The romance of Romania! Drone shots reveal the country’s stunning scenery 

Romania may well be the home of Dracula, but the country definitely won’t fill you with horror, as these incredible drone photographs show.

They were taken by Radio Free Europe photographer Amos Chapple, from New Zealand, during a recent road trip through the southeastern European country. His images reveal ancient fortified churches, charming towns and rugged mountains – scenery that looks like it’s come straight from a fairy tale.  

Of course, the cameraman paid a visit to Bran Castle in Transylvania – the medieval structure that author Bram Stoker based Dracula’s castle on – but there were no bats or caped vampires in sight.

Describing how he went about navigating Romania, Mr Chapple told MailOnline Travel: ‘I was driving a rental car – it’s a huge country and the roads were often rough so it ended up being an enormous amount of time behind the wheel. I rarely had time to check in to a hotel or stop for a meal so I was just sleeping on the back seat of my rental car and surviving on petrol station popcorn and Red Bull.’  

The photographer says his favourite image is one showing a giant rock structure surrounded by woodland in eastern Transylvania. He said it was a ‘dazzlingly photogenic’ and ‘unique’ place and the setting sun provided perfect light. 

Scroll down to take a breathtaking flight over Romania, thanks to Mr Chapple’s drone-flying adventure… 

If you head to the border of Romania and Serbia you’ll come face-to-face with this massive bust of the Roman-slaying King Decebalus carved into a rock face. It was commissioned by businessman Iosif Constantin Dragan and took ten years, from 1994 to 2004, for 12 sculptors to finish it. Mr Chapple says an inscription at the base of the statue reads: ‘King Decebalus -Made By Dragan.’ The sculpture is 141ft high and 104ft wide, making it taller than the New York’s Statue of Liberty and the monument of Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro  

Mr Chapple ventured to the village of Rogoz in the mountainous area of northern Transylvania to get this drone shot of the Church of the Holy Archangels. The photographer says the region 'has a centuries-old tradition of building the witchy wooden churches but around two-thirds of the ancient wooden structures have been lost, many to fire'

Mr Chapple ventured to the village of Rogoz in the mountainous area of northern Transylvania to get this drone shot of the Church of the Holy Archangels. The photographer says the region ‘has a centuries-old tradition of building the witchy wooden churches but around two-thirds of the ancient wooden structures have been lost, many to fire’

A view of the 'lonely stone' in the mountainous county of Harghita in eastern Transylvania.¿ A cabin can be seen nestled at the base of the rock structure

A view of the ‘lonely stone’ in the mountainous county of Harghita in eastern Transylvania.​ A cabin can be seen nestled at the base of the rock structure 

The star-shaped fortress of Alba Iulia in the west-central part of Romania. The citadel, designed by Italian architect Giovanni Morando Visconti, was built between 1716 and 1735 under the Austrian Hapsburg monarchy

The star-shaped fortress of Alba Iulia in the west-central part of Romania. The citadel, designed by Italian architect Giovanni Morando Visconti, was built between 1716 and 1735 under the Austrian Hapsburg monarchy

The thick-walled fortified church in the village of Harman is one of the 25 Unesco World Heritage Sites in Romania. The original structure dates back to the 13th century

The thick-walled fortified church in the village of Harman is one of the 25 Unesco World Heritage Sites in Romania. The original structure dates back to the 13th century 

Fringed by the peaks of the Southern Carpathian mountains and home to a mix of Gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture, Brasov is one of the most visited places in Romania. The city is home to one of the narrowest streets in Europe. The Rope Street (Strada Sforii) is four feet wide and was initially used as an access route by firefighters

Fringed by the peaks of the Southern Carpathian mountains and home to a mix of Gothic, baroque and renaissance architecture, Brasov is one of the most visited places in Romania. The city is home to one of the narrowest streets in Europe. The Rope Street (Strada Sforii) is four feet wide and was initially used as an access route by firefighters

The 18th-century circular village of Charlottenburg was built by Germanic settlers in the late 1700s. The manager of a website dedicated to the village told Mr Chapple that the round village is unusual as everything else in the region was 'designed' in the Habsburg empire's late baroque style wherein 'everything possible was planned, mainly in rectangles and squares'

The 18th-century circular village of Charlottenburg was built by Germanic settlers in the late 1700s. The manager of a website dedicated to the village told Mr Chapple that the round village is unusual as everything else in the region was ‘designed’ in the Habsburg empire’s late baroque style wherein ‘everything possible was planned, mainly in rectangles and squares’

The wooden church of Surdesti in northern Romania was until recently considered the tallest wooden structure in Europe, with its spire stretching 236 feet into the air.

