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Bran
and the Piatra Craiului Mountains
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In County Braşov
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Bram Missed Bran!
Bran Castle looks like a very convincing home to the fictional
character Dracula, even though the author Bram Stoker, never set foot in
Bran.
The Bran Pass to the south-west had to be protected
from marauding Turks, and it is fortunate today that the castle was
built, for it brings tourists from afar to one of Romania's most
beautiful and culture-rich areas.
Set at the entrance to the
Bran Pass area in the upper reaches of the Bārsa
river valley, Bran was a waypoint on the old strategic trade route
going through the Giuvala Pass at 1292 metres, from Hungarian-controlled
Transilvania to the more Romanian plains of Wallachia .
The Upper Bārsa Land area of the Bran district actually includes the villages of Bran, Poarta, Predeluţ, Şimon, and Sohodol, and for convenience, we
include on this page Zărneşti, Şirnea, and Fundata
as well.
The area has transformed from one of local interest to a
national centre focusing on rural tourism, eco-tourism, and of
cultural importance. Benefiting from a natural setting near the Piatra Craiului
mountains, Bran benefits from the surrounding villages with their
unique traditions, of great tourist interest and national value.
The Upper Bārsa Land
This fabulous highland area, between the Bran Pass and Braşov,
is characterised by high rolling hills, cradled between the King's
Rock, Bucegi and Postavaru mountains.
The first mention of the Bran area (Ţara Bārsei,
or Burzenland in the Saxon tongue) was about the ethnic Romanian
population living there in south-eastern Transilvania under the
Hungarian crown in the days of the Teutonic Knights, the area known
as "Land of the Bārsa", meaning the valley
and region around the Bārsa river.
The Knights were called on in 1367 to defend Transilvania and the
Hungarian overlords from the rising threat of the Ottoman Empire to
the south.
The existence of Bran village was recorded first in 1729, along
with the surrounding villages of Sohodol, Poarta, Predeluţ, Valea
Lunga, Lower Moieciu, Şimon, Upper Moieciu,
Zbărcioară, Şirnea and Coacaza, and in 1732 the village of Fundata
was added to the official register.
Bran developed quite quickly, owing mostly to it's location near
Castle Bran and it's seeming relation to the Bram Stoker novel.
The actual Dracula character in Stoker's novel was from near County
Braşov, from an early Hungarian migrant population called the Secklers ("Secui"
in Romanian).
Beautiful villas with great amenities, and little houses full of
hospitality today offer the tourist unforgettable days of enjoyment.
You can find great rates around Bran from $20 per person which
almost always includes a cold board breakfast with local treats.
In winter the Bran area is frequented for the great skiing in
nearby Poiana Braşov, and in the summer
for driving, hiking and the enjoyment of the unique folk cultures in
the area.
If you have some information for us about Bran, Piatra Craiului or County Braşov,
please
Let us know about it now! We appreciate all of your efforts!
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Regional Map of the Bran and Ţara
Bārsei Area
Stretching from about 10km to the south west of
Braşov down to the Bran Pass (Giuvala Pass)
and across to the Făgăraş Mountains
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Looming suitably over the fearful villagers
below, the favoured Dracula's Castle actually did have years of a
useful defensive role
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Bran's castle is a famous spot for tourism, as it inspired the
depiction of the castle in Bram Stoker's novel Dracula.
Situated near Braşov in Transylvania, is a national monument and landmark of Romanian
tourism built by the Teutonic Knights in (or around) 1212, after they had
been relocated from Palestine into the Kingdom of Hungary.
The castle is open to tourists, who can view the inside by themselves
or as part of a guided tour. At the bottom of the hill is a small
park to which examples of traditional Romanian peasant structures
(cottages, barns, etc.) from across the country have been moved.
Curiously, Romanians have a tradition of moving
traditional structures to open-air museums, with the country littered
with a dozen major sites like these.
The castle passed through royal hands for many generations. For many
years at the beginning of the 20th century, it was the principal home of
Queen Marie, who, despite her British birth and upbringing, became quite
a Romanian patriot.
The Teutonic Order began construction of a wooden fort
on the current site of Bran Castle in the early 13th century. After the fort's destruction in
1242 by the Tatars, King Sigismund of Hungary ordered the construction
of a new stone castle in 1377, while the settlement of Bran village
on the key trade routes continued to develop.
Positioned high atop a steep cliff, the castle
guarded a strategic route between Transylvania and Wallachia and was
key in the defence of nearby Braşov and
south-eastern Transilvania throughout the centuries until the
Ottoman threat effectively abated in the 1800s.
Soon after the creation of the Kingdom of Greater Romania after the
1920 Treaty of Versailles, the newly Romanian County Braşov
council donated the run-down castle to the Romanian royal family. The gift
was gratefully accepted by the Royals, and work began over the next
seven years to restore the castle and make it a suitable home for the
Royal family.
Much of the restoration work was done by the Architect to the Royal
Court, Carol Liman, who transformed the cold fortress into a suitable
summer home, complete with terraces, a park with promenades, fountains
and a tea-house.
The castle was decorated largely with artefacts, including
traditional furniture and tapestries that she collected to highlight
Romanian crafts and skills. In 1938, in her will, she gave the castle
and all her belongings to her daughter Princess Ileana of Romania.
Ileana, the sister of King Carol II of Romania, eventually married
Archduke Anton of Austria, and perversely enough, Bran Castle was again
controlled by the Habsburg dynasty.
The castle was seized by the Communist government of Romania in
1948, and went downhill quickly without the constant care it enjoyed in
the 1920s and 1930s, and by 1956 the remains were converted to a
Medieval History and Art museum. For many years it was tended to
erratically, but after a 1987 restoration and the subsequent Revolution
of 1989, it became a tourist destination.
The legal heir of the castle is the Princess Ileana's son, Dominic
von Habsburg and in 2006 the Romanian government returned it to him, so
von Habsburg promptly put the castle up for sale for a price of $75
million. Check back here later for all the news on who owns this
castle in late 2007!
Allegedly, Bram Stoker, who fashioned portions of his character
Count Dracula based on aspects of Vlad the Impaler, used Bran Castle as
his model for Dracula's castle.
In addition to its unique architecture, the castle is famous because
of persistent myths that it was once the home of Vlad the Impaler, a
famous or infamous medieval warlord; however, there is no evidence that
he ever lived there. According to most accounts, the Impaler
spent two days in the Bran dungeon, as the area was occupied by the
Ottoman Empire at the time.
Bran Castle was subsequently featured in multiple film adaptations
of Dracula, and has informally become known as Dracula's Castle.
The
local economy has made use of the connection to boost tourism; a small
market exists at the castle gates selling every imaginable article
connected with, or depicting the portrait of, Dracula and vampires.
This information is actually a misnomer.
Vlad the Impaler's real castle was the one
at Poienari down through the pass in Wallachia, not in Transylvania.
