CEE2601 - On Dracula's Trail
Welcome to Vienna, a start of our Dracula's trail – Let the Adventure Begin! We're excited to welcome riders from around the world to the start of an unforgettable journey through Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania. What better place to begin than Mozart's Vienna—one of Europe's most beautiful capitals, set on the banks of the mighty Danube River, which will accompany us along part of our journey. Over the coming days, we'll experience incredible roads, breathtaking scenery, fascinating history, and the legendary home of Dracula. Jure and Georg have already introduced the tour in more detail, but as with every Edelweiss tour, our highest priority is safety. This is especially important as we begin our adventure during the extreme heat wave currently affecting much of Europe. Staying hydrated, taking regular breaks, and riding within your comfort zone will help ensure everyone enjoys the tour safely. Each day starts with a short rider briefing covering the route, weather, road conditions, and any important information. Our goal is simple: for everyone to enjoy the journey and arrive safely at every destination. Thank you for joining us. We wish you an incredible adventure, unforgettable memories, and many kilometres of safe riding. Let's ride!
Our first riding day took us from Vienna into Hungary, where we crossed a border that was once part of the Iron Curtain. At the memorial marking its former location, we paused to remember a time when this frontier divided Europe and reflected on the events that changed history forever. From there, we continued to the charming town of Sopron, one of Hungary's oldest and most picturesque cities. Unfortunately, the temperature was already climbing towards 40°C, making a walk through the old town in full motorcycle gear less than appealing. Instead, we visited Sopron's famous chocolate factory before enjoying a traditional lunch at a local csárda, where we experienced the warm hospitality and authentic flavours of Hungarian cuisine. With temperatures holding steady at around 40°C, we adapted our original plan and bypassed Győr to make the ride as comfortable as possible. After Győr, we rejoined our planned route and headed north into Slovakia, following the scenic Danube River. The beautiful riverside roads and a welcome breeze made this section one of the highlights of the day. Crossing back into Hungary at Esztergom, home to Hungary's magnificent basilica where Stephen I, the country's first king, was crowned, we continued along winding forest roads towards Budapest, bringing another memorable riding day to a perfect close. Sometimes the best touring days aren't about following the plan exactly—they're about adapting to the conditions, enjoying the journey, and making the most of every kilometre. Despite the extreme heat, we completed the day safely, with plenty of smiles and great memories already made.
After our first riding day, it was time to enjoy the first rest day of the tour in Budapest. A rest day may come early in the itinerary, but Budapest is a city that truly deserves a full day. Many explored the historic old town, visited the impressive Buda Castle, admired the iconic Hungarian Parliament Building, and sampled delicious Hungarian specialities. For those eager to keep riding, an optional tour to Lake Balaton offered scenic roads and beautiful lakeside views. From the lake back to our hotel, we took highway M7, to still have some time in Budapest. Despite the hot European summer, everyone made the most of the day. In the evening, some relaxed by watching the Footbal World Cup, while others enjoyed another great dinner together before the adventure continued.
After a well-earned rest day in Budapest, it was time to get back on the road and head east towards Debrecen. The day began with a small mechanical challenge when Donald's motorcycle needed a quick rear brake adjustment after it struggled with the intense summer heat. Fortunately, it was a straightforward fix, and nothing could stop us. Before long, we were back on the road and ready to continue our adventure. Leaving the city behind, we headed into the Mátra and Bükk Mountains, often affectionately referred to as the "Hungarian Alps." While they may not rival Europe's highest peaks, these winding roads offered plenty of sweeping curves, beautiful forests, and stunning scenery, making them a real highlight for any motorcyclist. As the temperatures continued to rise, a welcome summer rain shower cooled both riders and machines, making the ride through the mountains even more enjoyable. Around midday, we stopped for lunch on a terrace overlooking the peaceful Garadna Lake. Surrounded by nature and enjoying traditional Hungarian cuisine, it was the perfect place to relax, recharge, and take in the beautiful views before tackling the afternoon's ride. To finish the day with something a little different, we crossed the river aboard one of Hungary's charming old ferries. The leisurely crossing provided a welcome break from the saddle and offered a glimpse into a timeless way of travelling that has connected local communities for generations. From there, it was an easy ride across the vast Great Hungarian Plain to our destination, Debrecen. After a day filled with twisty mountain roads, refreshing rain, scenic lakes, and a nostalgic ferry crossing, everyone arrived with yet another collection of unforgettable memories from the road.
