Râșnov

Ryshnov is only 13-15 km southwest of Brasov, so it is most convenient to get there. The city is located on the DN73 route, which connects Wallachia with Transylvania, so buses and cars run here regularly. It is about 137 km north of Bucharest.

The main attraction is the medieval fortress (citadel) on the hill above the city, which was founded around 1215 by the Teutonic Knights. Its walls offer a magnificent view of the city and the surrounding Carpathian mountain ranges. In the yard there is a legendary well more than 140 meters deep, which, according to legend, was dug by prisoners for years.

Some 15 km from here is the famous Bran Castle, which tourist legend connects with Count Dracula. The Pjatra-Crajului massif rises nearby with sharp limestone ridges, and a little further - the Bucheji mountains. All three objects can easily be combined in one trip from the base in Brasov or Ryshniv.

Summer and early autumn are the best for walking around the fortress and hiking in the surrounding mountains, when the trails are dry and the weather is stable. In winter, the region turns into a winter resort - facilities were even prepared here for the 2013 European Youth Winter Olympic Festival. So the choice of season depends on what you're after: for the scenery or for the skiing.

Ryshnov is a small town (about 16,000 inhabitants), so you can explore the fortress and the center in half a day. The climb up to the citadel is quite steep, so wear comfortable shoes or take the tourist funicular train. It is most logical to combine a visit with Bran Castle and Brasov in one route, so as not to go twice.