Brasov, Romania Family Travels
I am so excited to finally share some of my European family travel destinations in the next few posts. This is a follow up to my post on Aura's baptism in Brasov. When people think of Romania, most think of Dracula's castle! Yes, there is Transylvania, but there are so many other reasons to visit. My favorite mountain town is Brasov.
These pictures are obviously from the winter, but in warmer seasons, the village is beaming with people eating in all the outdoor cafes that fill up the streets. The architectural detailing on all the buildings is breathtaking. My favorites are the door and window designs.
To get to Brasov, fly into Bucharest. We often do a layover in London for a night or fly direct with a transfer in either Frankfurt, Germany or Zurich, Switzerland. Both airports have fantastic local food, with the German airport offering frankfurters which is a hit for my husband. It is then about a 2 hour drive from Bucharest up to the mountains. The town Sinai is also a must-visit as it's on the way up to Brasov in the mountains. We usually stay at VRBO houses and hotels before we had kids, both were great experiences. If you need any help with where to stay, let me know!
We took the cable car to the top of Tampa Mountain and skied at Poiana Brasov. Some other attractions in Brasov are below, my favorite being an architectural designer, The Black Church from 1477.
Biserica Neagră ("The Black Church"), a celebrated Gothic site - the building dates from 1477, when it replaced an older church (demolished around 1385). It acquired the name after being blackened by smoke from the 1689 great fire.
Casa Sfatului ("The mayor's former office building"). The administration for Brașov was here for more than 500 years.
Biserica Sf. Nicolae (St. Nicholas Church), dating back to the 14th century.
The First Romanian School, a museum with the first Romanian printing press among many other firsts.
The Rope Street, the narrowest street in Romania.
Șchei, the historically Bulgarian but then Romanian neighborhood outside of the old walled city.
Catherine's Gate, the only original city gate to have survived from medieval times.
Șchei Gate, next to Catherine's Gate, built in 1827.
Muzeul Prima Carte Românească, a museum exhibiting the first book printed in the Romanian language.
Tâmpa, a small mountain in the middle of the city (900m above sea level), a sightseeing spot near the old city center.
The "Brașov Citadel Fortress" - Cetățuia Brașovului
The nearby Bran Castle, attracting many fans of Dracula and often (but incorrectly) said to have been the home of Vlad the Impaler.[15]
Poiana Brașov, mainly a ski resort but also a sightseeing spot.
Râșnov Fortress, above the nearby town of Râșnov, is a restored peasant fortress
Prejmer Fortress, in the nearby commune of Prejmer
[from Wikipedia]
Castles and Fortresses, oh my! My upcoming post will be on what ones are the best to visit! (A sneak peek: You can see Dracula's Castle aka Bran Castle in Transylvania, it is about a 45 minute drive from Brasov. A fortress we visited was Prejmer Fortress where you can walk inside and see the 10 foot thick walls through the windows. We loved Castle Peles, the most exorbitant interior decor of anything I have ever seen.)
I hope this inspires you to visit a place you may have never dreamed of visiting, Brasov, Romania!
Yours in family travel, you can do it!