The "real" castle is about 90 minutes by car, and worth the journey.
News: Habsburgs Take Back Castle Dracula
Sibiu's celebrated Brukenthal Museum and Transylvania's Dracula
site, Bran castle, have been restituted to their legal owners by the
Romanian state. Habsburg family descendants of Princess Ileana, daughter
of King Ferdinand of Romania, are now owners of the 14th century Brasov
county castle, a tourist destination for vampire fans due to the
spurious link that Vlad 'The Impaler' Tepes may have spent the night
there a couple of times.
In both cases, the properties will remain museums. Representatives
of the Evangelical Church of Sibiu, the regained owners of the
Brukenthal, said they want their property to become an international
museum, a European asset.
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From the Rest Romania Website at
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It doesn't matter what time of year you are visiting the Bran
region, because the calendar of the entire year is filled with
festivals, celebrations, and great opportunities to understand the
traditions and the heart of rural Romanian culture.
You can organise some great cultural tours exploring the ethnography
of this area through traditional handicrafts, woodworking, fine dairy
products made from sheep's milk, and the
fascinating wool felting process, where wool is washed and made into
the felts used in local costumes and throws.
Traditional celebrations in Bran village follow the seasons,
with the springtime Festival of the Dividing the Milk, the summertime
Saint Pantelimon's Market Days, and each autumn, the sheep come down
from the mountains and are paraded through town and washed in
another fun festival.
Şimon, Moeciu, Cheia, Fundata, Sirnea, and other local villages
immediately around Bran lay out their old traditions and folk
customs, offering in their turn the possibility of really knowing
the hospitality of the Romanian people.
The Mountain Gathering Festival
At the end of August or the start of
September, you can see the folk event of "Nedeia", at which
boys and girls from the Bran area villages participate.
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The Mountain Gathering Festival is an event rooted in
old times and continues to this day as an important manifestation of
the old Romanian customs before Christianity came.
The Gathering is most popular in the villages of the
mountains and foothills around Bran, particularly around Fundata
where the farming communities and isolated hamlets look to The
Gathering for it's function as a place for their young people to
meet each other, and also to sell some of their wares.
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of the neighbouring villages and those too from further away take
part in The Gathering, which remains a great way to display the
traditional costumes, many specific to their own valley or commune.
Many a marriage proposal is also made and accepted at The Gathering
too!
If you happen to be around Bran at this early harvest
festival, count yourself lucky. You'll get lost in the fun and
probably find a very significant insight into the gentle and
powerful soul of the Romanian people.
Romanians consider the effect of The Gathering to be
something outside of logic -- almost a festival that people are
driven to join by a strong cultural and spiritual force, in which
all wish to meet together, to party and to play into the wee hours
of the morning.
Those who attend the Gathering festival report
feeling changed by the experience, with the sounds of the happy
songs, sights of the bright costumes, and the smells of the
delicious local foods staying with them for the remainder of the
year.
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Village Life in
Şirnea and Fundata
Happily sited in the southwest of Braşov, the old pastoral site
of Şirnea along the Wallachian border with County
Argeş, offers a magnificent opening towards the
crest of the Piatra Craiului mountains as well as towards the
Bucegi massif.
As the first true tourist village in Romania (really, they say this
locally), Şirnea
features many folk traditions specific to the area worthy of a good
look. Fundata, which turns into
Fundaţica along the road a bit, features the typically
picturesque rocky outcroppings found throughout the Bran Pass area at
the feet of the Craiului and Bucegi massifs.
Fundata village is purported to be Romania's highest at 1360m high,
situated in the middle of the Rucăr-Bran Pass at
the meeting of Wallachia and Transilvania.
It's an area of hamlets and little houses along 15km of road
and farming properties, a completely charming series of village houses
along the curving main road which curls up into the surrounding massif.
Most of the local guest houses combine the unchanging traditional
peasant farm life with great hospitality, comfort and fabulous food.
Expect wines, tuica, plenty of pork products, soups, and garden
vegetables in season.
The Pottery of Tohanu
At the entrance to Ţara Bārsei, the town of Tohanu
Nou on the main road to Wallachia is the most important Romanian
pottery centre in south-eastern Transilvania, and has been producing
pieces since the late 1500s.
The Tohan style of pottery is distinctive to the Southern Carpathian
district, and is a recognised cultural heritage artform throughout
Romania and Europe.
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A Bite Before Dracula...
On the road between Bran Castle and the Bran
Pass, this little roadside stand sells smoked meats and cheeses and
freshly baked pretzels (covrigi).
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 The photo immediately preceding this notice is Copyright (c)2005 - 2008 Rest
Romania SRL, All rights reserved.
Photo:
© REST ROMĀNIA
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Smoke from Sāmedru
The village fires at the end of October
fill the local forests in the Bārsa river valley with smoke
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The Village Sāmedru Pyre
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Traditional Bulz in the Embers
Once the Sāmedru Pyre dies down, balls
of sheeps cheese surrounded by corn meal (mamaliga) are put
into the embers to become delicious treats for the
partygoers!
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The children creep into the woods, inspecting the
trees to identify the one spirit tree which will burn to bring about
the Sāmedru! In a festive ceremony, the warm months are
ushered out, and winter is invited to begin it's icy reign as the
fir tree burns.
According to tradition which survives to this day, what
unfolds in the nights of the 25th and 26th of October is unique to the
Romanian landscape. To Romanians, the Sāmedru (known more
these days as Ziua Soroacelor) is the mythological force which takes the
leaves off of the forest trees and beings the pastoral winter season.
The night-time ceremony hastens and confirms the coming
of winter, and unfolds after several market days, ending with Saint
Dumitru's Day. The children from the local villages go together
into the forest and orchards to find the one tree which will be set
alight, limbs, branches, and dry leaves at once.
Once the Sāmedru tree has been
identified by the children, the tree is ceremonially cut and is used to
make a great pyre, the base lined with the needles of the fir tree, the
pyre formed like the tower of a church.
The kids then go door to door in the village to announce that the
tree is ready to be burnt, chanting "Come to the Fire of
Sāmedru!", much like carollers at Christmas in America.
This chant is in fact an invitation for the villagers to come forth and
revere in this spectacle of annual death and rebirth, and to pay tribute
to the metamorphic power of the seasons.
Once all are gathered, the great pile is lit and soon shoots it's
light into the darkness of the surrounding forest. When the fire
builds to it's maximum ferocity, the children chant around the great
glowing tree: "Behold the Fire of Sāmedru!".
The Sāmedru ceremony has it's roots all through the Carpathians, and
celebrates the annual cycles of the calendar, the name itself a
derivation from the Great Saint Mucenic Dimitrie of the Thessalonians,
in Romanian, Sfāntu Dimitrie, who has his day on the Orthodox and
pastoral calendars during this time of year.