Riding from Debrecen to Deva, we enjoyed scenic roads during the last miles riding in Hungary towards the Romanian border. Crossing was easy, we waved at the custom officers and were allowed to pass without stopping. Oradea swallowed us, we made our way to "The "Bride Cafe, sitting under beautiful old arcades, looking over the waters of Crisul Repede, a small, calm river meandering through the city. We continued our way south, the road leading us through rural Romanian landscapes, small fields patched up on the rolling hills, seperated by tree lines and bushes, making us wonder if Tolking took inspiration for describing the shire right here. Going around Bejus, and after a small break at a gas station, we took a sharp turn to the left, heading for the Apuseni mountain range. Having an awesome ride up there, we reached to top of the road, save and sound. The road continued with twists and turns. After a late lunch, we encountered a bit of rain, and rolled down to Deva. After a long riding day arrived at Hotel Conacul Archia, were beautiful horses, two lovely dogs, welcome drinks and a nice pool greeted us.
Our journey from Deva to Sibiu was packed with unforgettable highlights, combining history, breathtaking mountain scenery and great company. The day began with a visit to the magnificent Corvin Castle, one of Europe's most impressive Gothic fortresses. With its towering walls, drawbridges and legendary tales, it was easy to see why this fairy-tale castle is often linked to the legends of Dracula. Exploring its courtyards and grand halls was a perfect way to start the day before heading back onto the motorcycles. As the roads climbed into the mountains, it was time for another special Edelweiss tradition. Georg had prepared a wonderful picnic, giving everyone the opportunity to relax, enjoy delicious local food and share stories from the road while surrounded by the beautiful Romanian countryside. The afternoon brought one of the most anticipated rides of the entire tour – the legendary Transalpina. Known as the "Queen of the Roads", Romania's highest paved road winds through spectacular alpine landscapes, offering endless curves, dramatic mountain views and unforgettable riding. Reaching the high mountain pass was a moment to remember, with plenty of opportunities to stop for photos and simply take in the scenery. After descending from the mountains, we arrived in the charming city of Sibiu. Its colourful old town, lively squares and welcoming atmosphere provided the perfect setting to end an incredible day on the road. Even better, tomorrow is next rest day, giving everyone plenty of time to explore the city, enjoy Romanian hospitality or simply relax before the adventure continues.
After several unforgettable riding days, it was time for a well-earned rest day in the beautiful city of Sibiu. While many of the group took the opportunity to slow down and explore the charming medieval old town, two of us simply couldn't resist one more ride. Jim and Georg chose the optional adventure of tackling the legendary Transfăgărășan Highway. We had some doubts in the morning as low clouds covered the mountains, but those concerns quickly disappeared. As we climbed higher, we broke through the cloud layer and were rewarded with spectacular views stretching across the Carpathians. There is only one way to describe the Transfăgărășan: simply awesome. Every kilometre is packed with sweeping curves, dramatic scenery, and unforgettable riding. After a relaxing coffee break at the summit, we continued through the famous tunnel beneath the main mountain ridge. On the southern side, the road opened up to breathtaking views over the valley below. We followed the road for another half hour before turning around and enjoying the entire experience once again on the ride back to Sibiu. Meanwhile, the rest of the group embraced a slower pace. After several days of riding in intense summer heat, it was the perfect opportunity to catch up on some laundry and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Sibiu's picturesque streets, colourful squares, and inviting cafés. The weather also decided it was time for a change. Cooler air arrived together with afternoon rain, and on our way to dinner we were caught in a sudden downpour that soaked us completely in less than a minute. Our freshly washed clothes suddenly needed another visit to the laundry—this time for drying instead of washing! While waiting for the dryers to finish, James and Jure cheered on Australia during the World Cup. Unfortunately, their support wasn't enough to change the result. The rest of the group continued wandering through Sibiu's beautiful old town, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of one of Romania's most charming cities. It was the perfect rest day—whether spent riding one of the world's greatest mountain roads or simply taking time to recharge before the next adventure. Tomorrow, the journey continues.
