Csíkszereda, Romania — A major new theme park, dubbed “Drakula Park” and described as the “Transylvanian Disneyland,” is set to open in 2027 in the Zsögödfürdő district of Csíkszereda (Miercurea Ciuc), Transylvania. Spanning 25.6 hectares and backed by a €56 million investment, the project aims to become one of Central and Eastern Europe’s most significant entertainment destinations.
The initiative is led by András Lénárd, founder of Csíki Beer, in partnership with renowned Italian amusement design firm Antonio Zamperla S.p.A. Drawing from Transylvania’s rich medieval heritage, the park will offer visitors a journey through 14th- and 15th-century legends, featuring historical figures such as King Matthias and Dracula, along with dramatic recreations of Ottoman and Tatar invasions.
Drakula Park will highlight the cultural tapestry of the region’s four key communities—Székely, Saxon, Romanian, and Roma—through immersive attractions. These include a replica of Hunedoara Castle, period-style villages, a Roma camp, and an Ottoman siege encampment. Classic amusement features such as roller coasters, carousels, and haunted houses will be constructed in architectural styles traditional to the region, blending historical authenticity with modern entertainment.
Beyond tourism, the project is projected to generate significant economic benefits for Csíkszereda. Approximately 220 new jobs will be created, and the park is expected to attract around 600,000 visitors annually, according to Lénárd in an interview with Székelyhon.
Csíkszereda Mayor Attila Korodi praised the involvement of the Italian firm as a guarantee of quality, while acknowledging the pressing need for infrastructure upgrades. The city plans to formalize its support through a memorandum of understanding, Szereda.ro reported.
A second development phase will include the construction of tourist accommodations and a bear sanctuary, to be located on land owned by the Csikszentkirály Communal Association. A cable car linking the sanctuary to the main park will allow visitors to observe wild bears from above, further enriching the park’s unique offerings.
Meanwhile, the nearby town of Parajd has launched an appeal to relocate the park. Over 400 local entrepreneurs and residents have petitioned Lénárd, arguing that their town—with its 700,000 annual tourists and existing infrastructure—would be a more suitable site, particularly in light of recent hardships following a local salt mine disaster.
However, Lénárd rejected the relocation proposal, citing the significant financial commitments and 18 months of planning already invested in the Csíkszereda site. Quoting a Latin maxim, he reaffirmed his commitment to the original plan: “In necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, in omnibus caritas”—“Unity in necessary things; liberty in doubtful things; charity in all things.”
With construction underway, Drakula Park is poised to become a landmark project for both Csíkszereda and the broader Szeklerland region, promising an immersive historical and cultural experience alongside vital economic revitalization.