The wooden church of Surdesti in northern Romania was until recently considered the tallest wooden structure in Europe, with its spire stretching 236 feet into the air. It was built in 1724 as a Greek-Catholic place of worship. Mr Chapple says that the tall spire was reportedly added ‘in the hope the prayers of the congregation will more easily reach the heavens’

Mr Chapple used his drone to capture this snow-dusted shot of Bran Castle in Transylvania. He notes that the dwelling was 'once wrongly promoted by Romania's communist regime as the home of Vlad III Dracula, a Romanian king infamous for planting forests of impaled Turkish soldiers as a warning to invading Ottomans'

Mr Chapple used his drone to capture this snow-dusted shot of Bran Castle in Transylvania. He notes that the dwelling was ‘once wrongly promoted by Romania’s communist regime as the home of Vlad III Dracula, a Romanian king infamous for planting forests of impaled Turkish soldiers as a warning to invading Ottomans’

Traffic whizzes around the Arch of Triumph in Bucharest. The monument was built in 1878 after Romania won its independence fighting alongside Russia to defeat the Ottomans. It was a modest structure in the beginning, made of wood. It was replaced after WWI in 1922 with a new design made of granite-clad reinforced concrete

Traffic whizzes around the Arch of Triumph in Bucharest. The monument was built in 1878 after Romania won its independence fighting alongside Russia to defeat the Ottomans. It was a modest structure in the beginning, made of wood. It was replaced after WWI in 1922 with a new design made of granite-clad reinforced concrete 

The star-shaped Fortress of Arad is a solid fortification system that was built in the 18th century on the left bank of the Mure¿ River. It was constructed on the orders of the Habsburg empress Maria Theresa

The star-shaped Fortress of Arad is a solid fortification system that was built in the 18th century on the left bank of the Mureş River. It was constructed on the orders of the Habsburg empress Maria Theresa

The Palace of the Parliament in central Bucharest bathed in pink light. The mammoth structure, which was completed in 1997 and measures 276 feet high, was ordered by Communist dictator Nicolae Ceau¿escu. He was overthrown and summarily executed along with his wife in 1989

The Palace of the Parliament in central Bucharest bathed in pink light. The mammoth structure, which was completed in 1997 and measures 276 feet high, was ordered by Communist dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu. He was overthrown and summarily executed along with his wife in 1989

The colourful medieval town of Sighisoara is home to cobbled streets and ornate churches. It is the birthplace of Vlad Dracula, also known as Vlad the Impaler, ruler of the province of Walachia from 1456 to 1462. He served as inspiration for Bram Stoker's fictional creation, Count Dracula

The colourful medieval town of Sighisoara is home to cobbled streets and ornate churches. It is the birthplace of Vlad Dracula, also known as Vlad the Impaler, ruler of the province of Walachia from 1456 to 1462. He served as inspiration for Bram Stoker’s fictional creation, Count Dracula

Mr Chapple hovered his drone just above the Anghel Saligny Bridge and Danube river while journeying between the cities of Constanta and Bucharest. With a span of 2.6 kilometres (1.6 miles) the railroad bridge, named after its creator, was Europe's longest when it opened in 1895

Mr Chapple hovered his drone just above the Anghel Saligny Bridge and Danube river while journeying between the cities of Constanta and Bucharest. With a span of 2.6 kilometres (1.6 miles) the railroad bridge, named after its creator, was Europe’s longest when it opened in 1895

Mr Chapple says that burly churches, such as this one in the northern village of Axente Sever, were built largely to 'protect Christian villagers from repeated Turkish invasions into Transylvania that began in the 1300s'

Mr Chapple says that burly churches, such as this one in the northern village of Axente Sever, were built largely to ‘protect Christian villagers from repeated Turkish invasions into Transylvania that began in the 1300s’

The sun casts golden light on Bran Castle, which perches atop a 200-foot-high rock. The structure was first officially documented in 1377

The sun casts golden light on Bran Castle, which perches atop a 200-foot-high rock. The structure was first officially documented in 1377