Sāmedru is the first of the winter celebrations honouring the old
saints and the final quarter of the annual cycle, with celebrations
continuing from Sāmedru (from Sān
Dumitru) through Sān
Andrei, Sān Nicoară and the Crăciun
period (coinciding on the calendar with Western Christianity's
Christmas, but being more of a winter festival).
These four saint days are seen to assure the "balance of
the year", with saints assigned to other season. The
counterpart to the autumnul Saint Dimitrie is Saint George, who has his
day to bring in Spring and Summer on the 23rd of April each year.
Celebrated on the 26th of October, or sometimes also on
the 27th (called "The Shining", or "Day of the Dead"), the Day of
Sāmedru was represented in Romanian mythology
through a legendary shepherd who grazed his flock on virgin land never
trod upon by the foot of mankind.
In the Bran region, and throughout the south-eastern Carpathians,
the spirit of Sāmedru was often reported to be able to inhabit animals
or become it's own animal.
Ion Creanga's "Tale of the Pig" has at it's core
this zoomorphosis, where the pig becomes a man by day, and must wear a
the suit of a pig to pass as a proud porcine prince.
As the Day of Sāmedru doubles in some ways as a Day of
the Dead, offerings to Sāmedru and ancestors are given by village women.
Given to pyre of Sāmedru are butter and milk, honey and fruits, and
cinnamon and basil; all offered as part of a "autumn pantry" to spirits
past. Chants vary for this part of the ceremony, but go
along the lines of "Great spirits and ancestors, Help to bring to me
what you wish! Give me work for the house, abundance for the table
and a field of flowers!"
The Sāmedru Pyres are common throughout Muntenia, Oltenia,
Moldova and in the southern (more Wallachian influenced) portions of
Transilvania, happening most along hillsides, shorelines of lakes and
rivers, or at crossroads, high pyres are erected in the misty dusk of
autumn twilight.
After the pyre dies down, it's time for "The Games of
Sāmedru" to begin, with dancing and games around the fir tree to
release the summer and autumn and clear the way for the winter period.
In larger towns, there is often a market day for Sāmedru
with music and dancing, always with the main aim of Sāmedru: to
bring luck, abundance, and fruition to the work of the house, garden,
and to all relatives on the day where the leaves fall, the snows begin,
and the winter season starts! |
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From the Rest Romania Website at
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The "Cracked Needles" of the King's Rock
Around the Curmatura area, from the high spine of
the crown of the Piatra Craiului mountains.
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Photo: Gabi Ciuculescu |
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The Red Helleborine Orchid
Near Şirnea, this
cephalanthera rubra flourishes on the
forest margins
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Photo:
Cătălin Ciobanu
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She-Wolf Awaits
Admittedly not the most common thing you'll see
in the park, wolves nonetheless range here most of the year
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The King's Rock National Park
The most beautiful and wild area in the eastern Făgăraş mountains is the Piatra Craiului
(King's Rock) conglomerate, the entire rocky massif a natural reserve inside
the Piatra Craiului National Park.
The main feature of the Piatra Craiului mountains is a 25km long
razor-sharp ridge cresting at "The Peak at Man" at 2238 metres high,
regarded as one of the most beautiful sights in the Carpathians.
The park and wilderness area starts from the edge of the town
of Zārneşti up to the confluence of the Dāmboviţa
and Dāmbovicioara rivers. The entire Piatra
Craiului National Park is located in the Carpathians, and it also
includes parts of the neighbouring Bran Pass. The entire park area is 14,773 square kilometres (hectares),
with 7,806 ha being located in the County Braşov and 6,967 ha in County
Argeş.
A special conservation area, covering nearly 5000 square
kilometres inside the park is made up of a small scientific reserve, and
four rather wonderful areas of irregular limestone in which
erosion has produced fissures, sinkholes, underground streams, and
caverns.
The four feature-rich areas of limestone erosion and
formations (called "karst" by geologists), are the Zarnesti,
Dambovicioarei and Brusturet Gorges and the Bats' Cave natural monument
area. Grazing is forbidden across much of the park, although the
ecological impact of grazing domesticated goats and sheep versus the
native chamois (black goat) is less here than in other zones world-wide
where domesticated herds graze.
The wondrous relief of this area reminds one of the walls and
buttresses of a Gothic cathedral, the coloured layers of limestone
striated into amazing whorls of spectacular patterns.
The traditional villages of Măgura,
Peştera, Ciocanu,
Şirnea near Bran are interesting starting points for the routes on the
southern and eastern slopes, and provide great launching bases for
getting in touch with the traditional Romanian way of life.
See our accommodation section for
some great options in the foothills below the magnificent swath of the
Piatra Craiului mountains. A view like that each morning is
worth the short trip off the main road to find the perfect farmstay or
pensiune accommodation
If you only have a short time in the area,
Zărneşti
(a major rural centre with a population of 26,520, about 28km from Braşov) hosts the headquarters
and visitor's centre for the National Park, and gives easy access for
approaches in the northern part of the massif.
By car, you can continue your drive from
Zărneşti up an 11km long road to the cabin "Plaiul Foii", which
is a good starting point for a ridge climb. Alternatively, also
from Zărneşti, you can take a forest road from the south-western part of
the town, leading through the Zărneşti Gorges (Prăpăstiile) and then you
can hike up to the ridge from there.
See Maps of the Region Here
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The View from Zărneşti
Looking south-west to the Piatra Craiului
National Park from a bordering property at Zărneşti
near Braşov.
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The Mountain Cock
Indeed a colourful fellow, this grand
creature is a fine example of the typically large cocks found
throughout Romania's mountain regions.
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Photo:
Cătălin Ciobanu
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The Chamois
For a spotless shine on your car, use the hide
form one of these. Or just enjoy seeing one in the Piatra
Craiului National Park on a hike!
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On the western slopes of this park is the only place where the
charming garofita flower (a native Dianthus) of the Piatra
Craiului grows, looking like a delicate phlox, growing to about 8 cm
high. In addition to this most beautiful of nature's great
creations, there are also the many chamois and mountain cocks in the
area.
In the national park area about 300 fungi species, 220
lichen species, 100 different mosses, 1100 species of superior plants (a
third of the number of all plant species found in Romania), 50
Carpathians endemic species and also two endemic species for Piatra
Craiului can be found.
There are also 2 endemic species of spiders, 270
butterflies species, amphibians and reptiles, 110 birds species (50
listed in the Bern Convention and 6 in the Bonn Convention), 17 bats
species, chamois and other large herbivores and also many large
carnivores (wolfs, brown bears, lynx) living in the national park.
WARNINGS:
Avalanches can be fatal.
Do not expect Western standards for rescue teams or rescue
equipment, most are volunteer, and although enthusiastic, don't
expect a helicopter and a large organised search team.
Your mobile phone might work on some high peaks, but don't count on
it.
