Journey into the heart of vampire mythology in Romania, where Expedition Unknown's Josh Gates explored the chilling origins of one of the world's most enduring legends. This Eastern European nation, particularly the mysterious region of Transylvania, serves as the birthplace of Dracula and countless vampire tales that have captivated audiences for centuries. From the imposing castles where Vlad the Impaler once ruled to the remote villages where ancient folklore still whispers of the undead, Romania offers an unparalleled adventure into the cultural roots of vampirism.
Romania is a country in Southeast and Central Europe, covering 238,397 km² and bordered by the Black Sea to the southeast. The capital and largest city is Bucharest, while the historic region of Transylvania remains the cultural heartland of vampire folklore. Josh Gates investigated Romania in Expedition Unknown to explore the origins of vampire legends, tracing the historical and cultural roots that transformed Prince Vlad III of Wallachia — known as Vlad the Impaler — into the literary figure of Dracula. Today, visitors can explore medieval castles, fortified churches, and the Carpathian mountain landscapes that inspired centuries of dark folklore.
Vlad III (Vlad the Impaler) born in Transylvania, later becoming the historical inspiration for Dracula
Vlad III rules Wallachia, earning his fearsome reputation through brutal defensive tactics against Ottoman invasion
Bram Stoker publishes "Dracula," cementing Transylvania's association with vampire mythology
Modern Romanian state formed through unification of Moldavia and Wallachia
Romania becomes a kingdom under Carol I
Romanian revolution ends communist rule, transitioning to liberal democracy
Gates investigates vampire legends and Vlad the Impaler's legacy in Expedition Unknown Season 2
Historians distinguish sharply between the historical Vlad III Drăculea (c. 1428-1477) and the fictional vampire Count Dracula. The real Vlad earned his nickname "the Impaler" through his defensive war against Ottoman expansion, using psychological warfare and brutal execution methods that were documented by his contemporaries. Romanian scholars generally view Vlad as a complex figure who defended Christian Europe against invasion, though his methods were extreme even by medieval standards. His father was inducted into the Order of the Dragon ("Dracul" in Romanian), making Vlad "Drăculea" — son of the dragon.
The vampire folklore that later became associated with Transylvania predates Bram Stoker's 1897 novel and stems from widespread Eastern European beliefs about revenants and the undead. Folklorists note that Romanian vampire mythology included protective rituals against strigoi (troubled spirits) and moroi (living vampires), practices rooted in pre-Christian traditions that persisted through centuries of Orthodox Christianity. These beliefs were not unique to Romania but were particularly well-preserved in rural Carpathian communities.
Bram Stoker never visited Romania and constructed his novel's Transylvanian setting from library research in London, conflating Vlad's historical brutality with local vampire folklore to create Gothic horror's most enduring character. Literary scholars have traced how Stoker's imagination transformed a medieval warlord into an immortal monster, a process that had little to do with genuine Romanian history. Gates' investigation explored this gap between historical reality and literary invention, showing how cultural transmission creates powerful myths.
Modern Romania has a complicated relationship with the Dracula tourism industry. While Bran Castle markets itself as "Dracula's Castle" despite tenuous historical connection to Vlad III, Romanian historians emphasize the country's genuine medieval heritage, including 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a rich tradition of fortified churches and painted monasteries. Gates' episode contributed by examining both the authentic historical record and the cultural mechanisms through which legends evolve, respecting Romania's actual history while exploring why vampire mythology took such deep root in the Western imagination.
Romania is the twelfth-largest country in Europe by area and the sixth-most populous member of the European Union, with 19 million inhabitants.
The name "Dracula" derives from "Dracul" (dragon), referring to Vlad's father's membership in the Order of the Dragon, a chivalric order defending Christianity.
Romania is home to 11 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, reflecting genuine medieval heritage beyond vampire tourism.
Romania has some of the fastest internet speeds globally and has established itself as a growing technology center in recent decades.
Romania's vampire tourism sites are generally accessible, with Bran Castle near Brașov being the most visited Dracula-related attraction, though its connection to the historical Vlad is disputed by scholars. Bucharest offers museums with exhibits on Vlad III, while the Carpathian mountain region provides medieval fortress towns and fortified churches. Most major sites have English information and guided tours, though visitors should research which locations have genuine historical connection to Vlad versus those capitalizing on Stoker's fiction.
Bucharest (capital city) serves as the main international gateway, with Brașov approximately 170 km north providing access to Transylvanian castle sites.
Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather for exploring castles and mountain towns, with fewer crowds than peak summer months. Winter can be atmospheric for Gothic tourism but brings difficult travel conditions in mountain regions.
Bulgaria
Bulgaria shares the Danube River border with Romania and has its own rich tradition of vampire folklore and medieval history explored in Gates investigations.
Poland
Poland is another Eastern European country with medieval castles and dark historical legends that Gates has investigated in Expedition Unknown.
Best time to visit: October is ideal for the most atmospheric experience, with autumn fog rolling through Transylvanian valleys and perfect weather for castle exploration.
Travel tip: Book accommodations in Brașov or Sighișoara to easily access multiple vampire-related sites, and consider hiring a local guide familiar with the folklore and hidden locations featured in the investigation.
Historical data sourced from Wikipedia