Leaving Sibiu behind, we rode east through the beautiful rolling countryside of Transylvania towards Bran, home to the legendary Bran Castle. Although the castle became world-famous through Bram Stoker's *Dracula* and its connection to the historical figure Vlad the Impaler, Vlad never actually lived there. Even so, the impressive fortress, dramatic setting and fascinating history make it a must-visit destination. Along the way, we enjoyed scenic roads winding through traditional Romanian villages. One memorable stretch took us through a Roma village, where our passing motorcycle group quickly became the centre of attention. After a well-deserved lunch break, most of the group set off to explore Bran Castle while one rider stayed behind to keep an eye on the motorcycles and luggage. With plenty of history and legends absorbed, we continued directly to Brașov. Arriving in good time allowed everyone to relax and enjoy the comforts of our hotel after another fantastic day in the saddle. The fun didn't end there. We discovered that the hotel had its own bowling alley, and what started as a casual game quickly turned into an international championship featuring teams from North America, Central America, Europe and Australia. James was unstoppable, delivering one strike after another to claim a well-deserved victory.
After a leisurely morning in Brașov, we enjoyed a slightly later start than usual before setting off towards Sighișoara. The shorter stage gave everyone a chance to recharge while still leaving plenty of time to discover some of Transylvania's hidden gems. Our first stop was the impressive Prejmer Fortified Church, one of the best-preserved fortified churches in Transylvania and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Behind its mighty defensive walls, we explored the maze of storage rooms and learned how entire communities once sought refuge here during times of invasion. For lunch, it was time to experience another Romanian classic. We stopped at a local restaurant to enjoy a hearty bowl of traditional ciorbă, the famous Romanian sour soup that perfectly refuels both riders and motorcycles alike. The route then led us to the spectacular Rupea Fortress, perched high above the surrounding countryside. After exploring the beautifully restored fortress, we were rewarded with breathtaking views across the rolling hills of Transylvania. The highlight of the afternoon was the ride itself. Narrow, winding country roads carried us through picturesque villages where life still follows a slower rhythm. Horse-drawn carts shared the road with motorcycles, colourful homes lined the streets, and everyday village life unfolded before our eyes. Passing through several Romani communities offered another glimpse into the rich cultural diversity of rural Romania, making this part of the journey as fascinating as the scenery itself. By late afternoon, we rolled into the medieval citadel of Sighișoara, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Its colourful streets and centuries-old atmosphere provided the perfect ending to another memorable day on two wheels. A relaxed start, fascinating history, delicious local food, incredible roads, and authentic encounters made this another unforgettable stage of our Romanian adventure.
Today, it was all about discovering backroads an fortified churches - the Siebenbürgen area in central Romania offers plenty of both. Our track led us south-west, from the beautiful town of Sighisoara (Schäßburg) to the fortified church of Biertan and further to to the fortified church of Mosna (currently under renovation), featuring country-side roads meandering through beautifully managed arable land and sleepy villages. After a well-appreciated lunch break in Ludos, were we were treated with typical Romanian dishes, we contiued our journey up north, on winding roads, and, after refueling at a quite busy gas station, reached our hotel in Bistritz.
Today's ride was all about discovering one of Romania's most authentic and rewarding motorcycle regions. Leaving Bistrița behind, we followed an unforgettable route along winding country roads through the rolling hills of Maramureș, where every bend revealed another spectacular view. Far away from busy highways, we enjoyed quiet back roads linking traditional Romanian villages, where horse-drawn carts still share the road with motorcycles and everyday life moves at its own relaxed pace. It was a ride that perfectly captured the charm of rural Romania. One of the day's most memorable stops was at the beautiful wooden church in Rogoz. Hoping to visit its remarkable interior, we soon discovered that the church was locked. Within minutes, several friendly locals had gathered and eagerly helped us search for Maria, the elderly lady who looks after the keys. When we finally found her, she greeted us with a warm smile and kindly opened the church especially for our group. It was a wonderful example of the genuine hospitality that makes travelling through rural Romania so special. The route continued over scenic hills and ridges, rewarding us with breathtaking panoramas across forests, meadows and picturesque valleys. Every viewpoint invited us to stop, take a deep breath and appreciate the untouched beauty of northern Romania. As the afternoon drew to a close, we made our way to Satu Mare after a day filled with fantastic riding, stunning scenery and unforgettable encounters. It was another perfect reminder that some of the best motorcycle experiences are found on the small roads that rarely appear on the typical tourist map.