Snake bites can be fatal if you are not prepared with the
appropriate kit and the ability to evacuate quickly.
Take the advice of the park rangers and check with them first at
Zărneşti before entering the park for any activity.
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The steep trails along the fascinating cliffs and ridges are the
most accessible in September, when the rains and winds are at their most
moderate, after the summer rains and before the winter snows start.
In October through April the trails are closed due to the danger of
avalanches.
The two-day northsouth ridge trail is both challenging
and rewarding. Starting at either Plaiul Foii in the north-west or
Curmătura in the north-east, walkers climb up to the ridge before
following a somewhat precarious path along the narrow spine. The descent
at the southern end leads into a karst landscape of deep gorges and
pitted slopes where water penetrating the rock has carved a series of
caves.
Piatra Craiului Massif was declared a natural reserve in 1938 "due
to the unique character of the massif", preserving rare species like the
Dianthus callizonus, Hesperis nivea, Minuatia transilvanica, and
Leontopodium alpinum. It was only 440 hectare at this time,
but was increased to 900 hectare in 1962.
The main conservation area covers 4879 hectare, and the buffer zone
stretches on 9894 ha. In 1952(the year when the first forest management
plan was set up in the Piatra Craiului area) around 17.2% from the
entire massif surface was designated for conservation purposes.
In 1990 Piatra Craiului
was declared a national park with other 12 national and natural parks in
Romania. In 1999, coinciding with the implementation of the Biodiversity
Conservation Management Project the first park administration was
established.
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- "I'm in love with
Transilvania. I love the way the horizon rolls, I love
how the Carpathian Alps soar like a tidal wave two thousand metres high.
- I
love the sound of the words:
Făgăraş
(fugger-ash),
Ucea (oo-chay-ah),
Braşov (brash-ov).
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"I love the timeless images of rural life flashing past
the window of my train. A shepherd leans on his stick, wearing a
fleecy coat the size of a small car.
- "A ramshackle wooden wagon jolts down a muddy track, lead by a prancing, skinny
black horse with blinkers and a faded rosette. Mucky kids squat in
ditches, tossing pebbles into pools.
- Stout women in headscarves carry wood
or chat over a fence, tough as old boots. Wizened old men sip from small
glasses, playing chess in their rumpled black suits, white shirts and black
hats."
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Listed below are some local agents who can help you with bookings and organize
local tours
in the Bran
area.
+40 (252)
9366 FAX:
+40 (252) 9366
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See More Maps of Romania and
Bran at
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 See
More Street Maps of Bran at
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In a place where civilisation and the comfort harmonicly interposes
with nature.
722 499298
Quietness and luxury 5 minutes away of the Castle, with a splendid
view of Bran, Bucegi and Piatra Craiului Mountains.
268 236912
Offers you accomodation in a modern house, built out of stone and
wood, where you'll have all the necessary comfort.
721 282682
A luxury you can afford.
722 245608
The Luminita Pension can offer you a memorable vacation in a natural,
healthy and touring environment.
268 236663
The pension also has a basketball court, a table for tennis and a
voleyball court.
722 260574
The pension also has an open terrace, barbecue, 3500 square metres
of yard with meadow, a little river and a playground for children.
740 097589 FAX:
268 238515
The pension also has an open terrace, barbecue, 3500 square metres
of yard with meadow, a little river and a playground for children.
740 097589
The Popasul Ancutei pension is placed towards the end of the Simon
village, approx. 5 km away of the Bran Castle.
744 851296
The pension is located away of noise and dust, in a quiet, intimate
area, with a splendid view, and for all these benefits you should visit it.
268 238046
A villa that offers you luxury conditions, ideal for family vacations,
team building, seminaries, conferences, training, special training for companies.
740 025585
The Magura Branului Pension is placed in a privileged location, in
the middle of a 2,5 ha property, at the Magura Branului hill's feet.
268 238001
The pension also has a conference room.
268 236632
On the Simon Valley, not far from the Bran Castle, in a natural frame
that takes your breath away by it's beauty.
741 266810
The Cristal Pension, evaluated at 4 stars, placed in Bran, was open
in 2004.
268 406535 FAX:
268 406534
Vila Carina Pensions, located in the center of Bran, only 500m away
of the Bran Castle, offers you, in outstanding comfortable conditions, superior
services of accomodation and dining.
723 227 671 FAX:
268 238 303
The family atmosphere that surrounds you in the rural pensions, people
who knows to value a "Thank You" from the heart of the customer after a plentiful
meal, are reasons to make you come back.
268 236100
The house is placed on a hill, offering a great panorama, from where
the name of the pension.
722 347388
The house has a river crossing in front of it and the forest in the
back.
745 199352
The pension has a living with a fireplace, conference room and a
winery.
268 238 097
Placed in Bran in a natural environment of a rare beauty, the Sofia
hotel is at the tourist's disposal all year long.
268 236323
An excellent pension for those who have children too.
268 236316
Placed in an open spot of Valea Portii, you can admire the beauty
of Bucegi and Piatra Craiului Mountains.
268 236019
This area will look like Heaven for you! Come and see it for yourself.
268 238041
The pensions offers multiple services, you can even have an open-door
party.
722 784333
The building was finished at the end of 2003.
268 236510
Serena Pension invites you to a careless weekend.
722 645015
The Bucegi Mountains can be seen right from the rooms, the property
being defined by a little river with a clean and cold as ice water.
268 413273
Casa Muntilor pension has central heating, hot water permanently,
parking and a small own farm.
268 236726
Casa Medievala Pension perfectly integrates in the touring area of
special beauty wich is represented by Bran.
788 070777
The geographic position where the pension is placed offers an extraordinary
view, from here could be seen the Bucegi Mountains, the Piatra Craiului Mountains
and the hills that surrounds the pension.
268 236384
The Bran Belvedere pension offers excellent accomodation services
in 3 apartments and 10 doubles with personal design.
268 415244
The pension has seven rooms with own bathroom and TV and a two-rooms
apartment with bathroom and TV.
268 236933
This region offers you the possibility to visit some of the most
interesting touring objectives in Romania.
723 151949
Benga Elvirica pension, situated at only 1 km away of the Bran Castle,
with view at it, offers you accomodation at a high quality level, with a welcoming
and modern interior.
745 190710
Situated in the heart of Romania, in Bran, the Angelica Touristic
Complex is placed 850 m away of the Bran Castle.
268 236438
On the Simon river's ooze, the peaceful quietness and the tradition
makes the weekend or the vacation a memorable one.
268 236271
It has 2 buildings structured as follows: ANDRA 1: 6 doubles with
4 bathrooms. ANDRA 2: 12 doubles with own bathrooms and TV.
268 236331
It has 2 buildings structured as follows: ANDRA 1: 6 doubles with
4 bathrooms. ANDRA 2: 12 doubles with own bathrooms and TV.
