Tourist attractions near the future Dracula Land

The area where the Dracula Land theme park has been announced is well placed for tourism, on the border between the Prahova plain and the Subcarpathian hills. From here you have quick access, via the A3 and DN1, to some of the best-known tourist attractions in Romania. Below you will find them grouped by theme, with approximate road distances from Gherghita.

Castles

Peles Castle in Sinaia, about 100 km away, remains one of the most visited historic monuments in the country. It was the summer residence of King Carol I and is known for its Neo-Renaissance architecture and for the art and weapons collections inside. Right next to it stands Pelisor, with Queen Marie's Art Nouveau interiors.

Cantacuzino Castle in Busteni, about 106 km away, was built in 1911 in Neo-Romanian style and offers one of the finest views of the Bucegi. In recent years it has become famous thanks to the series "Wednesday", partly filmed here.

A little further, about 146 km away, is Bran Castle, famous all over the world for its link with the Dracula legend, the same legend that inspires the theme of the future park in Gherghita.

Mountains

The Prahova Valley, with the resorts of Sinaia and Busteni, is the gateway to the Bucegi mountains. From Busteni the cable car climbs to Babele, from where you can walk to the Caraiman Cross, the monument raised in memory of the heroes of the First World War. The fit can continue to Omu Peak, the highest point of the massif, at 2,505 metres. In winter the resorts have ski slopes for all levels.

Underground

One of the big attractions closest to Gherghita is the Slanic Salt Mine, about 78 km away: a former salt mine with huge halls and a constant temperature all year round. In the Bucegi, Ialomita Cave adds a monastery built right at the cave entrance, plus centuries-old legends.

City and industrial history

For those interested in Romania's industrial history, Ploiesti, about 41 km away, is known as the capital of Romanian oil. The city has interesting architecture from the interwar period, when it grew strongly thanks to the oil industry.

Wine

The Dealu Mare wine region, about 38 km away, is one of the best-known wine regions in the country, with wineries that welcome visitors, usually by appointment.

How far they are, in brief

• Dealu Mare wine region: about 38 km
• Ploiesti: about 41 km
• Slanic Salt Mine: about 78 km
• Sinaia: about 98 km
• Peles and Pelisor Castles: about 100 km
• Busteni and Cantacuzino Castle: about 106 km
• Ialomita Cave: about 127 km
• Bran Castle: about 146 km

Distances are measured by road from the centre of Gherghita. Actual driving time depends heavily on traffic: at weekends, especially on the DN1, allow at least 30 minutes more.

Recommendations by interest

• History lovers: Peles and Pelisor Castles, Bran Castle, Sinaia Monastery and the centre of Ploiesti
• Nature and mountain lovers: the Bucegi plateau, the Caraiman Cross, Omu Peak, the Ialomita Valley and Ursilor Gorge
• Families with children: the Slanic Salt Mine, the Busteni cable car, the parks in Sinaia and the castle gardens
• Fans of legends: Bran Castle and the Dracula story, Ialomita Cave and its legends and, soon, the park in Gherghita
• Foodies: tastings in the Dealu Mare wine region and the traditional dishes of the Bran–Moeciu area

Tips for excursions

Set off early in the morning, especially at weekends and in summer: the roads are clear and you reach the sights before the large groups. Check each attraction's opening hours beforehand, because many museums have closing days or reduced hours out of season. For mountain trips, check the weather forecast and take warm clothes even in summer. Do not try to see too much in one day: two well-chosen sights make a more pleasant day than four seen in a hurry.

A typical day trip from Gherghita

Most sights are one or two hours' drive away, so a typical day looks something like this: leave in the morning, around 8, two well-chosen visits, lunch in a resort or a mountain village and back to your accommodation towards evening, before the rush on the DN1. The evening is left for rest, a quiet dinner and plans for the next day. For longer excursions, such as the one to Bran, leave earlier and keep the following day lighter.

Useful information before you go

Keep the emergency number to hand: 112 for any serious situation, including in the mountains. Many attractions accept card payments, but in mountain villages and at some huts it is good to have some cash too.

How to combine them

Most sights in the Prahova Valley can be linked in a single day: for example Peles and Pelisor in the morning, then Cantacuzino and Busteni in the afternoon. Bran deserves a separate day, and the Slanic Salt Mine fits perfectly into half a day. See all the attractions on the experiences page and choose accommodation near Dracula Land to set out from every morning.