Râşnov Fortress

Transylvania

LoginSave

Commonly paired with Bran Castle on day trips from Braşov, Râşnov Fortress might just be the more enchanting of the two. The medieval citadel, built by Teutonic knights to guard against Tatar and Turkish invasion, roosts on a hilltop 19km southwest of Braşov by road. Visitors are free to stroll between sturdy watchtowers, browse medieval-themed souvenir and craft stalls, and admire views of rolling hills from the fortress’ highest point. Walk from the village or take the lift.

A Dacian settlement perched on this hilltop around the 1st century BC, but was abandoned after Roman conquest. The stocky-walled fortification today was built and rebuilt between the 14th and 17th centuries, passing between Hungarian and Saxon ownership, eventually losing its military significance in the 18th century. Today it’s emblazoned with a Hollywood-style ‘Râşnov’ sign.

Audio guides are available (10 lei) for a more detailed romp through Râşnov’s history. Tourist information booths operate just outside the citadel, following its opening hours.

From Braşov, frequent Bran-bound buses stop in Râşnov (4 lei, 25 minutes).

Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

  • Romania, Castelul Peles (Peles Castle), facade seen from gardens set against blue sky

    Peleş Castle

    16.34 MILES

    Over 40 years, dozens of builders, artists and wood-carvers brought Peleş Castle into existence. The neo-Renaissance masterpiece was commissioned by…

  • Făgăraş Citadel

    Făgăraş Citadel

    29.64 MILES

    Encircled by a moat fringed with willow trees, Făgăraş Citadel is an impressively intact fortification from medieval Transylvania. The oldest part of this…

  • The medieval Castle of Bran. The castle guarded in the past the border between Transylvania an Wallachia. It is also known for the myth of Dracula.; Shutterstock ID 114267793; Your name (First / Last): Josh Vogel; Project no. or GL code: 56530; Network activity no. or Cost Centre: Online-Design; Product or Project: 65050/7529/Josh Vogel/LP.com Destination Galleries

    Bran Castle

    7.14 MILES

    Rising above the town on a rocky promontory, Bran Castle holds visitors in thrall. An entire industry has sprouted around describing it as ‘Dracula’s…

  • Hollywood like Brasov sign on Tampa mountain, Brasov, Romania

    Mt Tâmpa

    6.99 MILES

    Rising 940m high and visible around Braşov, Mt Tâmpa is adorned with its very own Hollywood-style sign. Hard as it is to imagine, it was the site of a…

  • Trumpeter's Tower in Piata Sfatului.

    Piaţa Sfatului

    6.86 MILES

    This wide square, lined with cafes, was once the heart of medieval Braşov. In the centre stands the 1420 Council House (Casa Sfatului), topped by the…

  • Libearty Bear Sanctuary

    Libearty Bear Sanctuary

    3.83 MILES

    Not enough time to join a bear hide excursion to see these impressive carnivores lumbering through their natural habitat? Libearty Sanctuary is the next…

  • Black Church

    Black Church

    6.77 MILES

    Romania’s largest Gothic church rises triumphantly over Braşov’s old town. Built between 1385 and 1477, this German Lutheran church was named for its…

  • Hărman Fortified Church

    Hărman Fortified Church

    13.61 MILES

    From the outside, Hărman’s fortified church resembles a bright white layer cake. Enclosed by its mighty walls is a triple-naved basilica, the Church of St…

View more attractions

Nearby Transylvania attractions

1. Libearty Bear Sanctuary

3.83 MILES

Not enough time to join a bear hide excursion to see these impressive carnivores lumbering through their natural habitat? Libearty Sanctuary is the next…

2. Sf Ioan Botezătorul Church

4.12 MILES

This ornate church shaped like a witch's hat, built in Maramureş style entirely out of wood, has a stunning mountain backdrop.

3. St Nicholas’ Cathedral

6.32 MILES

With forested hills rising behind its prickly Gothic spires, St Nicholas’ Cathedral is one of Braşov's most spectacular views. First built in wood in 1392…

4. First Romanian School Museum

6.32 MILES

This venerable museum near St Nicholas' Cathedral time-travels into the history of Romanian education. Students have been educated on this site since the…

5. Schei Gate

6.65 MILES

In Saxon Braşov, Romanians were banished to the Schei quarter in the southwest; entry to this quarter from the walled city was marked by the Schei Gate…

6. Black Tower

6.68 MILES

This 11m tower, actually the same beige colour as Braşov's White Tower, is part of the town's old medieval fortifications. It last served as a watchtower…

7. Weavers’ Bastion Museum

6.68 MILES

On the city wall's southeast corner is the 16th-century Weavers' Bastion Museum, housed in Braşov's only 15th-century building. The simple exhibits…

8. Old Town Fortifications

6.7 MILES

Old Braşov was once enclosed by mighty fortified walls, 12m high and more than 3km-long. Built in stages between 1400 and 1650, these walls and defence…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting: 
    {
  "url": "romania/around-brasov/attractions/rasnov-fortress/a/poi-sig/1265877/1324812",
  "destination": "Transylvania",
  "continent": "Europe",
  "country": "Romania",
  "region": "Transylvania",
  "position": "superzone"
}