268 236331
Placed in the centre of Bran, here you can find 7 rooms with own
bathrooms and TV.
268 236463
The pension has 9 doubles and a conference room.
Pensiunea Dan, Simon 344
in Bran
In this quiet area, away of the crowded places, the hosts awaits
you.
268 238588 FAX:
268 236704
Pensiunea Liliana, Strada Principala 468
in Bran
A 5 doubles pension, out of wich 3 in an a flat with own bathroom.
268 236852
Pensiunea Laura, Strada Doctor Iancu Gontea 48
in Bran
The pension has a terrace, 8 doubles with own bathrooms.
268 236648
Pensiunea Ileana, Strada Principala 140
in Bran
Placed right at the mountain's base, it offers great views.
268 236355
Pensiunea Ilaria, Nu gasesc
in Bran
Placed in a quiet area of Bran, away of the crowded and noisy places.
268 236355
Vila Transilvania, Strada Principala 113
in Bran
The pension itself is a smaller castle.
745 357556
Vila Sorina, Simon 174
in Bran
On the Simon Valley, in a relaxing area, 5 doubles.
740 465986
Vila Sabrina, Strada Principala 496a
in Bran
The house is decorated in traditional style, wonderful.
268 236809
Vila Reit, Strada Sextil Puscariu 383
in Bran
The pension is placed in a superb area.
268 236461
Vila Orizont, Predelut 250
in Bran
The pension has a special offer for the weekend.
268 236997
Vila Jigarea, Simon 390b
in Bran
The pension has 4 rooms with each bathroom, 3 rooms with 2 bathrooms,
acceptable prices.
268 236859
Vila Ileana-Ana, Strada Principala 140
in Bran
You can rent it by room or the entire pension.
723 262243
Vila Iancului, Strada Poarta 38
in Bran
The pension has 6 rooms inside 2 apartments.
268 236994
Vila Husky, Strada Poarta 219c
in Bran
The pension is placed at an altitude of 1000 metres, at the base
of the ski course.
268 238456
Vila Georgette, Strada Principala 440b
in Bran
The villa is only 2 minutes away of the castle, it is rentable entirely.
268 238054
Vila Eftenie, Simon 324
in Bran
5 rooms, 2 bathrooms, kitchen, dining room.
745 045732
Vila Braneana, Strada Poarta 310
in Bran
4 rooms with own bathrooms and 7 rooms at 3 bathrooms, living, day
room, turret, barbecue, central heating, cable TV.
268 238142
Vila Bianca, Strada Principala 457
in Bran
11 rooms with own bathroom and cable TV, big living with fireplace.
268 236809
Pensiunea Vera, Strada Poarta 305a
in Bran
The pension is placed in a quiet area, surrounded by nature.
268 238031
Pensiunea Valea Simonului, Simon 374
in Bran
The pension also has a bar at the clients' disposal.
268 236081
Pensiunea Un Băiat şi O Fată, Strada Branului 170
in Bran
The restaurant can hold 400 guests at a party and the terrace 160.
268 220618
Pensiunea Traian, Simon
in Bran
You can play several games if the weather is bad.
268 236003
Pensiunea Tina, Strada Principala 87
in Bran
Placed right at the entrance of Bran, in a quiet area.
723 010704
Pensiunea Teona, Predelut 23
in Bran
The pension is acceptable, clean and quiet.
268 236179
Pensiunea Simona, Predelut 236
in Bran
You can rent only the whole apartment.
268 236481
Pensiunea Radu, Predelut
in Bran
In a dreamlike landscape, you will spend a dreamlike vacation.
268 236653
Pensiunea Puzzle, Strada Poarta 27b
in Bran
In the heart of the mountains, in the middle of the nature, with
splendid views.
722 708169
Pensiunea Portile Branului, Strada Principala 156
in Bran
Next to the Bran's gates, 4 rooms and a playground for children awaits
you.
744 916897
Pensiunea Petruţa, Predelut 385a
in Bran
Quiet place, relaxing area.
721 278160
Pensiunea Perla Bucegilor, Simon 350
in Bran
Quietness, cradle in the back zeard, a little river near by, meadow
with apples.
268 236089
Pensiunea Olteanu Lenuţa, Strada Sextil Puscariu 386a
in Bran
4 beautiful rooms in the middle of a much beautiful nature.
268 238006
Pensiunea Nu Mă Uita, Strada Poarta 5a
in Bran
The pension is placed right next to the Bran Castle.
268 238140
Pensiunea Montana, Simon 106a
in Bran
Away of the street's noise, perfect for tourists with children.
268 236402
Pensiunea Monica, Simon 365a
in Bran
The pension is acceptable if you don't want to stay in Bran for too
long.
723 538459
Pensiunea Mir, Strada Branului 55
in Bran
3 rooms, one apartment plus another one with separate entrance for
more intimacy.
723 507300
Pensiunea Mia Folea, Predelut 257
in Bran
The pension is placed only 300 metres away of the Bran Castle.
268 236587
Pensiunea Mary, Predelut 266
in Bran
The pension is placed very close to the Bran Castle.
268 236360
Pensiunea Mariana, Predelut 232
in Bran
A gorgeous pension with many touring atractions.
268 236374
Pensiunea Maria Olaru, Predelut
in Bran
A nice pension in a quiet area.
268 236578
Pensiunea Lorena, Strada Principala 147
in Bran
Nice garden, fresh air, quiet.
268 236408
Pensiunea Letiţia, Predelut 255
in Bran
An acceptable pension for as well a reasonable price.
268 236412
Pensiunea Lavinia, Simon 321
in Bran
The pension has open barbecue and a turret.
268 238338
Pensiunea Larisa, Simon 388
in Bran
aC(41); are accepted here.
268 236810
Pensiunea Katharina, Sohodol 100d
in Bran
Traditional dish, swedish buffet, different entertaining ways.
745 019065
Pensiunea Iulia, Strada Poarta 20
in Bran
The pension is very close to the Bran Castle and the ski course.
268 236966
Pensiunea Iris, Strada Principala 143a
in Bran
The pension has an apartment with 2 rooms and 3 doubles.
723 209539
Pensiunea Incantesimo-Miracole, Strada Poarta 56b
in Bran
The pension is close to the ski course and has a great view.
723 149557
Pensiunea Georgiana, Strada Poarta 231
in Bran
The pension is 15 minutes away of the mountain route towards Omu
Peak.
268 236723
Pensiunea Furnica, Simon 111
in Bran
Near the Simon river, it has a big garden and is surrounded by quietness.
268 236188
Pensiunea Dumbrava Minunată, Simon 239
in Bran
14 rooms with 4 bathrooms, living room with audio system.
745 024661
Pensiunea Din Livadă, Strada Principala 129
in Bran
The pension is big and it has 14 rooms with own bathrooms.
268 236876
Pensiunea Delia, Predelut 69b
in Bran
A rural place wich you will not want to leave.
