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Peles Castle Romania

Peles Castle is tucked away in the town of Sinaia, high up in Romania’s Carpathian Mountains in Romania, and is considered one of the most beautiful castles in Europe. It’s an architectural gem that looks like it leapt right out of a fairy tale – or perhaps a gothic novel – where mist clings to its towers and to the treetops and legends seem to echo off every statue and stone wall.

But, Peles Castle, Romania’s royal summer retreat, isn’t just another pretty palace with ornate chandeliers and lavish halls. This place whispers secrets. There’s hidden passageways and jaw-dropping details (like a royal library with a secret door and an elevator built in the 1800s).

There’s mysterious symbols engraved into the panelling and tales of foreign emperors and kings, queens, and even Orient Express passengers, who once strolled here under its steep spires and stained glass ceilings where today it’s said that many wandering ghostly spirits have been seen.

So, how do you start to explore a place like this? Well, you don’t just walk through its halls – you time travel.

Romania has both inspired me and caught me by surprise and so this isn’t just a travel guide. In this post, we’re diving into a story-rich itinerary, and I’m inviting you to travel with me from Bucharest and to join me in exploring Romania’s most breath taking, bizarre, and romantic castle!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

• Peles Castle Romania
• PELES CASTLE
• Sinaia travel guide
• FIND YOUR PERFECT PLACE TO STAY IN SINAIA CLOSE TO PELES CASTLE
• Royal Castles, Hidden Monasteries & Mountain Magic
• ITINERARY – HOW TO SPEND A Day in Sinaia
• Whispers from Peles: Romania’s Most Enchanted Castle
• Plan Your Visit to peles castle
• PELES CASTLE OPENING HOURS AND VISITING SCHEDULE

A NOTE ABOUT PHOTOGRAPHY: While you can photograph outside Peles Castle for free there’s a fee in addition to the regular entrance fee to take pictures inside the castle. Upon payment you can then take photos but for personal use only and without a flash. Publishing them online (including on social media) is strictly prohibited. So you’ll see that some of the photos I’ve used to illustrate inside the castle in this post are sourced from Wiki Commons and I have credited them as such.

PELES CASTLE

Commissioned by Romania’s first king – King Carol I – in 1873 and officially finished a decade later, Peles Castle is a jaw-dropping mix of German Renaissance flair, Italian elegance, and a sprinkle of eclectic European charm.

Inside there’s one hundred and sixty rooms decked out with Murano glass chandeliers, hand-painted ceilings, rich Cordoba leather walls, stained-glass windows from Germany, and rare woods and furniture from all across Europe and even India.

But Peles wasn’t designed just to look pretty – it was futuristic – because we’re talking hot and cold running water, central heating, telephones, a mini elevator, even a vacuum system a long time before that was ever a thing.

It was also the first castle in Europe powered entirely by electricity thanks to the waters of the nearby Peles stream powering a hydro plant used to produce all the electricity needed for the castle.!

Each room is its very own masterpiece. Imagine lounging in the Turkish Salon, where handmade silk embroideries adorn the ceiling and walls, or flipping through books in the Royal Library that houses 30,000 books and has a secret door that leads to king’s suite.

Furniture in the Music Room is carved of teak, a gift to King Carol I from the Maharajah of Kapurtala in India.

King Carol I was an avid collector of armoury and his collection numbered over 4,500 weapons dating from the 15th to the 19th centuries are on display at Peles armoury. The pièce de résistance being a knight and (his) horse armour that weights 265 lbs.

The castle even has its own 60-seat theatre that features Louis XIV French classicism style and where Romania’s first film was screened in 1906. The theatre’s elaborately painted ceiling and the decorative frieze is by Austrian painters Gustav Klimt and Frantz Matsch.

In my opinion the pièce de résistance and ultimate symbol of status here has to be the stunningly spectacular Honour Hall, which has a sliding stained-glass ceiling, so that guest could look up at the stars. It is said to have cost 1.5 million lei (gold) which would be approximately 18 million US Dollars today!

Before Peles Castle even existed, Sinaia’s royal roots started at the Sinaia Monastery, founded in 1695. The royal family stayed there during their mountain retreats until Peles was completed. Today, the monastery still stands as a peaceful stop, surrounded by forest and alpine beauty.

Over the years, Peleș has hosted kings, queens, emperors, and even an early batch of Orient Express passengers.

Henri Blowitz, The Times Paris correspondent and passenger on the Orient Express Paris to Istanbul, 1883 maiden voyage, said “I have never seen a castle like this before. Wood, marble, glass, interwoven, intertwined, fabulous, ingenious, imaginative. In between towers that scratch the sky like swords.”

