Poenari Fortress
The fortress tied to Vlad the Impaler sits on a cliff above the Argeș. You reach it after 1,480 steps through the forest, and from the top the whole valley lies below you.
- From Casa Sima
- about 23 km, around 35 minutes by car on the DN7C
- The climb
- 1,480 concrete steps through beech forest
- Published hours
- daily 10:00–18:00, last climb at 17:00
- Tickets (2025)
- 30 lei adults, 20 lei pupils, students, pensioners
What you’ll see
Poenari is a medieval fortress built on a hard-to-reach cliff above the Argeș gorge, in the commune of Arefu. It is tied to the name of Vlad the Impaler, who rebuilt it in the 15th century. The stone walls and towers remain, and the view down the valley and up to the mountains is what makes every step worth it.
The climb and access
You climb a staircase of 1,480 concrete steps winding through beech forest. Because bears live in the area, the path to the fortress is fenced with an electric fence. Tickets are sold at the fortress or online through the Argeș Tourist Pass.
The hours and prices above are those published when the fortress reopened in 2025. They can change and access can be suspended temporarily, so check before you go or ask us.
Getting there from Casa Sima
Take the DN7C north towards Arefu and the Transfăgărășan. It’s about 23 km and 35 minutes. From here, Vidraru Dam is only a few kilometres further up.
Tips
- Comfortable shoes and water. Climb at your own pace.
- Go in the morning, before the heat and the midday crowds.
- Stay on the fenced path.