722 533829
Pensiunea Dana, Strada Principala 429
in Bran
Here you can trully notice the hospitality of the ardelenian hosts!
Believe us, we felt it ourselves! We recommend it with the highest regard!
745 988495
Pensiunea Cristomar, Strada Principala 75
in Bran
Here you will have a memorable vacation!
268 236356
Pensiunea Cristina, Strada Alunis 116a
in Bran
The pension is newly built, after european standards and quality
services.
268 236793
Pensiunea Cretu, Simon 333
in Bran
The pension offers discounts for longer periods of staying.
268 236101
Pensiunea Contele Dracula, Strada Poarta 353a
in Bran
Quietness, fresh air, elegance, style.
268 236613
Pensiunea Colţ de Rai, Sohodol
in Bran
Colt de Rai pension offers accomodation in 12 luxury rooms.
722 367603
Pensiunea Casa cu Păuni, Predelut 59
in Bran
The pension is large, it has, among other things, a meadow.
745 132296
Pensiunea Carmen, Strada Poarta 155
in Bran
Spend your free time in 4 rooms with 2 bathrooms, TV, dining room,
fully equiped kitchen, central heating, parking, barbecue, cradle, turret, 2 terraces.
724 407987
Hanul Turistic Bran, Strada Principala 363
in Bran
Quality services, area specific traditional menu, low prices.
268 236556
Complex Turistic Wolf, Strada Branului 36 bis
in Bran
The complex has a conference room and a tavern.
268 419576
Casa Valy şi Gicu, Strada Poarta 155
in Bran
The pension is close to the ski course.
268 238134
Casa Saramet Mihai, Sohodol 288
in Bran
The pension is at a lower level, in a more solitary place.
268 236996
Casa Nina, Strada Sextil Puscariu 392a
in Bran
You can rent ATV's and benefit from a ski instructor.
268 236457
Casa Minerva, Simon 322
in Bran
3 rooms, turret, big back yard for spending the free time.
268 236826
Casa Mihai, Simon 389
in Bran
Quietness, relaxation and a lot of joy.
268 236208
Casa Lucia, Sohodol 176
in Bran
A nice pension, away of the street's noise.
743 176345
Casa Kiss, Strada Poarta 18f
in Bran
The pension is decorated in traditional ardelenian style.
268 418759
Casa Iulia, Simon 141
in Bran
The pension is placed in a quiet and natural area.
744 366141
Casa Gabi, Sohodol 302
in Bran
5 minutes away of the Bran Castle, 6 large rooms awaits you.
740 917976
Casa Exedra, Predelut
in Bran
You can rent only the whole location.
740 019827
Casa Damona, Predelut 150
in Bran
You can rent the whole house if you please.
744 213643
Casa Corina, Sohodol 302a
in Bran
The pension is 5 minutes away of the castle, great view of it and
of the mountains.
268 236990
Casa Comsa, Sohodol 334
in Bran
The pension is almost entirely surrounded by forest.
268 236350
Vila Andreea, Strada Poarta 89
in Bran
3 minutes away of the Bran Castle and 20 minutes away of the Zanoaga
ski ramp, 2 rooms with bathroom and another 6 in the new building! All rooms have
TV.
744 698013
Vila Ama, Predelut 1A
in Bran
The owners have an experience in this domain of over 30 years, and
offers the tourists that respects themselves complete romanian and international
dish.
268 236528
Vila Alunis, Sohodol 291
in Bran
Do you love the mountain? Then come! Hiking, ski school. A place
at your disposal for your vacation in Bran!
268 236387
Pensiunea Andre, Strada Principala 466
in Bran
If you want to spend your vacation at the mountains, to enjoy peace
and quiet and to eat only natural products... they're waiting for you!
268 236780
Pensiunea Ana Maria, Sohodol 146
in Bran
10 rooms with own bathrooms and cable TV, living with TV and bathroom,
kitchen, 2 balconies, central heating, big yard, parking, barbecue, turret.
726 127434
Casa Antonio, Strada Poarta 56a
in Bran
In a pitoresque area with a view of the Bucegi Mountains, Casa Antonio
offres you 6 doubles with bathroom, 2 livings, bar, gym and sauna.
788 504068
Casa Ady, Strada Podul Simon 16
in Bran
Newly built, 4 rooms with own bathroom, 2 with one bathroom, wonderful
view, parking, fully equiped kitchen, terrace, cable TV.
744 430887
Pensiunea Nana, 18 piate unirii
in Bran
Pensiunea Babylon, Strada Lunga 222
in Cristian
A pension that evokes the egiptian mythology.
722 244286
A modern pension, elegant, recently built and placed in a dreamlike
area.
268 238373 FAX:
268 238328
The Piatra Alba pension has 6 rooms with individual bathrooms.
723 199154 FAX:
21 2678954
At the basement there is a winery and a bar with a pool table.
744 338298 FAX:
21 3149247
The pension has a great view of Piatra Craiului and Bucegi Mountains.
740 842586
Pensiunea Monica, Strada Principala 47
in Fundata
There is nothink like living in the middle of the nature.
740 503216
Pensiunea La Norel, Strada Principala
in Fundata
The pension has all the necesary utilities and especially a great
view of Bucegi, wich you hardly forget.
721 740537
Pensiunea Georgiana, Strada Principala 56d
in Fundata
you will forget about all your worryness once you will get here.
745 310 076
Pensiunea Casa Barbu, Strada Principala 22
in Fundata
The pension has a great panorama over the mountains.
723 173638
Pensiunea Ana, Strada Principala 39
in Fundata
The hosts can cook for you from their own farm.
268 236455
Vila Vulturi has 14 rooms with double beds, being able to host larger
groups.
268 236516 FAX:
268 236516
Placed in the next vicinity of Turcu Creek, in a fairytale landscape.
724 205322 FAX:
21 3371973
It's an opportunity to find your calm, to meet people who do for
a living what their parents had tought them.
268 236992
The pension has 3 rooms and a mini-lobby with an exit towards a balcony.
745 252681
The pension has 11 doubles with individual bathrooms and central
heating.
268 236744
The Drumul Carului pension is a complex of 2 new buildings.
722 363374
Structural, the house has 3 levels unified by 2 interior stairs.
723 596896
The pension is placed in the middle of the nature.
268 258129
The pension has 8 doubles with individual bathroom and a large living.
268 238191
The pension has 6 rooms, among wich 5 doubles and one for 3 persons.
268 236825
The house is decorated in traditional romanian style.
722 311034
Pensiunea Mimi, Strada Podu Simon 553
in Moeciu de Jos
The pension offers a great view towards the Piatra Craiului Mountains
and the surrounding hills, covered with forests.
268 238225
Placed in an exceptional natural environment, it waits for you to
arrive.
