From Bușteni we drive to Râșnov where we want to visit the Cetatea Râșnov, an old fortress on top of a hill. Unfortunately, we find out that the fort is closed due to renovations, so we just walk up to it as far as is possible and take a few photos.
Next, we drive to the Amfiteatrul Transilvania, a restaurant on top of a mountain with fantastic views and good food (a recommendation from a friend). On our way, we go through Bran, where the Bran Castle is located, famed for supposedly being Dracula’s castle, associated with Vlad the Impaler. We see it from the road, and that is good enough for us. I’ve read that the inside is not that spectacular, so we don’t feel the need to fall into this tourist trap, especially after seeing Peleș castle in all its splendor.
The way to the Amphitheatre brings us onto a dirt road through the forest; it’s muddy, narrow, rough with potholes and rocks, windy with a creek running on one side, and it’s an adventure. The 4.7km from the main road up to the parking lot take almost a half hour. From the parking lot to the restaurant, we walk through more mud; I even sink one of my shoes into a muddy puddle as I slip slightly. The views, however, are stunning, and I can imagine how nice it would be in the summer. The restaurant itself is nice, decorated with real apples and pinecones, and the food is very good. The service is a little lack-lustre, but I don’t let that disturb my enjoyment.
On our way back through the forest, I see a herd of sheep and goats running toward us, and I get excited thinking that they would surround us and we would be stuck for a while… alas, they turn off into their paddock before they get to our car. Slightly disappointed that I get gypped of this little adventure, we drive back through Bran and Râșnov to Brașov, where we stay for a couple of nights.
to bad. I like a Fort! Nice pics. So you drove there (in the country)?
C