Ultimate Halloween Trip Idea: Visiting Count Dracula’s Transylvanian Castle! Mary Zakheim October 17, 2016 Travel News, Trending Stories 1 Comment What are you up to this Halloween? We know, options are kind of limited this year, but it never hurts to imagine how your next Halloween getaway will be in a more appealing, short-term future. And what better spooky destination than the actual lair of one of the most iconic horror figures of all time? Welcome to Bran Castle, the home of Count Dracula in Romania. This majestic structure located 3 hours away from Bucharest was, indeed, the inspiration for the setting of Bram Stoker’s 1897 vampire classic Dracula. Though there’s no evidence that Stoker actually set foot on the estate, it has become one of Romania’s top tourist destinations, drawing in over half a million visitors per year. The castle was built in the early 1200s and housed many a noble family — though its most famous occupant was Vlad Tepes “The Impaler”, the nefarious aristocrat and warmonger who lived on the estate in the mid to late 1400s. It’s infamously known that Vlad had the questionable habit of impaling his enemies to death. Charming fellow, right? Vlad Tepes was a prominent member of the mysterious Order of the Dracul (or Dragon), which is why he was also known as Dracula in the heretic circles he liked to be part of. Thus, the idea of a haunted castle lorded over by a reclusive monster was born. And now, 800 years later, you can strut about in your finest spooky garb and ring in the autumn holiday with other vampire enthusiasts. Because, yes, Bran Castle’s still open and welcoming visitors! Take in mind though that, according to its official website, you’ll need to wear a mask, use hands sanitizer, and keep a healthy (and somehow spooky when you think about it) distance of 2 meters from everybody while visiting. You may also like: Why Romania is the Next Hot Family Destination The castle opens its doors from 9 to 4 this time of the year (except Mondays, when the schedule changes from 12 to 4). It also has its own restaurant, Casa de Ceai. Just try to not hang out too much when the sun starts to set down and bring some fresh garlic with you, just in case somebody’s thirsty for some tourist blood…