While Dracula author Bram Stoker never visited Romania, he apparently based the castle in his 1897 novel on a description of Bran Castle (pictured) that he came across

While Dracula author Bram Stoker never visited Romania, he apparently based the castle in his 1897 novel on a description of Bran Castle (pictured) that he came across 

Mr Chapple flew his drone over this winding mountain road near Brasov, nestled in the Southern Carpathians - also known as the Transylvanian Alps.¿ Two trucks can be seen navigating the steep track

Mr Chapple flew his drone over this winding mountain road near Brasov, nestled in the Southern Carpathians – also known as the Transylvanian Alps.​ Two trucks can be seen navigating the steep track

Mr Chapple notes that the annual heating and lighting bill for the Palace of the Parliament building in Bucharest, pictured, reportedly cost some $6million (£4.7million) in the 2000s

Mr Chapple notes that the annual heating and lighting bill for the Palace of the Parliament building in Bucharest, pictured, reportedly cost some $6million (£4.7million) in the 2000s

A fortified church in the village of Brateiu, which is located in the county of Sibiu. The neighbouring village of Buzd has a similar structure and there is a burial ground that dates to the 4th century

A fortified church in the village of Brateiu, which is located in the county of Sibiu. The neighbouring village of Buzd has a similar structure and there is a burial ground that dates to the 4th century

An isolated chapel sits in the middle of a field near the small medieval market town of Carei

An isolated chapel sits in the middle of a field near the small medieval market town of Carei

A shot from mount Tampa with the city lights of Brasov below. The Communist-era Panoramic restaurant can be seen on top of the hill. The eatery is accessible by cable car, with visitors flocking there to admire the view

A shot from mount Tampa with the city lights of Brasov below. The Communist-era Panoramic restaurant can be seen on top of the hill. The eatery is accessible by cable car, with visitors flocking there to admire the view

A view of the Constanta Casino on the coast of the Black Sea, illuminated in a shaft of evening sun. Mr Chapple says of the building: 'The Art Nouveau masterpiece was bombed and broken in both world wars before being used to display communist propaganda. Today the casino remains empty, with squabbles continuing over how it can best be restored'

A view of the Constanta Casino on the coast of the Black Sea, illuminated in a shaft of evening sun. Mr Chapple says of the building: ‘The Art Nouveau masterpiece was bombed and broken in both world wars before being used to display communist propaganda. Today the casino remains empty, with squabbles continuing over how it can best be restored’

Colourful crops form a patchwork pattern around a highway running towards the city of Brasov

Colourful crops form a patchwork pattern around a highway running towards the city of Brasov

A haunting shot of the Doftana prison. Mr Chapple reveals that Ceausescu spent two years locked away here for 'communist activities' in the 1930s, 'well before his rise and ignominious fall'.¿ The prison, sometimes referred to as the 'Romanian Bastille', was turned into a museum under Ceausescu's rule, but it now lies abandoned

A haunting shot of the Doftana prison. Mr Chapple reveals that Ceausescu spent two years locked away here for ‘communist activities’ in the 1930s, ‘well before his rise and ignominious fall’.​ The prison, sometimes referred to as the ‘Romanian Bastille’, was turned into a museum under Ceausescu’s rule, but it now lies abandoned

A shot of Hermes, the Greek god of trade, travel, and thievery, dancing on the corner of a 1909 building in the western city of Timisoara with twinkling street lights below

A shot of Hermes, the Greek god of trade, travel, and thievery, dancing on the corner of a 1909 building in the western city of Timisoara with twinkling street lights below 

A bird's-eye view of the derelict Great Synagogue in Constanta, the oldest continuously inhabited city in Romania, which is on the shores of the Black Sea. Mr Chapple says that Jews were murdered 'on a massive scale in the country' after the Kingdom of Romania allied itself with Nazi Germany. He adds that Romania's Jewish population fell further under communism

A bird’s-eye view of the derelict Great Synagogue in Constanta, the oldest continuously inhabited city in Romania, which is on the shores of the Black Sea. Mr Chapple says that Jews were murdered ‘on a massive scale in the country’ after the Kingdom of Romania allied itself with Nazi Germany. He adds that Romania’s Jewish population fell further under communism

An aerial shot of Monastery Caldarusani, which lies around 30km (18 miles) from Bucharest on a peninsula cutting into a lake. The grand building is surrounded by a variety of trees

