What to see in Sinaia and Rasnov: Peles, monastery and fortress

Between Brașov and Bucharest stand two towns that tourists often skip. Most people head for Bran Castle, while Sinaia and Râșnov get left for a second day. That is a mistake. This is where the summer residence of the Romanian kings is located, along with a fortress that was besieged for 800 years.

Below is a one-day itinerary: what to see, how much it costs, and how to get there.

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Castles and fortress in Sinaia and Râșnov

💡 In short:

• Sinaia sits on the Brașov-Bucharest railway; Râșnov is served by bus from Brașov.
• Râșnov Fortress is currently under restoration.
• Prices and opening hours for Peleș and Pelișor castles: 09/2026, verified on the Peleș Museum website.

Both towns are easy to visit from Brașov. In Râșnov you see a medieval fortress and a Saxon church; in Sinaia, a monastery and two royal castles. Peleș sells timed tickets, so it is better to book a slot in advance.

Râșnov Fortress

The fortress stands on a rock above the town and is visible from almost everywhere. It was built by the Teutonic Knights starting in 1215. Over eight centuries it was captured only once, in 1612 (history according to the Râșnov Fortress website).

© Korinna · CC BY-SAPhoto: Korinna, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ro/deed.en), Wikimedia Commons

A local legend about a well is tied to the fortress. According to it, two Turkish prisoners spent seventeen years cutting through the rock to give the garrison water, but never gained their freedom. Romanian historians do not believe this version. The well really was dug for seventeen years, from 1623 to 1640, but by Saxon craftsmen, and they went 98 meters into the rock.

The fortress itself is currently closed for restoration and cannot be entered. A garden with a panorama of the Râșnov valley and surrounding mountains is open to visitors. Entry is by ticket, bought on site (as of 09/2026, garden program and tickets). A funicular will take you up, but walking up gives better views. In summer the garden is open from 9 to 19, in winter until 17. The feudal art museum inside the fortress is unavailable during the works.

Evangelical Church of Râșnov

Below the fortress hill there is a quiet square with cafes. You will recognize the tallest building in town right away. The Evangelical Church of Râșnov was built in the early 14th century, and it combines two styles: low-slung Romanesque and soaring Gothic.

© Țetcu Mircea Rareș · CC BY-SAPhoto: Țetcu Mircea Rareș, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

The building stands on the border of two eras, and it shows in the facade. Its confessional history is also complicated. The church was founded by Catholics, and in the 16th century it passed to the Lutheran community. The new owners removed the statues of saints from the interior and painted over the frescoes. Step inside if the church is open: entry is usually free, but it is an active church.

Sinaia Monastery

From Brașov you can reach Sinaia by train in just over an hour. The station is in the center, and from there it is about fifteen minutes on foot to the monastery (according to the map). Sinaia grew up around an Orthodox monastery, so start there.

© Jorge Franganillo · CC BYPhoto: Jorge Franganillo, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

The monastery was founded by the nobleman Mihai Cantacuzino in the late 17th century. He was inspired by a pilgrimage to Saint Catherine's Monastery on Mount Sinai in Egypt, hence the town's name. At first twelve monks lived here, matching the number of apostles. Later the community grew, and the complex expanded.

Today it is a whole ensemble: cells, two churches, a bell tower, and burial vaults. Entry is free, but it is an active monastery, so respect the services and the silence. Along the same road there are cafes and souvenir shops. From the monastery to Peleș Castle you face another half hour of walking uphill.

Peleș Castle

Peleș was commissioned by Carol I, the first king of independent Romania, as a summer residence. The architect Johann Schultz mixed Neo-Renaissance, Baroque, Rococo, and Moorish motifs. The combination looks organic, without eclectic clutter.

© Myrabella · CC BY-SAPhoto: Myrabella, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Inside you will find Meissen porcelain, stained glass from Switzerland, oriental carpets, ivory, and gold. The Florentine Hall is finished in ebony, the Turkish Hall is draped in silk. The theater room is decorated in the spirit of the Sun King; in the early last century films were shown here. The castle was completed in 1883 and equipped with central heating and electricity, rare for that time.

Part of the state rooms is open to visitors. Timed tickets are sold on the museum's official website and at machines by the entrance; the museum considers other channels unauthorized. Up to 2,000 people are admitted per day, so in season book a slot in advance and arrive at the start of your interval.

As of 09/2026, price list and museum hours. Last entry to Peles is at 4:00 PM, to Pelisor at 4:15 PM. Guides work at no extra charge, the group enters at the start of your time slot. You can book castle tours and transfers from Brasov in advance: Peles Castle tours on GetYourGuide.

Pelisor Castle

Next to the large Peles stand two smaller buildings. Pelisor, or little Peles, was built by order of Carol I for the family of the heir to the throne. The future King Carol II, the future Queen of Yugoslavia Maria, and the future Queen of Greece Elisabeth spent their childhood years here.

© Cristian Bortes · CC BYPhoto: Cristian Bortes, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), Wikimedia Commons

The second building, the Foisor hunting lodge, is closed to visitors. The last Romanian king, Michael I, was born there. In 2006, the state returned the castle complex to Michael I and paid him compensation. Today you can enter Peles feeling like a guest of the royal family.

Pelisor is closed from September 28 to November 3, 2026, and Peles is closed from November 2 to December 1, 2026. Plan your visit around these windows: tickets cannot be rescheduled or refunded.

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to enter Peles Castle?

An adult ticket costs 100 lei, students pay 25 lei (as of 09/2026, rates on the museum website). Pelisor is cheaper: 30 lei for the full tour (as of 09/2026, Peles museum rates). Tickets are sold on the museum website and at machines near the entrance. In high season, book your slot in advance: up to 2,000 people are admitted per day.

When are Peles and Pelisor castles open?

Both castles are open Wednesday through Sunday. On Wednesday they open at 10:00 AM, on other days at 9:15 AM, last entry to Peles is at 4:00 PM. Monday and Tuesday are closed. Note the seasonal closures: Pelisor is closed from September 28 to November 3, 2026, Peles from November 2 to December 1, 2026 (as of 09/2026, castle opening hours).

Is Rasnov Fortress open to visitors?

The fortress itself is closed for restoration and you cannot go inside. The fortress garden is open to tourists, with a panorama of the town and surrounding mountains. Tickets are bought at the entrance, the ticket office is open from 9 AM to 7 PM in summer and until 5 PM in winter (as of 09/2026, fortress opening hours). You can go up on foot or by funicular.

How do I get from Brasov to Sinaia and Rasnov?

Sinaia is on the Brasov-Bucharest railway, trains run regularly (according to CFR Călători, 09/2026). The trip to Sinaia takes just over an hour, and you can reach Rasnov by bus. City buses that locals use also run between Rasnov and Brasov, a ticket costs a couple of euros.

Do I need a car for this trip?

No, both places are connected by train and bus. A car is useful only if you want to stop in Bran and return the same day. In Sinaia everything is close: from the station to the monastery is about fifteen minutes on foot, and to Peles another half hour uphill. The most comfortable option is to stay overnight in Brasov or in Sinaia itself.

In short: what to book

If you have one day, start with Peleș, head down to the monastery in the afternoon, and finish with Râșnov. If you are traveling without a car, a train goes to Sinaia and a bus to Râșnov. If you want to go inside the fortress, plan your visit after the restoration or stick to the garden. Hotels in Sinaia sell out quickly in summer, so book a hotel in Sinaia on Trip.com in advance.