Brașov at a glance
Brașov (Kronstadt in German) is the usual base for Bran Castle. Bran lies in Brașov County, about 30 km from the city, and the road is the DN73/E574. Plan about 35 minutes by car, with no guarantee in traffic. The city has an old town around Council Square, the Gothic Black Church and the wooded Tâmpa mountain right above the roofs.
Many visitors spend the morning in the old town and the afternoon at the castle, or join Bran Castle tours that start in the city. Check the Strada Sforii note below before you plan a walk.
Black Church Brașov: prices and opening hours
Show proof for reduced tickets. Children under 7 enter free.
| Visitor | Price 2026 |
|---|---|
| Adult | RON 30 |
| Pensioner or student | RON 25 |
| Pupil up to 18 years | RON 20 |
| Child under 7 years | Free |
Winter program
From 16 October 2026 to April 2027: Sunday and Monday 12:00 to 18:00, Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 to 18:00.
Summer program
From 1 April to 15 October the church stays open until 19:00, with the same starting times. The last entry is 20 minutes before closing.
Closures and concerts
The church is closed on 1 January and 25 December. On concert days the visit ends 30 minutes before the concert, and religious ceremonies can interrupt a visit. The church publishes its own concert program, so do not expect an organ concert every day.
The Black Church is a place of worship as well as a landmark, which is why ceremonies can interrupt a visit.
Brașov old town and Strada Sforii
The old town is centered on Council Square (Piața Sfatului), with the former town hall, Casa Sfatului, which is a historic building and a museum location.
Strada Sforii, the narrow lane that many visitors look for, has been closed for safety reasons since autumn 2025, and securing works have been awarded. Do not plan on walking it, and do not count on a reopening date.
Do not count on free parking in the old town either. If you come by car, find out about parking before you drive in.
Our pick: Bran, bear sanctuary and Brașov
A guided day from Bucharest that ends with time in Brașov.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Day trips from Brașov to Bran Castle
Tours from Brașov to Bran Castle, often combined with Râșnov or Peleș, with live prices and availability. Check which options include the entry tickets.
Tâmpa and the cable car
Tâmpa is the wooded mountain above the old town, and the cable car to the top exists and can be bought online. Current fares, the maintenance day and weather closures are not fixed, so check them on the day you plan to go.
Poiana Brașov
The mountain and winter sports area above the city.
Poiana Brașov is the mountain and winter sports area above the city. It is a separate trip from the old town. Do not assume snow or open slopes for a given date, and check the lifts and slopes before you travel for a winter holiday.
From Brașov to Bran Castle
By car, bus or tour.
By car
Take the DN73/E574. The planning value is about 35 minutes, with no guarantee in traffic.
By bus
A sample departure leaves Brașov Autogara 2 at 07:00 and reaches Bran Centru Castel at 07:54, which is 54 minutes. The fare is RON 15. Check the current timetable before you go.
From Bucharest
There is no direct train to Bran. The train goes to Brașov, then you continue by bus or car. A sample intercity from București Nord needs 2 hours 15 minutes to Brașov. Read the Bucharest day trip guide for the full plan.
For the tickets and opening hours at the castle, see Bran Castle tickets. In 2026 the overnight charge in Brașov is RON 12 per person and night, made of RON 7 for tourism promotion and RON 5 for mountain rescue. Ask your accommodation to confirm the current charge.
Plan the rest of your trip
What goes with Brașov.
Brașov: frequently asked questions
How much does the Black Church in Brașov cost?
In 2026 the ticket costs RON 30 for adults, RON 25 for pensioners and students and RON 20 for pupils up to 18. Children under 7 enter free. Bring proof for reduced tickets.
What are the Black Church opening hours?
From 16 October 2026 to April 2027 it is open Sunday and Monday 12:00 to 18:00 and Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 to 18:00. From 1 April to 15 October it stays open until 19:00. The last entry is 20 minutes before closing, and it is closed on 1 January and 25 December.
Can I walk Strada Sforii in Brașov?
No. The street has been closed for safety reasons since autumn 2025, and securing works have been awarded. Do not plan on it.
How far is Brașov from Bran Castle?
About 30 km by the DN73/E574. Plan roughly 35 minutes by car, without a guarantee in traffic. A sample bus from Brașov Autogara 2 takes 54 minutes and costs RON 15.
Is there a tourist charge in Brașov?
In 2026 the overnight charge is RON 12 per person and night, with RON 7 for tourism promotion and RON 5 for mountain rescue. Confirm it with your accommodation.
Is every day in Brașov an organ concert day?
No. The church publishes its own concert program, and a church visit is not the same as a concert. On concert days the visit ends 30 minutes before the concert.