Romania is preparing to enter Europe’s major theme park arena with an ambitious new project inspired by one of the world’s most enduring legends.
A €1 billion development known as Dracula Land is planned near Bucharest, positioning the country as a destination for large-scale entertainment tourism while tapping into the global fascination with gothic mythology and local folklore. If completed as envisioned, the project would become one of Eastern Europe’s largest theme parks and a landmark attraction for Romania.
The park is designed to draw on the legacy of Dracula, a character rooted in Bram Stoker’s novel but closely associated with Romania through historical and cultural narratives. Developers aim to move beyond a simple horror concept, instead creating a multi-layered destination that blends fantasy, history, architecture, and modern attractions.
Plans indicate a year-round operation that appeals not only to thrill-seekers, but also to families, cultural travelers, and international visitors curious about Romania’s heritage.
A €1 Billion Vision for Entertainment and Tourism
Dracula Land is projected to cover a vast area outside Bucharest, with construction planned in multiple phases. The full concept includes themed zones, immersive rides, live shows, interactive experiences, hotels, restaurants, and extensive leisure infrastructure. Unlike seasonal amusement parks, the project is designed to operate throughout the year, with indoor attractions ensuring steady visitor numbers regardless of weather.
At its core, the park seeks to reframe Dracula as part of a broader storytelling universe. Visitors would encounter medieval-style villages, gothic castles, folklore-inspired experiences, and modern thrill rides, creating a balance between spectacle and cultural narrative. Developers have positioned the park as a driver of regional development, with expectations that it will generate thousands of jobs during construction and ongoing operations.
Officials and promoters see Dracula Land as a strategic tourism investment rather than a novelty attraction. Romania already draws visitors interested in castles, medieval towns, and natural landscapes, but lacks a flagship entertainment destination comparable to Western Europe’s major theme parks. The project aims to fill that gap, encouraging longer stays and higher visitor spending.
Reimagining Dracula for a Global Audience
The choice of Dracula as the park’s central theme reflects both international recognition and local reinterpretation. While the character is widely known through film and popular culture, the project emphasizes Romanian folklore, legends, and historical influences to create a more authentic narrative framework. This approach allows the park to appeal to global audiences without relying solely on horror imagery.
Location is also a key factor. Being near Bucharest offers access to Romania’s largest airport, rail connections, and urban infrastructure, making the park reachable for international tourists and domestic travelers alike. Developers believe proximity to the capital will help integrate the park into wider travel itineraries, combining city breaks with entertainment tourism.
If successful, Dracula Land could mark a turning point for Romania’s tourism positioning, shifting perceptions from niche cultural travel toward large-scale leisure experiences. The €1 billion investment signals confidence in long-term demand and reflects a broader trend of emerging destinations using iconic narratives to compete on the global tourism stage.
While timelines and final construction phases are still evolving, the vision behind Dracula Land is clear: to transform a legendary name into a modern, immersive destination capable of reshaping Romania’s tourism landscape for decades to come.
