Brasov, found in the central part of Romania, is one of the country's 41 self-governing units. The county lies surrounded by Mures and Harghita to the north; Covasna at the east; Prahova, Dâmbovita, and Arges to the south; and Sibiu to the west, while stretching across approximately 5,363 square kilometers of land.[1] Brasov is also the name of the county's capital city, which can be found in the southeastern part of the territory, bearing several historical and cultural landmarks.[9] Geographically, Brasov County is bounded by some of the Carpathian's highest peaks, including Bucegi, Ciucas, and Fagaras, featuring Urlea and Podragul glacial lakes. Two natural protected areas are located in the southern part of the county, the Natural Park Bucegi and the Natural Park Piatra Craiului, providing walking and hiking trails to tourists.[1] One of the historical attractions within Brasov territory is the Bran Castle, which bears a connection to the novel by Bram Stoker, Dracula, as the castle is often regarded as Dracula's residence.[11] Historically, the territory of Brasov County was inhabited since the Paleolithic era, later bearing Dacian and Roman cultures.[1] Presumably, the best time to visit Brasov County would be during summer, when the temperatures are the warmest on average.[8]
The city of Brasov, nestled in the Southern Carpathian Mountains, features various architecture and is one of Romanian's destinations. Established in 1211 by Teutonic Knights, the town evolved into one of Transylvania's walled citadels, called the Siebenburgen. Its location at trade crossroads reportedly facilitated Saxon merchants' prosperity, reflected in its name "Kronstadt" or "Corona," meaning the Crown City. Some of Brasov's attractions include Rope Street, Old Townhall Square with baroque buildings, and the Black Church, which is reportedly the nation's largest Gothic structure. Mount Tâmpa and the Hollywood-like sign are some of the city symbols, while the surroundings feature mountains, forests, fields, and historic Saxon villages. Brașov holds significance as one of Siebenbürgen's seven citadels established by the Transylvanian Saxons. It stands as a blend of history, architecture, and nature in Romania.[9]
One of the predominant historical landmarks within Brasov County borders is Bran Castle, found to the southwest of the city of Brasov. In 1226, the Teutons constructed a fortress in Bran, yet they were driven out in the same year. Hungarian King Louis the Great issued documentation to the people of Brasov enabling them to build Bran Castle, originally named "Dietrichstein" or "Törzburg" in German and "Törcsvár" in Hungarian. Among a number of owners of Bran Castle belonged Vlad the Impaler, known for his ruthlessness. In the following years, several renovations to the castle were made, shaping it into its current form. In today's time, the castle is open for visitors, hosting events, featuring a restaurant, and offering various tours. [10] The castle is also known for a myth of being the residence of Dracula, a fictional character from Bram Stroker's novel. Bran Castle is often associated with Dracula because it aligns with Stoker's description, making it known as "Dracula's Castle."[11]
Visitors seeking outdoor and nature attractions can travel to Piatra Craiului Natural Park, which features the longest and highest limestone ridge in Romania, stretching over 15 miles and reaching a height of 6,560 feet. The ridge, with its glacial lakes, provides about a two-day north–south ridge trail. Commencing from Plaiul Foii in the northwest or Curmatura in the northeast, trekkers ascend the ridge's spine. As they descend the southern terminus, they enter a karst landscape of gorges and eroded slopes, home to a series of caves formed by water seeping into the rock. The traditional villages of Magura, Pestera, Ciocanu, and Sirnea serve as starting points, showcasing the "traditional Romanian way of life."[12]
The southern borders of the county align with the Carpathian mountains, including Bucegi, Ciucas, and Fagaras, housing glacial lakes such as Urlea and Podragul. Moving northward, the landscape gradually descends from alpine hills to the Bârsa plateau, while extending beyond the Olt River, it ascends toward the southern edges of the Transylvania plateau. The region also features a considerable hydrographic network, with the Olt River as its main artery. Local mineral deposits include coal and lignite in Vulcan, marble in Sinca Veche, and limestone in Brasov and Cristian. Furthermore, mineral and thermal waters are present in Zizin, Codlea, Persani, Rotbav, and Homorod. Within Brasov County are found two biosphere reserves—the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului Natural Parks—along with 26 other nature reserves and monuments.[1]
Piatra Craiului National Park, situated in the southern part of Brasov County and extending into Arges County, showcases diverse geological formations within the Romanian Carpathians. Sedimentary rocks like limestones, sandstones, and more, originating from the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, emerge from an ancient metamorphic base.[4] The park harbors 1,199 plant species and subspecies, with 181 on Romania's "Red List" due to their rarity. Notably, the park hosts the carnation of Piatra Craiului.[5] Its wildlife includes endemic Carpathian species, offering research opportunities, especially among invertebrates.[6]
Situated near the heart of Romania, in the southern part of Brasov County, is found Bucegi Natural Park, which is also a member of the international Natura 2000 network. Alongside its bear population and natural vistas, notable attractions tied to Bucegi Natural Park include the Sphinx and Babele, rock formations shaped by wind erosion. The park's establishment in 2003 by the Romanian government marked it as a refuge for preserving traditional cultural landscapes while also protecting the local environment.[7]
In terms of weather conditions, Brasov County features a temperate continental climate.[1] The warmest month in the city of Brasov is generally August, with an average daily temperature of 26°C. January is most commonly the coldest month, as temperatures average a high of 1°C. February tends to be the driest month in Brasov because it receives an average of 33 millimeters of rainfall. The most precipitation falls during June, with an average of about 101 millimeters.[8]
Evidence of fairly ancient human habitation was found in Brasov County, with traces found from the Palaeolithic and Iron Age periods. The discovery of Dacian and Dacian-Roman settlements in places like Brasov, Râsnov, Zarnesti, Feldioara, Teliu, and Rupea indicates the presence of native populations during the Roman decline in 271 AD.[1] Following Roman rule, the so-called "VI Nova Cumidavensium Alexandrina" Cohort supervised the area, fostering infrastructure like stables and aqueducts in the area. After Aurelian legions left, migrating populations interacted with locals, with Slavic tribes leaving linguistic and geographical marks. In the 10th-11th centuries, political formations took shape in Țări Făgăraşului and the Lands of Bârsa. The Hungarian king conquered the duchy of Kean in 1003, extending control over these lands. However, full Hungarian sovereignty took until after 1200, when Saxons, Szeklers, and Teutons settled. Yet, Romanians maintained their ancient legal customs, and the Land of Făgăraş stayed influenced by them into the 14th-15th centuries. A Romanian force, led by Negru Vodă from Făgăraș around 1290, contributed to the establishment of Wallachia in the Argeșului County, laying the foundation for its future development.[2]
Before World War I, Brașov County was part of Austria-Hungary, aligned with Hungary. After the Hungarian-Romanian War that ended in 1919, it became part of Romania under the Treaty of Trianon in 1920. In 1938, Romania's administrative structure changed, creating 10 "lands" overseen by Royal Residents instead of prefects, placing Brașov County within Ținutul Argeș. Yet, in 1940, it briefly returned to Hungary due to the Second Vienna Award, but Romania regained control of Brasov in 1944 with Soviet assistance. The county's jurisdiction was confirmed in the Paris Peace Treaties. Disestablished in 1950, it became part of larger regions and was only reestablished as Brașov County in 1968 when Romania reinstated its county administrative system.[3]
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