From Hotel Hugo in Satu Mare, we rode west to cross the border into Hungary. After a coffee stop in a cute little village, we carried on towards the river Theiss. Since the ferry would not run, a bridge brought us across and straight into the town of Tokaj, where the famous sweet, heavy white wine known as Tokaji originates from. After a good dinner at a restaurant terrasse next to river, we continued north, until we reached the village of Füzer in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county, where Füzer castle sits on a hill top, overlooking the surrounding lands. At the parking lot half way up, some of us opted for coffee, while others went up to see the castle in more detail. Our journey soon brought us smoothly into Slovakia, on backroads meandring through forests and farmland, and none of us actually noticed the border-crossing. Kosice is a small, charming city with a long main square in it's center, surrounded by old buildings, two or three storeys high, restaurant tables and people enjoying their evening. Our hotels' front entrace, part of the ensamble, alowed us to walk right into this lovely scene, after enjoying a beautiful dinner, being served excellant food.
After leaving Košice behind, we headed west towards one of Slovakia's hidden natural treasures – the Jasovská Cave. Descending into the cool underground world, we explored impressive limestone chambers shaped by nature over millions of years. The fascinating formations and peaceful atmosphere offered a refreshing contrast to the warm summer ride. Back on our motorcycles, the journey continued into the beautiful landscapes surrounding the Low Tatras. Quiet country roads, endless flowing curves, and breathtaking mountain scenery made this one of the most enjoyable riding days of the tour. We wound our way through picturesque valleys, charming villages, and forested hills, with every bend revealing another postcard-perfect view. After a relaxing lunch along the route, we continued carving through the twists and turns that make Slovakia such a rewarding destination for motorcyclists. The combination of smooth asphalt, light traffic, and spectacular scenery created a day that reminded us why we love exploring on two wheels. In the late afternoon, the fairy-tale silhouette of Bojnice Castle appeared on the horizon as we rolled into one of Slovakia's most charming towns. With another unforgettable riding day behind us, we settled into Bojnice, ready to discover its famous castle and rich history on the next stage of our adventure.
Our final riding day began with a visit to one of Slovakia's most beautiful landmarks – Bojnice Castle. A guided tour took us through its elegant halls, richly decorated rooms, and fascinating history. With its romantic towers and fairytale atmosphere, it was the perfect way to begin the last day of our Dracula's Trail adventure. Back on the bikes, we enjoyed the final kilometers together, riding scenic roads through the Slovak and Austrian countryside. Every stop became another opportunity to relive the highlights of the past two weeks – legendary mountain passes, medieval towns, winding roads, and countless unforgettable moments shared as a group. Around lunchtime, we gathered one last time for our traditional Edelweiss picnic beside a peaceful lake. Surrounded by nature, we enjoyed great food, plenty of laughter, and reflected on everything we had experienced together. It was a fitting pause before the final stretch of the journey. The last ride brought us back to Vienna, the city where this incredible adventure had begun. After crossing four countries, exploring castles, caves, mountain roads, and the heart of Transylvania, completing the loop felt especially rewarding. What started as a ride into the land of Dracula ended with new friendships, unforgettable memories, and thousands of spectacular kilometers behind us. As we returned the motorcycles and gathered for our farewell dinner, it was time to celebrate an amazing journey together. Thank you to everyone for making this Dracula's Trail tour such a fantastic adventure. We hope to see you again soon—on another road, another mountain pass, and another unforgettable Edelweiss tour.