Isn’t it interesting how certain regions gain more fame than a country? And, in fact, while the borders and names of countries change, many of these regions–especially in Europe–have remained the same for generations. Bavaria, Bohemia, Tuscany…these are just a few regions that have more history than the countries they are in currently.
One of these famed regions is Transylvania, currently located in the central mountains of Romania. Transylvania is famous, in part, as the home of Dracula.
But it is so much more than that!
I can see how the inspiration for Dracula came about in Transylvania, though–even in the height of summer, the region, nicknamed “The Land Beyond the Forest,” holds an air of spooky mystery and intrigue, full of contrasts around every corner. Visiting Transylvania feels like going back in time-until you use the insanely fast internet and see the occasional shiny car zooming by a horse-drawn cart on the highway.
Today I’m giving you a few photos that will surely inspire you to add the beguiling, beautiful Transylvania–a land of dangerous fairy tales–to your list.
Sibiu rooftops
Sibiu 
Sibiu at sunset 
This little dog in Sibiu killed me! That face! 
In the village!
Romanian spirits (tuicā, or plum brandy) at our Airbnb 
Mountain views 
Wildflowers galore 
Bran Castle 
Romanian doughnuts, gogosi
Vistas everywhere 
Rasnov fortress in the rearview 
Our friendly neighborhood cow 
Country roads 
Piatra Craiului National Park 
Bran Castle, again 
Peles Castle 
Pelisor Castle 
More Peles 
One of the fortified churches famous in Transylvania 
Lively Brasov 
Brasov…or Hollywood? 
The Black Church in Brasov 
Charming alleys 
And charming corners 
Random ruins on the road 
Sighisoara! 
Colorful, colorful. 
My favorite one (of course) 
Sighisoara from above 
Lucky with blue skies 
A common sight on the roads
Well, have I convinced you to visit yet??
Linking up with Wanderlust Wednesday.