In 1896 – Franz Joseph I – Emperor of Austria, a friend of the Romanian Royal Family, visits Peles Castle. Shortly after his visit to Peles, the emperor wrote in a letter: “The Royal Castle – amongst other monuments – is surrounded by extremely pretty landscape with gardens built on terraces, all at the edge of dense forests. The castle itself is very impressive through the riches it has accumulated: old and new canvases, old furniture, weapons, all sort of curious, everything placed with good taste. We took a long hike in the mountains, afterwards we picnicked on the green grass, surrounded by the Gypsy music. We took many pictures, and the atmosphere was extremely pleasant.“

Even under communist rule, the castle was treated like a VIP guesthouse—hosting global figures like Nixon and Gaddafi. It closed for a while during that era, but post-1990, it’s been restored and reopened to the public. In 2006, the Romanian government handed it back to the royal family, who now lease it as a museum.

So, if you’re planning to explore Romania, make space on your itinerary for Sinaia and see my suggested trip itinerary.

Whether you’re into history, architecture, mountain vibes, haunted castles in Romania, or just want to live out your fairy tale castle fantasies, a day at Peles Castle is a must!

And if Peles has whet your appetite for other castles near Bucharest, there are so many more enchanting castles and historic palaces to see and so much to do and explore in the surrounding area, that you may wish to extend your stay in Sinaia to allow more time to explore all the nearby landmarks.

If so, then you might like to book into one of the many fabulous hotels, lodges, or guesthouses.

Sinaia travel guide

As well as Peles Castle in the Sinaia area, there is also Cantacuzino Castle as well as Stirbey Castle and Pelisor Castle and Foișor Castle and George Enescu Memorial House and also Sinaia Monastery, to explore, and a little further away is Brasov Old Town and Transylvania and Bram Castle of Dracula fame!

If you want to stay in a historic building then Vila Camelia is in a prime location. It was constructed by one of the architects of the Peles Palace in 1884 and shares its Bavarian influences with ornate decoration and characteristic wood fittings.

The Royal Residence is a historic villa located in the historic centre of Sinaia. Dating from 1901, it was once the Insurance House of the Royal Crown, and now offers aparthotel-style accommodations with private bathrooms, balconies, and views of landmarks.

FIND YOUR PERFECT PLACE TO STAY IN SINAIA CLOSE TO PELES CASTLE

Royal Castles, Hidden Monasteries & Mountain Magic

You can easily take a day trip from Bucharest to visit Peles Castle – the crown jewel of Romanian royal history – and to explore the surrounding area of Sinaia, Romania.

Check for the current visitor schedule and opening times at the official Pele Castle Website.

Do note that (at the time of writing in 2025) Peles castle is closed on a Monday and a Tuesday.

The distance and travel time from Bucharest is around 80 miles. While you’re in Bucharest do see my itinerary and what to do in Bucharest post. It’s easy to book a guided day trip with Get Your Guide or, alternatively, you can rent a car and drive yourself. This is my suggested itinerary:

ITINERARY – HOW TO SPEND A Day in Sinaia

9:00 AM – Arrive in Sinaia & Grab Breakfast in Town: Start your day early and arrive in Sinaia with the mountain air still crisp. Head to one of the local cafés near the train station—Caramello or La Strada are great picks—for a strong Romanian coffee and a fresh pastry. Fuel up, because you’re about to step into a real-life fairytale.

10:00 AM – Explore Peleș Castle Grounds: Head up the tree-lined path to the Royal Domain. The first glimpse of Peleș Castle through the forest is unforgettable—it’s like walking into a movie set. The gardens are manicured, the mountain backdrop is epic, and the architecture is next-level ornate. TIP: Get your photos early before the crowds roll in.

10:30 AM – Tour Inside Peleș Castle: Book a guided tour and wander through room after room of royal opulence: The Hall of Honour with its retractable stained-glass ceiling. A mini-theatre where Romania’s first movie was shown in 1906. The Royal Library with a hidden door behind the bookshelves. The Turkish Salon, Moorish Hall, Music Room, and Armoury each have its own theme, story, and treasure trove of details. Optional: Audio guides are available and worth using.

12:00 PM – Pop Over to Pelisor Castle: Just a short stroll from Peleș is its quirky little sister, Pelisor Castle. This was the personal residence of Queen Marie (a total style icon), and it’s full of art nouveau vibes, golden accents, Tiffany glass, and personal touches that make it feel more like a home than a palace.

1:00 PM – Lunch at the Foișor or Casa cu Farfurii: Walk down to the quaint Foișor area and have lunch at a local spot like Casa cu Farfurii, set in a rustic villa with hearty Romanian dishes. Try the sarmale (cabbage rolls) or ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup)—Romanian comfort food at its best.

2:30 PM – Stroll to Sinaia Monastery: After lunch, take a short walk to the Sinaia Monastery. This peaceful religious complex, built in 1695, is where the royal family stayed before Peleș was completed. The monastery is still active and beautifully preserved, offering a serene contrast to the opulence of the castles.

