Cantacuzino Castle in Busteni: Our Experience at Romania’s Stunning Landmark and Netflix's Wednesday Set

Our First-Time Visit to Cantacuzino Castle in Busteni

As Romanians, we often dream about exploring far-off lands, but sometimes we forget the gems we have right here at home. So, we decided to change things up and be tourists in our own country with a first-ever visit to Cantacuzino Castle in Bușteni. And let me tell you, it did not disappoint!

Also known as Wednesday's castle location in Romania

From the moment you step through the entrance, there’s a sense of grandeur and charm. Right away, we noticed a playful nod to modern pop culture—the Wednesday TV series sign, complete with a shout-out to "Nevermore Academy," welcoming visitors. To the right, there’s a cozy swing that screams 'Instagrammable moment,' while on the left, a fountain and a majestic tree give off serious castle garden vibes.

As we wandered through the beautifully landscaped garden, we soon found ourselves at the foot of some stairs, and from that point, the castle reveals itself in all its glory. Seriously, it’s a view fit for a postcard! And if the stroll builds up your appetite, you can head to the terrace, where you can grab a bite at the restaurant or just sit back with a coffee, enjoying the panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.

Where is Cantacuzino Castle?

Cantacuzino Castle is located in the town of Bușteni, nestled in the picturesque Prahova Valley in Romania. It sits at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Bușteni is a popular mountain resort area, about 130 kilometers north of Bucharest, making the castle easily accessible by car or train for both locals and tourists alike. The location is ideal for visitors looking to combine a historical visit with outdoor activities in the nearby mountains.

Now, for the history buffs out there (or if you want to impress your foreign friends), here’s something you might find intriguing: Cantacuzino Castle was built in 1911 by the princely Cantacuzino family, one of Romania’s most influential aristocratic families. The architecture, a mix of Neo-Romanian and Brâncovenesc styles, was a statement of power and luxury at the time. The interior is just as fascinating, with stained glass windows, original frescoes, and the occasional spooky echo of history that’ll have you wondering if the ghosts of Romania’s elite still roam the halls.

Do you need Tickets for Cantacuzino Castle?

You don’t necessarily need to go inside the castle to enjoy the experience. We visited close to closing time and took our time to wander around the grounds during sunset, savoring a coffee on the terrace and exploring the stunning surroundings without paying extra for the interior tour. There are plenty of hidden gems for photos and videos, and you’ll even catch a bit of the vibe from the Wednesday series.

Foreign tourists should know that for just 20 lei, you can explore the garden and exterior, or for 55 lei, you can take a full tour led by a guide, offering a deeper look into the castle’s history, art galleries, and royal memorabilia.

If you’re after a day trip with a blend of history, culture, and even a dash of TV trivia, Cantacuzino Castle has it all. Plus, it’s a great reminder, as we found out, that Romania is full of treasures waiting to be explored. And hey, if nothing else, you can always say you swung on the same swing as Wednesday Addams—or at least her fans!

For those who want to dive deeper into the castle’s rich history, we recommend booking a guided tour with our partner below for the best experience.

Where to stay near Cantacuzino Castle?

We stayed at Hotel Sinaia, which is around 15-20 minutes drive to the castle. it's a 4 star hotel, with modern gym, pools, kaccuzies and saunas.

You can find Booking details here: https://bitly.cx/mflM8