Transylvania hardly seems like an actual place. I think its sense of unreality was heightened with the popular animated film Hotel Transylvania (which I loved, by the way). I’ve always loved the spooky, the eerie, the odd. I was a teenager when I found out Transylvania does, in fact, exist – and it’s a Romanian region known for vampires. I knew I had to go.

Years later, the dream came true. I found myself in Brașov, a small city nestled in the Carpathian Mountains. It has a medieval feel to it – olds buildings, cobblestone streets. Oh, and a view of Dracula’s Castle itself perched high upon the mountain. I remember looking up and seeing it for the first time, looming over the city. It was shrouded in fog, just like a movie. 

I did visit Dracula’s Castle. A lot of people think it’s overrated, but I personally loved it. The worn-down bricks outside, the creaky floors and rounded doorways, Dracula movie paraphernalia scattered throughout. There was even a floor dedicated to medieval torture instruments. 

There was a brutal thunderstorm my first night in Brașov. It was some of the loudest thunder I’d ever heard and the wind was howling. The power went out – again, just like a movie. I was staying in an attic. Pitch black, except for when the lightning flashed. I looked out the window just as lightning struck, and I realized I was sleeping right next to a cemetery. I was near ready to meet Count Dracula himself.

The rest of my days in Brașov were rainy and dreary. The fog in the mountains was so thick I could barely see through it. This was everything I’d hoped for – the perfect ambience during my days in Transylvania. It was like I was living inside a good, creepy story. Just how I like it.

While being enveloped in mystery and lore, Transylvania is also known for its stunning natural beauty. I recall riding through the Carpathians, watching out the window, and I felt the true wilderness calling. The land itself just felt wild and peculiar. 

One of my favorite experiences was driving up the Transfăgărășan Highway, rated as one of the best roads in the world, and taking in the landscape. The roads were perfectly winding – a bit scary – and I saw countless wild brown bears (including cubs!). Romania is absolutely a gem of Europe, and I’d recommend anyone to visit the Transylvania region.

I’d like to introduce a new(ish) project: I’m now on Substack! If you couldn’t tell from this post, I love all things spooky, including folklore. I decided to start a folklore-themed spinoff of this blog, and it’s called Folklore in Every Corner. I’ll be looking at a new piece of folklore each month through both a creative and historical lens. 

If you’re interested, check it out here: https://loreineverycorner.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips 
– and don’t forget to subscribe!

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