Brasov Off the Beaten Path Tips by HORSCHECK

Rasnov (German: Rosenau) is a small town which is located about 15 km southwest of Brasov and 15 km northeast of Bran on the road that links Wallachia and Transylvania.

The main sight of Rasnov is its fortress whose history dates back to the early 14th century.

It is situated about 200 m above the town and offers spectacular views of the surrounding area.

We liked Rasnov fortress much more than the touristy Bran Castle, but as both towns are located on the same road you can visit them both in one day.

Admission:
Admission to the fortress costs 10 RON and for taking photos you have to pay an extra fee of 5 RON (October 2007). This is probably a tourist trap, but we were even checked for the ticket when we were taking photos.

Directions:
Buses to Rasnov leave from Autogara 2 in Brasov. There are services almost every 30 minutes and the journey takes about 20 minutes. All buses to Bran also stop in Rasnov. A single ticket to Rasnov sets you back 2 RON (October 2007).

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The Transylvanian town of Bran (German: Trötzburg) is home to a castle which is often referred to as Dracula's Castle.

The castle was built in the 14th century and is nowadays a museum with art and furniture of Queen Marie.

The myth of "Dracula's Castle" is probably only a tourist trap as Vlad Tepes actually never lived in the castle, but it is believed that he spent two days in prison in the castle.

We visited the castle on a Sunday when the city was crowded with tourists. The Dracula story obviously seems to attract the tourists.

However, I must admit that we liked Rasnov Fortress much more than Bran castle, but as both towns are located on the same road you can visit them both in one day.

Admission:
Admission to the castle costs 12 RON and for taking photos you have to pay an extra fee of 10 RON (October 2007). This is relatively expensive but also includes a visit of the village museum.

Directions:
Buses to Bran leave from Autogara 2 in Brasov. There are services almost every 30 minutes and the journey takes about 40 minutes. A single ticket to Bran costs 3,50 RON (October 2007).

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Website: http://www.brancastlemuseum.ro/

Poiana Brasov is a ski resort and situated only 14 km north of Brasov, at an altitude of 1030 m.

Its location inbetween mountains ranging from 1800 m to 2500 m in height makes it a popular Romanian hiking and skiing resort, although it was originally developed for top communist officials.

The town itself mainly consists of ugly hotels and restaurants. The only sight is a Romanian wooden church and a little monument commemorating Livi Corneliu Babes (1942-1989) who set himself on fire to protest against the Communist regime.

Directions:
Poiana Brasov can be reach by RATBv bus number 20 from Brasov's city centre. You will need a special ticket for the bus which costs 3,50 RON (October 2007). The bus leaves every 30 minutes and the ride takes about 20 minutes.

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Website: http://www.poianabrasov.org/