268 237233
Pensiunea La Crāng, Strada Principala 277
in Moeciu de Jos
You come to La Crāng tired and you will leave relaxed.
268 236600
Pensiunea Ina, Strada Principala 10
in Moeciu de Jos
The whole first floor is rentable to clients for the best price.
268 236616
Pensiunea Delia Scarlat Simona, Strada Podul Simonului
563
in Moeciu de Jos
The pension has 6 doubles and an apartment.
268 238311
Pensiunea Daniela Garbacea, Moeciu de Jos
in Moeciu de Jos
It is placed in the middle of the nature, in a superb area.
744 224026
Pensiunea Casa Ciobaneasca, Strada Principala 285
in Moeciu de Jos
Rides with the jeep on the hills and a house that respects the traditional
romanian dish.
745 036137
Hotel Acvila, Strada Zbārcioara 103a
in Moeciu de Jos
The Acvvila Hotel offers a chance to spend a vacation in a superb
landscape.
740 005241
A place that you will be sorry to leave.
740 065143
The pension offers a view that you will remember for a long time.
268 236572
The Intim pension has 7 doubles, with TV and cable TV.
744 348084
The Mosoiu pension awaits you in a picturesque environment, at the
feet of Bucegi mountains.
The Garofita pension has all it takes to make you relax from the
daily stress.
745 936550
It is placed in a picturesque environment, with great views, at the
feet of Bucegi.
723 392333
If you want to relax in the middle of the nature, away from any stress
cause, they are waiting for you.
745 076430
Placed between Bucegi and Piatra Craiului mountains, this complex
has raised a lot of experience in tourism.
268 476763
Very quiet area, gorgeous view.
740 098375
The pension is in a place that met a highly touring development lately.
268 236543
Take any direction you want from Moeciu de Sus for a hike and you
won't get bored.
745 792626
Good services, minimal prices, very welcoming familiy - an unforgetable
mountain area.
744 335811
Pensiunea Camelia, Strada Cheia 436
in Moeciu de Sus
The pension has 2 doubles and a large living.
268 236233
Pensiunea Maria Clinciu, Strada Principala 52
in Moeciu de Sus
Wainscotted rooms, rustic furnitured, very large.
745 045506
Pensiunea Luminita, Strada Valea Bangaleasca 159
in Moeciu de Sus
It is a complex with 3 houses, 24 doubles.
745 052636
Pensiunea Liliana & Georgel, 108
in Moeciu de Sus
The pension is placed next to a river, it has a cradle and a turret.
745 176315
Pensiunea Larisa, Strada Valea Bangaleasca 165b
in Moeciu de Sus
6 doubles with 5 bathrooms, terrace.
721 077990
Pensiunea Ioana Monte Carlo, Strada Valea Popii 104
in Moeciu de Sus
20 doubles with individual bathrooms, restaurant, bar with 20 places.
723 523233
Pensiunea Daniela Clinciu, Strada Valea Popiii 50
in Moeciu de Sus
The pension offers you 18 rooms, a dining room, a conference room
and all the utilities.
745 834305
Pensiunea Cristina Ducaru, Strada Bangaleasca 140a
in Moeciu de Sus
You will not want to leave this place.
745 130124
Pensiunea Arca lui Noe, Strada Bangaleasca 135
in Moeciu de Sus
The pension has a lounge of 20 places, turret.
721 850345
Placed right before the forest, superb view.
744 669604
Casa Transilvania, Strada Valea Popii 63
in Moeciu de Sus
8 doubles with 3 bathrooms, quiet area.
740 214815
Casa Mihaela, Strada Principala 26
in Moeciu de Sus
Placed at the feet of the mountains, admirable views.
740 179973
Surrounded by Piatra Craiului Mountains, the pension offers its tourists
the opportunity to visit important and well-known monuments of nature.
744 321305
Pensiunea Mia, Strada Principala 265
in Poiana Marului
Big back yard, living with fireplace.
268 228082
Pensiunea Maria, Strada Zimbrului 364
in Poiana Marului
Quiet area, superb view.
721 259541
Pensiunea Anca, Strada Tudor Vladimirescu 90
in Poiana Marului
2 rooms skittish decorated, intimate.
268 228 071
8 doubles with individual bathrooms, living, dining room.
268 228081
The pension has 3 rooms and a large living.
268 228 011
Casa Pagu Nicolae, Strada Vānatori 96
in Poiana Marului
Playground for children, and a quiet holiday spirit throughout.
268 228 070
Built totally out of wood, the pension is placed at the feet of Cetatea
Rāsnov.
268 230109 FAX:
268 230109
La Noi is a holiday house situated in a place with a tale name.
744 513738
An old sas house, modernised at the highest standards.
268 231618 FAX:
368 401385
Discounts are offered according to the number of people and number
of days.
746 038948
The Colt de Rai pension is placed in a virgin area, surrounded by
forests and waters.
722 367603
The Casa Rāsnoveana pension is placed in Rāsnov city, at the feet
of Cetatea Rāsnov, surrounded by a rustic natural environment.
742 224090
A nice building aparently out of stone, placed right next to the
forest.
268 230839
A traditional pension, in rustic style.
723 153644
The Estelle pension offers good accomodation services in 5 doubles.
744 379723 FAX:
268 230236
Pensiunea Marine Mount, Strada I. L. Caragiale 211
in Rāsnov
A recenlty renovated house, placed right next to the Cetatea Rāsnov.
268 230058
Pensiunea Folea Nicolae, Strada Izvor 30
in Rāsnov
A new house, beautiful, placed in a residential area of the city,
268 230250
Pensiunea Casa Munteanu, Strada Mihai Viteazu 5
in Rāsnov
Warm interior, rustic wooden furniture.
268 230784
Pensiunea Marian, Strada Bran 28
in Rāsnov
The new architecture and the feeling of being in a new place will
make your stay very pleasant.
268 231488
Pensiunea Mariana, Strada Tudor Vladimirescu 736
in Teliu
A pension placed in a quiet area, with fresh air.
745 320958
Special offers are available on Halloween for you.
268 470472 FAX:
268 410321
Pensiunea Mir, Strada Branului 55
in Tohanul Nou
The pension hormoniously collocates modern furniture with bucolic
interior decorations.
723 507300
A new pension, since 1998, equipped with all the facilities.
268 223 070 FAX:
268 223070
The pension awaits its clients with 38 accommodation spots in modern
furnitured doubles.
268 222774
The Hora cu Brazi pension is placed at the feet of Piatra Craiului
mountains.
268 223124
Pensiunea Kyfana, Strada Horia 4
in Zarnesti
You can visit historical monuments, practice ski or rides with the
sledge.
268 515999
Pensiunea La Conac, Strada General Traian Mosoiu 1
in Zarnesti
Few places are as lucky to have a view like this.
268 238238
Pensiunea Garofita Pietrei Craiului, Strada G. Baritiu
17
in Zarnesti
Superb location in the middle of the nature.
