Brașov

Brașov County sits at the heart of Transylvania, ringed by the Southern Carpathians (the "Transylvanian Alps"). Its seat, Brașov city, was founded by Teutonic Knights in 1211 and fortified by Saxon colonists; its medieval old town centres on Piața Sfatului (Council Square), lined with red-roofed merchant houses, and the 14th-century Black Church, the largest Gothic church in Romania. Just outside the city, Bran Castle — a 14th-century hilltop fortress popularly (if tenuously) linked to Bram Stoker's Dracula — is one of the country's best-known landmarks. The county also holds the Piatra Craiului National Park and the mountain resort town of Predeal.

May through October offers the mildest weather for touring the old towns and hiking; winter turns Brașov County into Romania's main ski region, centred on Poiana Brașov.

Local buses and minibuses connect the main towns within the county. For rural areas, a car is recommended.

• Brasov
• Fagaras
• Codlea
• Sacele
• Zarnesti
• Rasnov
• Predeal
• Rupea
• Bran
• Viscri
• Moeciu
• Piatra Craiului National Park

Brașov shares Transylvania's Saxon-influenced Romanian cuisine: sarmale (cabbage rolls), mămăligă (polenta), and grilled meats, alongside local țuică (plum brandy).

1. Walk Piața Sfatului and the medieval old town of Brașov, and visit the Black Church.
2. Tour Bran Castle, a 14th-century hilltop fortress near Brașov city.
3. Hike or ski in the Southern Carpathians, including Piatra Craiului National Park and the resort of Poiana Brașov.