castle
Bran Castle
A fortress in Transylvania popularly associated with the legend of Count Dracula, perched on a cliff between Wallachia and Transylvania.
6 km · about 10 min drive
EuropeRomaniaBrașov County
Zărnești
Brașov County, Romania · Europe
About Zărnești
Zărnești works well as a base: 10 minutes from Poiana Mărului, 23km from Transbucegi.
Zărnești is in Brașov County, Romania, with about 25,000 people. You drive on the right here. The nearest town is Poiana Mărului, about 5 km away.
Zărnești (Romanian pronunciation: [zərˈneʃtʲ]; German: Molkendorf, Zernescht; Hungarian: Zernest) is a town in Brașov County, Transylvania, Romania, with a population of 21,624 as of 2021. It administers one village, Tohanu Nou (Neu-Tohan; Újtohán).
The town is located near the Piatra Craiului Mountains, which areRead more
part of the Southern Carpathians mountain range. Its close proximity to these mountains make it a common start point for tourists and hikers wishing to explore the Piatra Craiului National Park.
Where to Stay in Zărnești
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is there to see near Zărnești?
Within an hour or so of Zărnești: Bran Castle (6 km), Rucăr–Bran Pass (14 km), Bucegi Sphinx (21 km), Brașov (23 km).
Are there any good drives near Zărnești?
The nearest famous roads are Rucăr–Bran Pass, Transbucegi (DJ713) and Transfagarasan (DN7C).
Where is Zărnești?
Zărnești is in Brașov County, Romania, about 5 km from Poiana Mărului.
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Quick Information
- Population
- 24,926
- Continent
- Europe
- Country
- Romania
- Region
- Brașov County
- Timezone
- Europe/Bucharest
- Coordinates
- 45.5609, 25.3179
Emergency & Services
Essential numbers in Romania
Rovinieta (road tax sticker) required for all national roads.
Full driving guide for RomaniaTags
Worth the detour from Zărnești
8 notable places within an hour's drive.
mountain pass
Rucăr–Bran Pass
Historic corridor road (DN73) between Brașov and Câmpulung, cresting at Fundata (~1,290 m) with pastoral villages, limestone ridges and views of the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului massifs.
14 km · about 25 min drive
photogenic
Bucegi Sphinx
A wind-carved rock at 2,216 m on the Bucegi plateau that in profile forms a giant human face, beside the mushroom-shaped Babele formations. Reached by cable car from Bușteni or a hike from the Transbucegi road.
21 km · about 25 min drive
landmark
Brașov
A stunning medieval city ringed by Carpathian peaks, centered on Council Square and dominated by the massive Gothic Black Church.
23 km · about 25 min drive
famous road
Transbucegi
Alpine road (DJ713) snaking up the Bucegi Mountains past Bolboci Lake toward the 2,000 m plateau near the Babele rock formations, with sweeping hairpins and dramatic Carpathian views.
23 km · about 25 min drive
cathedral
Black Church, Brasov
Largest Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul, named for soot damage in a 1689 fire, in central Brasov.
23 km · about 25 min drive
famous road
Transbucegi (DJ713)
A short but dramatic climb from Busteni onto the Bucegi plateau at 2,000m, ending near the Sphinx rock formation.
23 km · about 25 min drive
castle
Peleș Castle
A Neo-Renaissance palace in the Carpathian Mountains, one of the most stunning castles in Europe and a former Romanian royal residence.
28 km · about 35 min drive
Driving roads near Zărnești
- Right hereRucăr–Bran PassHistoric corridor road (DN73) between Brașov and Câmpulung, cresting at Fundata (~1,290 m) with pastoral villages, limestone ridges and views of the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului massifs.
- 23 kmTransbucegiAlpine road (DJ713) snaking up the Bucegi Mountains past Bolboci Lake toward the 2,000 m plateau near the Babele rock formations, with sweeping hairpins and dramatic Carpathian views.
- 23 kmTransbucegi (DJ713)A short but dramatic climb from Busteni onto the Bucegi plateau at 2,000m, ending near the Sphinx rock formation.
- 55 kmTransfagarasan ViewpointThe summit of Romania's spectacular mountain highway, called 'the best road in the world' by Top Gear, with views of Balea Lake and the Fagaras range.
- 55 kmTransfăgărășan HighwayRomania's spectacular mountain road crossing the Carpathians - 'best road in the world' per Top Gear
- 55 kmBâlea LakeA glacial lake at 2,034m crowning the Transfăgărășan, reached by car in summer or cable car in winter.
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