268 222939
Pensiunea Flori Suzana, Strada Carpatilor 1
in Zarnesti
Extreme hospitality that will certainly bring you back.
268 220851
Pensiunea Fabius, Strada Dr. I. Senchea 7
in Zarnesti
A very welcoming family, clean and quiet.
722 523199
Pensiunea Coltea, Strada Rāului 62
in Zarnesti
The pension at the feet of the mountain offers accommodation in 10
rooms.
745 086635
Pensiunea Casa Elim, Tohanita
in Zarnesti
The pension is placed between Zarnesti and Bran.
268 411451
Pensiunea Casa Carpati, Strada Carpati nr. 1A
in Zarnesti
It offers 4 rooms with bathrooms, playground for children.
268 222484
Pensiunea Alexandra, Strada B. Tiberiu Spirchez 34
in Zarnesti
The pension has good condition for dining and accommodation, pleasant
ambience, information and tips for hiking.
744 508718
Pensiunea Adler, Strada 13 Decembrie 1a
in Zarnesti
A wonderful pension in a very nice area.
268 223 144
Casa Zoica, Strada Carpatilor 1
in Zarnesti
The hosts are very welcoming, skittish pension, good food.
268 220362
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See also County Braşov
for accommodation in other nearby towns |
The area code for County Braşov is (2AA) or (3AA)
|
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Early Bran History
|
The Castle Bran Back in the good old
days when a castle was feared and revered!
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|
 |
|
|
Bran, together with the surrounding villages, is the cradle of
rural Romanian tourism. Set at the entrance to the Bran Pass, Bran
was a waypoint on the old strategic trade route between the Hungarian
controlled Transilvania and the more Romanian plains of Wallachia.
The area has transformed from one of local interest to a national
centre focusing on rural tourism, eco-tourism, and of cultural
importance. Benefiting from a natural setting near the
Piatra Craiului mountains, Bran benefits from the surrounding villages
with their unique traditions, of great tourist interest and national
value.
The first mention of the Bran area (Ţara Bārsei)
was about the ethnic Rosmanian population living there in south-eastern
Transilvania under the Hungarian crown in the days of the Teutonic
Knights, the area known as "Land of the Barsa". The
Knights were called on in 1367 to defend Transilvania and the Hungarian
overlords from the rising threat of the Ottoman Empire to the south.
The existence of Bran village was recorded first in 1729, along with
the surrounding villages of Sohodol, Poarta, Predelut, Valea Lunga,
Lower Moieciu, Şimon, Upper Moieciu,
Zbārcioară,
Şirnea si Coacaza, and in 1732 the village of Fundata was added to the
official register.
Bran developed quite quickly, owing mostly to it's location near
Castle Bran and it's seeming relation to the Bram Stoker novel.
The actual Dracula character in Stoker's novel was from near County
Braşov, from a Hungarian migrant population called the Secklers ("Secui"
in Romanian).
|
County Braşov Clothing
through Time
If you are passing through
Braşov on your way to the Bran area, check ou the excellent
Ethnographic Museum there to see costumes from the southern
Transilvania area, as well as other cultural and traditional
displays.
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The first structures man erected in what is now the
Piatra Craiului mountains were the crude lean-tos which shepherds
erected whilst tending their flocks in the high mountain pastures during
the summer months.
More permanent structures in the form of Chalets started popping up
in the late 1800s, and by 1881 the Plaiul Foii and Vladusca chalets were
built. The Vladusca chalet had a short but eventful existence. First, in
the year 1896 it burned to the ground and had to be rebuilt in the same
year. Then, twenty-five years later, in 1921, an avalanche claimed the
chalet yet again.
Curmătura Chalet
First built in 1897 on the site of a small
refuge for hunters, the Curmătura is one
of the most important in the National Park. |
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 See
More Fabulous Photos from the Piatra Craiului
at the Alpinet.Org
website!
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From the Ascuţit Peak
Looking towards Turnu
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The Plaiul Foii Chalet was originally designed as a hunters refuge.
Also, in the surrounding area, two customs offices were built. It was
not until 1999 that the old chalet was demolished and a new, modern
building took its place.
In order to make the Piscul Baciului Peak more accessible
to as many tourists as possible, at first, the Grind refuge was built
(1908-1916). Then the ADMIR built the Negru Voda chalet, on the same
site, in 1934. Unfortunately the completely exposed location sealed the
fate of this chalet, which was destroyed by an avalanche in 1953. The
refuge has since been rebuilt in 1983 and in 2003.
Another organisation which got involved in building
mountain chalets was EKE, which, in 1897, raised the Curmătura Chalet,
on the site of a former hunters refuge. In 1938 the chalet started to
develop and it still stands today as one of the most important chalets
in Piatra Craiului.
With the increasing number of new trails, leading to the
ridge, came the necessity for new refuges located in the most important
access points: Diana (1920-1930 bearing the name of The Consomol Refuge)
and The Ascuţit Peak (1945-1950).
The Diana Refuge (initially named the Conşomol Refuge)
was previously a hunters shelter. In 1975 a new chalet with an
accommodation capacity of 20 places was built, by the
Zărneşti Mountain
Rescue Team with the help of pupils from the Theoretical High-school,
and was used as a mountain rescue point. Then, in 1980, it burned. A new
building took its place, under the shape of a storehouse by the army,
then, in 2003, it was replaced with an igloo.
The Ascuţit Peak shelter was built between 1945 and 1950 and was
named the "7th November Shelter". This shelter burned in 1975 and was
rebuilt in fibreglass shortly after. This was the first igloo shaped
shelter in Piatra Craiului, which was replaced with an identical one in
2000.
The
Spirlea shelter was built as a shelter for the
cannon position between 1942 - 1945. Then, it was used as a house for
the forestry labourers. Between the years 1970 - 1972 , the Mountain
Rescue Team erected a mountain rescue point which was suitable for
tourist use as well. This shelter burned in 1980 and a new tourist
wooden shelter was rebuilt. In 2002 it burns again after being
reconditioned the year before. Finally, in 2003 an igloo shaped shelter
was raised on the site.
The "La Om" Peak shelter went up in 2003, and
the Grind vertical cave, explored by Joseph Kolbe in 1900, was known to
locals for centuries. In 1908, when the Village Museum of
Ţara Bārsei was established, the area witnessed a vast
research activity.
As part of the museum, Franz Podek discovered and
described many caves in Piatra Craiului between the years of 1908 -
1918.
After 1950, the number of scientific mountain expeditions
increased, shortly leading to the discovery and exploration of some of
the most important vertical caves, including the stunning Vladusca Aven in 1952.
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Read More about Bran at:
The Bran Town hall
The Piatra
Craiului National Park |
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From the Rest Romania Website at
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Have more info? Please Let us know!
The
Piatra Craiului "King's rock"
Mountains
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