Bear watching in Romania – long weekend
A 4 day bear watching tour in the search of the European Brown Bears. The observations are done from hides organized by the Forestry Ministry. Romania holds the largest population of Brown Bear, Wolf, and Links in Europe.
Prices start at 1200 EUR
ABOUT THIS HOLIDAY
- Evening Bear watching in the Carpathian Mountains, Wolf,
and Lynx also possible. - Hiking the gorges of Piatra Craiului
Park in search of Wallcreepers.National - Short walks on mountain trails in search of large carnivore tracks and signs.
- On this long weekend holiday we will concentrate on the observation of the most magnificent large carnivore of Europe – the Brown Bear. Bear watching from a hide – it is an organised bear watching activity controlled by the Romanian Forestry Ministry. The hides are build especially for bear watching and are positioned deep in the forest for minimal disturbance. The bear watching hides can accommodate up to 16 people.
Day 1 - Fly to Bucharest and drvie to Vulcan
The Bear watchig tour will start in Bucharest airport. Transfer from the airport, approximately 3.5 hrs to Pension Sura Sasilor in Vulcan a small village 10 km from Brasov.
Day 2-3 - Piatra craiului national park region
We have the next 2 full days to explore the mountains, gorges and valleys of Transylvania. Our exact itinerary will depend on the weather conditions and advice of our local guide, but we will be focusing our efforts on the spectacular Piatra Craiului National Park (Rock-of-the-King).
This dramatic park is dominated by a 25 kilometer jagged limestone ridge, widely regarded as one of Romania’s most beautiful sights, which reaches a height of 2,244 meters. Brown Bears, Wolf and even Lynx still roam the forests whilst, to date, 110 species of bird and 1,100 species of higher plant have been recorded, including 2 endemics. There are many spectacular and wildlife rich areas to explore. The lower slopes are cut by a series of dramatic limestone gorges, such as the Zarnesti Gorge, home to Wallcreepers (can be secretive in the summer), Dippers, Grey Wagtails and Black Redstarts, whilst the surrounding forests are also the haunt of Lesser Spotted Eagle, Goshawk, Sombre Tit, Black, Middlespotted and Grey-headed Woodpeckers, plus the majestic, but very elusive, Ural Owl. There is also much to keep the botanist and lepidopterist interested including a colourful variety of butterflies such as Swallowtail, Freyer’s Purple Emperor, Camberwell Beauty, Berger’s Clouded Yellow and Meadow Fritillary.
We are also sure to pass Castle Bran during our time in the Carpathians, the much disputed residence of ‘Vlad the Impaler’ on whom the legend of Count Dracula is based.
Then, as the sun lowers, we will visit a specially constructed bear watching hide deep in the forests to look for Brown Bears (approximately 1 hour from Vulcan). Wolves and Lynx are rarely seen, but the Brown Bears frequently descend from the hills in the evening and, whilst nothing is certain in the world of wildlife watching, we have a good chance of finding one or more of these magnificent creatures. Indeed, Romania still holds the largest population of Brown Bears on the continent and whilst they are not faring so well in other regions of Europe, in the Carpathians they are flourishing!
Day 4 - Zarnesti - Bucharest airport
Today we travel back to Burcharest Airport. The journey will take 3 hours. This bear-watching tour will end here but for those that wish to prolong their stay we offer other options. Please check our other tours for more info.
IN SHORT
Tour focus
Bear-watching in Romania
Trip type
Activity level grade A
Accommodation
Sura Sasilor 4 star questhouse in Vulcan
Single room policy
This trip offers single room occupancy with a surcharge.
Dates and prices
On request
Included
Accommodation, transfers, full board, day trips by minibus, guide and bear hide tax.
Enquire now
Go to our contact form or contact us at ibistours@gmail.com
Why go Bear Watching in Romania with IBIS TOURS?
We believe no two holidays should be the same and a human touch can make all the difference.
Our over 25 years of experience will almost guarantee a successful and unforgettable holiday.