An aerial shot of Monastery Caldarusani, which lies around 30km (18 miles) from Bucharest on a peninsula cutting into a lake. The grand building is surrounded by a variety of trees

Farmers ride in a horse-drawn cart through fields near the city of Miercurea Ciuc. Mr Chapple notes: 'Nearly one-third of Romanians today work in agriculture, but technology-driven industry has fuelled much of the country's rapid economic growth'

Farmers ride in a horse-drawn cart through fields near the city of Miercurea Ciuc. Mr Chapple notes: ‘Nearly one-third of Romanians today work in agriculture, but technology-driven industry has fuelled much of the country’s rapid economic growth’

Sheep congregate close to a remote farmhouse in the northwest region of Maramures, which is dominated by a landscape of mountains and rolling valleys

Sheep congregate close to a remote farmhouse in the northwest region of Maramures, which is dominated by a landscape of mountains and rolling valleys

A goatherd wearing yellow trousers leads a flock of sheep to pasture alongside the Albesti River, which is a tributary of the Black Sea and located in Romania's far east

A goatherd wearing yellow trousers leads a flock of sheep to pasture alongside the Albesti River, which is a tributary of the Black Sea and located in Romania’s far east

A lifelike effigy of Jesus perched on a wooded hilltop, which looks out towards the southwestern town of Anina

A lifelike effigy of Jesus perched on a wooded hilltop, which looks out towards the southwestern town of Anina 

A lofty view of the fortified church in the village of Biertan, in central Romania, under a dusting of snow. Three tiers of 35-foot-high defensive walls encircle the church. It proved impossible to conquer during medieval times

A lofty view of the fortified church in the village of Biertan, in central Romania, under a dusting of snow. Three tiers of 35-foot-high defensive walls encircle the church. It proved impossible to conquer during medieval times

Peles Castle, located in the south-central county of Prahova, was commissioned by King Carol I in 1873 and completed in 1883. Today it is considered to be one of the most stunning castles in Europe. Mr Chapple notes that the unique style of the property is partly thanks to its international building crew, which consisted of workers from more than ten countries

Peles Castle, located in the south-central county of Prahova, was commissioned by King Carol I in 1873 and completed in 1883. Today it is considered to be one of the most stunning castles in Europe. Mr Chapple notes that the unique style of the property is partly thanks to its international building crew, which consisted of workers from more than ten countries 

Morning mist clears in the hills surrounding Rasnov. The town is famed for its historic fortress, seen above left, which was first mentioned in an official document in 1331. It was recently restored to its former glory and visitors are welcome to explore the impressive remains

Morning mist clears in the hills surrounding Rasnov. The town is famed for its historic fortress, seen above left, which was first mentioned in an official document in 1331. It was recently restored to its former glory and visitors are welcome to explore the impressive remains

The fortified church in Netus after a sprinkling of snow. The small village is located in the commune of Iacobeni in northern Romania

The fortified church in Netus after a sprinkling of snow. The small village is located in the commune of Iacobeni in northern Romania

Mr Chapple journeyed to the coast of Romania to capture this haunting shot of a rusting ship sitting in shallow blue waters

Mr Chapple journeyed to the coast of Romania to capture this haunting shot of a rusting ship sitting in shallow blue waters

An impressive view of Corvin Castle in Transylvania. The grand medieval complex was built in the 14th century, being the most famous property of Romanian ruler Iancu of Hunedoara. Highlights include a sumptuous knights' hall, an impressive drawbridge, a chapel and some 50 rooms resplendent with medieval art

An impressive view of Corvin Castle in Transylvania. The grand medieval complex was built in the 14th century, being the most famous property of Romanian ruler Iancu of Hunedoara. Highlights include a sumptuous knights’ hall, an impressive drawbridge, a chapel and some 50 rooms resplendent with medieval art

A knight stands proudly atop one of the spires of Corvin Castle. Mr Chapple says that the Gothic dwelling is favoured by 'supernatural investigators'. However, after spending several nights in the castle in 2007, a British film crew ruled its ghost hunt 'inconclusive'

A knight stands proudly atop one of the spires of Corvin Castle. Mr Chapple says that the Gothic dwelling is favoured by ‘supernatural investigators’. However, after spending several nights in the castle in 2007, a British film crew ruled its ghost hunt ‘inconclusive’