3:30 PM – Optional Nature Walk or Cable Car Ride: If you’re still feeling energetic, take a hike into the Bucegi Mountains or hop on the Gondola Sinaia for panoramic views of the valley. This area is packed with nature trails, perfect for hiking, rock climbing, or simply admiring the wild Carpathian scenery. TIP: Even an easy trail like the Piatra Arsă route offers stunning views with minimal effort.

5:00 PM – Coffee Break & Wrap-Up: Head back into town and treat yourself to a warm drink and dessert at Taverna Sârbului or Kalimtzakis. Reflect on a day well spent walking in the footsteps of royals and soaking up mountain magic.

Whispers from Peles: Romania’s Most Enchanted Castle

Peles Castle Ghost Stories: Is Peles Castle Haunted? Well, I feel there’s certainly something disturbing about about Peles Castle because behind the glitter of Murano chandeliers and the opulence of the hand-carved wood panels, you get the feeling that Peleș hides secrets. Strange ones, romantic ones, even a little eerie.

Maybe it’s the strange Romanian folklore or the fairy tale turrets slicing into the Carpathian sky? Or maybe it’s the echo of royal footsteps across marble floors? Or, it’s the Carpathian mountain myths, the legends, and the spooky stories that they don’t tell you on the official tour?

The Queen Who Never Left: Queen Elisabeth of Wied was many things: a poet, a dreamer, and Romania’s first queen. But some say she’s also the castle’s most loyal ghost. Guards have heard faint humming from the Music Room after midnight. Doors close gently on their own. And once, a security camera caught a hazy figure moving through the Great Hall – then vanishing into thin air. She loved the castle so much… maybe she never really left?

The Library Door That Disappears: In the Royal Library lies a hidden passage – a secret door disguised as a bookshelf. It opens to the King’s private suite… and it locks behind you without a trace. It was meant for privacy. But one rumour tells of a noblewoman who entered during an argument and was never seen again. No record, no goodbye – just gone. Test your courage: knock once on the shelf. Just once.

The Guest Who Triggered a War: In 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand walked these gardens, admiring Romania’s royal summer retreat. He joked with King Carol, sipped coffee under ivy-draped balconies, then left for Sarajevo. Weeks later, he was assassinated, and World War I erupted. The night he left, a freak thunderstorm split the sky above the Carpathians. Some swear it was a warning. The castle knew what was coming.

The Room That Didn’t Want to Be Built: Originally, it was supposed to be a sunroom. But everything went wrong. Tools vanished, workers got sick, and the light refused to shine. So, the architects gave up and built the now infamous Moorish Room instead. But guests report cold drafts, moving shadows, and a distinct sense that something is watching from the walls. Legend says the room still resents its creation – and wants out.

The Heart Queen’s Love That Couldn’t Be: Queen Marie—icon, artist, romantic—was married to King Ferdinand. But her heart? It belonged to Barbu Știrbey, a nobleman and her secret lover. Some claim their love still lingers near Pelișor Castle, just uphill from Peleș. Locals report two shadows often appear on the balcony together—even when no one is inside. Her body rests elsewhere. But her heart was buried in a chapel nearby – close to him.

The Hall of 2,000 Eyes: The Honor Hall is a marvel of carved wood and grandeur. But if you look closely… it’s full of faces. Over 2,000 of them: saints, monsters, kings, and warriors. Visitors swear they follow your gaze. One artist tried to sketch them all during a late-night tour. But the next morning, he discovered a new face had appeared on the wall – his own. He never came back.

Plan Your Visit to peles castle

Peleș Castle isn’t just a place—it’s a story still being told. Whether you believe the legends or just love a good tale, one thing’s for sure – you’ll leave with goosebumps, questions, and a craving to return. Ready to explore the legends for yourself?

Here’s what you need to know:

Tickets: Available on-site or through official Peles Castle site.
Location: Sinaia, Romania – 1.5 hr train ride from Bucharest. 80 miles / approximately a 2 hour drive.

If you want to leave the driving to someone else (I much prefer to do this) then why not take a Group Tour to Pele Castle From Bucharest or a Small Group Tour or take a Private Tour to include Pele Castle, other castles, and the surrounding area.

PELES CASTLE OPENING HOURS AND VISITING SCHEDULE

Monday – Tuesday: Closed

Wednesday: 10:00 – 17:00

Thursday – Sunday: 09:15- 17:00

Individual visits: Last entry/individual visit is at 4:00 PM. The last guided tour forms at 3:15 PM.

The last tickets for Peleș Castle on sale at 3:45 PM. Students benefit from free admission during school holidays.

From Wednesday to Sunday, guided tours in Romanian and English will be organized according to the following schedule:

Wednesday: 10:30 AM ,11:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 1:30 PM, 2:30 PM, 3:30 PM

Thursday – Sunday: 09:45 AM, 10:45, 11:45 AM, 12:45 PM, 1:45 PM, 2:45 PM, 3:15 PM

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