but there are fewer visitors than so many other countries in Europe. This is not because there is nothing to see and do, but rather because people don’t know how amazing this place really is! Hospitality, beautiful landscape, medieval castles and tasty food are just some things to make you visit Transylvania.
What better way to dive deeper into the history, culture and the natural wonders of Romania than by seeing for yourself? Connect with us to see how we can craft your own personalized experience of these magic lands, laden with history and unspeakable beauty.
Denis-Alain Zaharia
Comments