📷 Photo by Shubham Singh on UnsplashTransylvania: castles and Saxon towns
Brașov, Bran Castle, the citadel of Sighișoara, Sibiu and the Transfăgărășan.
- Distance
- 283 km (176 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 54 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 5
- Countries
- Romania
- Updated
- May 16, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 283 km (176 mi) with 5 stops, from Brașov to Transfăgărășan. About 3 h 54 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Romania
Route description
Brașov has a large medieval square, the Black Church and Mount Tâmpa rising straight above the old town. Drive south-west to Bran, passing the hilltop fortress at Râșnov on the way.
Bran Castle stands on a crag above the pass into Wallachia and is marketed as Dracula’s castle; go early to avoid the queues. Then head north on the long road to Sighișoara, whose walled citadel on a hill has a clock tower and the house where Vlad the Impaler is said to have been born.
Continue south-west through rolling hills and Saxon villages with fortified churches to Sibiu, where large squares, the Bridge of Lies and houses with eyelid-shaped roof windows fill the old town.
East of Sibiu, the Transfăgărășan (DN7C) climbs from Cârțișoara through hairpins to Bâlea Lake at 2,042 m and is usually open from July to October. A road vignette is required on national roads in Romania, and on country roads watch out for horse-drawn carts; on the mountain road never feed the bears.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Brașov
Romania - 228 km
Bran Castle
HistoryBran, RomaniaA castle on a crag above the pass into Wallachia, sold to visitors as Dracula’s.
- 3112 km
Sighișoara
Romania - 487 km
Sibiu
Romania - 555 km
Transfăgărășan
ViewsCârțișoara, RomaniaA dramatic road over the Carpathians, reaching 2,042 m at Bâlea Lake. Usually open July to October.
Suggested stages and overnight stops
4 days, split by driving time. Campsites from OpenStreetMap: check opening dates before you go.
- Day 1: Brașov → Bran Castle · 28 km · 0 h 23 minOvernight nearby, for example: Vampire Camping (2 km); Aviator (19 km).
- Day 2: Bran Castle → Sighișoara · 112 km · 1 h 33 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Aquaris (< 1 km); La Bubu in Transilvania (12 km).
- Day 3: Sighișoara → Sibiu · 87 km · 1 h 12 minOvernight nearby, for example: Camping Ananas (10 km); Sibiu City Camping (2 km).
- Day 4: Sibiu → Transfăgărășan · 55 km · 0 h 45 minOvernight nearby, for example: Casa Dușe (15 km); Conacul Ursului (4 km).
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Cold, short days in December–March. Mountain passes on this route are usually open July–October. July and August are the busiest months: book campsites early.
Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons
Practical notes for the road
- Romania: Vignette needed for motorways. Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
- Transfăgărășan (2,042 m). Usually open July–October; outside that window the road can be closed by snow. Alternative: Use the Olt valley road (DN7).
Road rules and fees change. Check official sources before you travel.
FAQs
How long is Transylvania: castles and Saxon towns?
4-day road trip of about 283 km (176 mi) with 5 stops, from Brașov to Transfăgărășan. About 3 h 54 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Transylvania: castles and Saxon towns?
We suggest 4 days: about 3 h 54 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Transylvania: castles and Saxon towns start and end?
It starts in Brașov and ends in Transfăgărășan.
Which countries does Transylvania: castles and Saxon towns pass through?
Romania.
Where can you camp along Transylvania: castles and Saxon towns?
OpenStreetMap lists 34 campsites and motorhome stopovers within 20 km of the stops on this route. For example: Vampire Camping, Aviator and Camping Ananas.
When is the best time for Transylvania: castles and Saxon towns?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
