Brașov

Nestled among the forested peaks of the Carpathian Mountains, Brașov is one of Romania’s most beautiful and atmospheric cities — and a wonderful gateway to Transylvania.

Its beautifully preserved medieval centre is filled with colourful buildings, cobbled streets, historic fortifications and lively cafés, all set against the dramatic backdrop of Tâmpa Mountain. At the heart of the Old Town, the impressive Black Church overlooks Piața Sfatului, one of the city’s most recognisable squares.

Brașov is also perfectly placed for exploring the wider region. From here, you can discover Bran Castle and the legends of Dracula, visit the medieval fortress of Râșnov, explore the mountain resort of Sinaia and admire spectacular Peleș Castle.

Whether you come for the history, architecture, mountains, folklore, food — or simply the chance to experience Transylvania for yourself — Brașov is a city that deserves more than a quick stop.

Getting to Brașov

Brașov is around 166 km from Bucharest, making it an easy addition to a Romanian itinerary and an excellent base for exploring Transylvania.

✈️ Flying to Romania

There are several ways to reach Brașov from the UK, depending on where you’re travelling from.

On my most recent visit to Brașov, I travelled from Glasgow to Luton, then flew on to Brașov, arriving directly into the city’s own airport.

I also travelled to Romania in March, flying from Edinburgh to Bucharest, which is another excellent option if you want to combine the Romanian capital with Transylvania.

From Bucharest, Brașov is easily reached by train or bus.

🇷🇴 Bucharest & Brașov Twin Centre

Why choose between Romania’s vibrant capital and the mountains?

A Bucharest & Brașov twin centre gives you two very different sides of Romania in one trip.

Start in Bucharest, discovering its grand architecture, historic centre, cafés and lively city atmosphere. Then head north into the Carpathians to Brașov, where medieval streets, colourful buildings and mountain scenery await.

Brașov also puts you within easy reach of some of Transylvania’s most famous sights, including Bran Castle, Râșnov and Peleș Castle at Sinaia.

I’ve experienced both ways of doing it myself — flying into Brașov and travelling via Bucharest — so I can help you build the combination that works best for your trip.

Two cities. Two very different experiences. One Romanian adventure.

🍽️ More than castles

Brașov is also a great place to experience Romanian food and culture. Take time to sit in one of the Old Town’s cafés or restaurants and try some traditional Romanian dishes alongside local wines and spirits.

The city works equally well as a short city break or as part of a longer Romanian adventure, combining naturally with Bucharest, Transylvania and the Carpathian Mountains.

🐻 My Bear-Watching Experience

This video was taken during my own trip to Romania in March, when I headed into the Carpathian Mountains to watch brown bears from a purpose-built wildlife hide.

There’s something quite special about sitting quietly in the forest, knowing these magnificent animals could appear at any moment. We were incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to watch the bears going about their natural behaviour from the safety of the hide.

It was one of those travel experiences that stays with you — quiet, exciting and completely different from seeing wildlife in a zoo or sanctuary.

If you’d like to experience this for yourself, we can add a guided brown bear-watching experience to your Romania itinerary.

🎥 Video: my own footage, filmed during my Romania trip in March 2026

Beyond Brașov

Brașov is a fantastic base, but there’s a whole world waiting beyond the city.

Head into the surrounding Carpathian Mountains and you’ll discover medieval castles, mountain resorts, traditional villages, spectacular landscapes and some of Romania’s most fascinating wildlife experiences.

Visit Bran Castle, explore the medieval fortress at Râșnov, escape into the mountains at Poiana Brașov, or venture further into the Piatra Craiului and Bucegi Mountains.

And for wildlife lovers, the forests around Brașov offer the chance to encounter Romania’s brown bears, either through a visit to a responsible sanctuary or by watching them in their natural environment from a purpose-built hide.

I’ve recently explored this region myself, including Poiana Brașov and the mountains, and I’ve experienced Romania’s brown bears from a wildlife hide. So whether you’re looking for castles and legends, mountain adventures, spectacular scenery or wildlife, I can help you discover the Brașov beyond the Old Town.

This is where your Transylvanian adventure really begins.

🐸 Discover Brașov with Discover the Frog

Whether you’re looking for a Transylvania adventure, a Dracula-inspired journey, a Romanian city break or a tailor-made itinerary combining castles, mountains and culture, Brașov is a destination worth discovering.

Travel beyond the ordinary with Discover the Frog.