Poenari Fortress and Vidraru Dam

Poenari Fortress is a ruined citadel perched on a cliff above the Arges valley on the southern side of the Fagaras mountains. Of all the fortresses linked to the real Vlad the Impaler, also known as Vlad Dracula, this is the one with the strongest historical claim, since he is believed to have rebuilt and used it in the fifteenth century. Reaching it takes effort, with a climb of about 1,480 steps up the hillside through forest to the ruins. The reward is a ring of crumbling walls and towers on a ledge, with long views down the river valley and up toward the high Carpathian crest. The fortress is not a polished museum, and that is its appeal, as the stone ruins sit in a wild setting that feels far removed from the better-known castles of Transylvania.

The climb starts from a car park at the foot of the hill and follows a long staircase, in places steep, with railings and benches along the way. Allow forty-five minutes to an hour up for an average walker, and a little less coming down. At the top, you will find a cluster of ruined towers, sections of walls and the footings of the buildings that once stood inside.

Information boards explain the history, including the legend that the lady of the castle threw herself from the tower rather than be captured, and the story of Vlad's campaigns against the Ottomans and the boyars. From the ruins, the view over the Vidraru valley is dramatic, and it is easy to imagine why the site was chosen.

The paid link on this page is a guided tour from Sibiu that covers the Transfagarasan road, Vidraru Dam and Poenari Fortress in a single day, which is the usual way to visit without a car. The guide handles the long drive, which crosses the mountains, and adds the story of the dam, which was completed in the 1960s and is a major piece of engineering, as well as the legends of the fortress.

Check the departure time, the languages offered and the inclusions before you reserve. Because the route depends on the high mountain road, the tour is seasonal and generally runs in the open months rather than in winter.

Poenari is best between late spring and early autumn, when the road is open and the steps are dry. The staircase can be slippery after rain and is not suitable for people with heart or knee problems, young children or anyone who dislikes heights, so be honest about your fitness and take your time. Wear sturdy shoes, carry water and a layer, and keep an eye on the weather, since fog and storms can arrive quickly in the mountains.

The fortress usually keeps seasonal opening hours and may close in bad weather or in winter, so confirm before you go. Combine the climb with a pause at the Vidraru Dam and the lake, where there are viewpoints, cafes and stalls, and expect a long, full day that rewards good weather.