Bran Castle is something you have seen, read or heard about so many times that you don’t mind sharing this planet with, as long as people stop telling you those stupid vampire stories. This is a point where you are right! Also, where I agree both hands and give a high five in addition.
On the bright side, this whole place isn’t entirely about horror and fantasy movies. Well, it is, around Halloween but that’s located in a catholic country after all. The point is, Bran has a concept where it’s showing a different story. That story is about the life of Queen Maria. I will most probably share more about that in another post because this article will tell more about another aspect of the place.
At the end of the whole middle ages journey in Bran Castle which you can find right here on Google Maps, visitors can do The Time Tunnel. It’s kind of a new attraction within the castle grounds and not very popular one. You can see an add on the website, posters all over the attraction grounds or the Facebook page. I have no clue why people wouldn’t want to try it. Don’t want to brag but, from the whole group of 70 people who went to see the castle that day, I was the only one knowing about this and actually buying the admission. Yes, it is optional and it’s at additional cost. Price for this extra journey may sound too big. Almost same as the castle ticket. On the other hand visitors enjoy an interactive journey which, you will find that actually makes the price good.
Quick Tip: Ticket for this attraction is purchased at the castle ground entrance - buy castle ticket and ask for The Time Tunnel admission. Keep both tickets with you all the time with you!
The Time Tunnel is an old project which latest high tech developments made the whole concept possible. It’s 30 meters of imagination. Visitors have the opportunity to interact with historical figures and mythical creatures. Taking selfies with them too. (Whoopsie!) Here’s what happens at the Time Tunnel …
When you finish the Bran Castle tour, you greet a staff member who’s at the well courtyard. They are super friendly and mine was super smiley. She’s also a funny person. Made me feel comfortable around her and asked if I can fight dragons. That was a weird question but around the jokes we shared, it sounded just right. Anyways, the member will take you to the lift which is the beginning of your Tunnel journey. If you are super claustrophobic, just don’t try it or ask to begin the journey from the other side of the tunnel. The only inconvenience would be that you’ll have to go back and see everything again. The lift is large enough and has fresh air which shouldn’t activate any phobia, so no biggie. When the door closes, the cabin will drop you down through the magical shaft. All over the walls of the cabin you will see ancient stones, halls will project, bats will fly, ghosts will pass and sounds will surround you, so that you could feel like in an middle dimension.
If you want to see part of the journey through my camera, please follow the share link from my Google Drive here.
When the doors open, you will see the tunnel itself. Visitors are greeted by the previous kings and queens of Romania. These rulers will look at you and follow your move. Unfortunately, their names are written nowhere within the tunnel. The cool thing is that you can test your memory with the information from the castle journey right before this one. Be smart, people!
These large images are just like Wizarding World photos. Although, they can’t talk. Every step is a new surprise. Nymphs are dancing at a distant field which you are looking at, through a magical window or knights attach an ancient fort. When the attack is over, you can move on, to the victory celebrations and dance with Romanian traditional dancers. At the end of the journey, you will meet Vlad Dracula, appearing from the flames. (attention - this particular image may seem a bit scary for small children)
One of the last animations on the wall will be the frame where you can take a photo of yourself with some of the most memorable images. Remember, be creative! This is a photo taken at an alternative universe.
At the end of the Time Tunnel flow, make sure you have tried to touch the dimension threads before getting back to our reality and being out of the tunnel. That’s fun too!
Now that you have an idea of what happens, feel free to share thoughts, ask questions or … if you have seen the Time Tunnel, why didn’t you say so? What did you like, dislike or got impressed from?