Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
We start the day with a convenient pickup directly from your hotel in central Bucharest and drive to Transylvania.
We visit:
• Libearty Bear Sanctuary, Zărnești. We start our morning with a truly heartwarming experience at the world’s largest brown bear sanctuary. You do a guided tour led by local experts, you’ll hear the moving stories of bears rescued from captivity and see them living happily and freely in their natural forest habitat.
• Next is Bran (Dracula’s) Castle. We head to the most famous fortress in Romania. On the way, your guide will share the captivating history of the castle, separating the spooky myths of Dracula and Vlad the Impaler from the beautiful royal reality of Queen Marie.
• After we drive to Brașov Historical Center. We'll wrap up the day in the vibrant Council Square. Nestled right at the foot of Tâmpa Mountain, you’ll fall in love with Brașov’s fairytale atmosphere, gorgeous Saxon architecture, and charming cobblestone streets.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
If your hotel is not the central area you have to came to a meeting point, that is 'Piața 21 Decembrie 1989'.
Access to the Sanctuary is forbidden to children under 5 years old!
Please avoid bringing snacks, food, or open drinks into the car. Really appreciate it!*
To visit the Bear Sanctuary you must buy tickets online for the 10:45 a.m. slot. We recommend to buy the tickets one week before the tour
We recommend that you have hiking shoes for the Bears Sanctuary
We offer a 30-50% discount for solo travelers who have paid the full price and joined a group.
What To Expect
Libearty Bear Sanctuary Zarnesti
Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Zarnesti, Romania, is a refuge for rescued bears that have been previously kept in captivity. The sanctuary provides a natural environment for these bears to live in, allowing them to roam, forage, and interact with others. It's one of the largest bear sanctuaries in Europe and aims to raise awareness about the need for bear conservation and responsible tourism. Here you can see happy bears in their natural environment, after a bad life in circuses and zoo cages. The tours are guided by trained animal welfare experts and the visitors can see brown bears really close.
Bran Castle
Bran Dracula’s Castle is a national monument and landmark in Romania. It is a popular tourist attraction, boasting an impressive and varied history dating back to the 14th century. The castle is known for its unique, imposing architecture, as well as its associations with Vlad III, the 15th-century Romanian ruler better known as Vlad the Impaler, or Dracula.
Options
Small-group tour, max 7 passe
Hotel Pick-up from City Center: For the Bear Sanctuary you must buy tickets online for the 10:45 a.m. slot. We recommend to buy the tickets one week in advan Pickup included
Private tour
Only your group will participa: For the Bear Sanctuary you must buy tickets online for the 11 o'clock slot. We recommend to buy the tickets one week in advan Pickup included
What‘s Included
Hotel Pick-up from city center locations
Small-group max 7 passangers
Profesional guide în English
Air-conditioned vehicle
Bears Sanctuary 100 Lei -
Dracula’s Castle 100 lei -
Lunch
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
36 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Good experience in Transylvania. Wow, bears!
Andrea V,Jun 1, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Long day in Transylvania. The visit to the bear sanctuary was beautiful, informative, and interesting. Bran Castle is very impressive from the outside, but the visit inside is quite unnecessary. We had lunch with a hot dog outside the castle. Sebastian, our guide, was overall a good guide, even though he wanted to separate my wife and me in the van. We just wanted to be together given the long journey back and after a day spent exploring. (5 hours to return to Bucharest due to heavy traffic - always present in those areas, so be prepared) We also made a stop at Peles Castle, which was highly appreciated. Perhaps the price was a bit excessive for not including anything. We paid separately for both the entrance to the sanctuary and the castle, as well as for lunch, drinks, and snacks. Given the price, something could have been included, even just some bottles of water for the trip.
Excellent tour, brilliant guide
FrequentFlier765123,May 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Brilliant trip, amazing, friendly and knowledgeable guide Claudiu. Bears 🐻 beautiful, sad stories but a happy new life at the sanctuary. Bran Castle was fab, really enjoyed the whole day. Would definitely recommend. We would give Claudiu 5 stars 🌟
Wonderful Day!!
William H,May 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This tour was excellent, our guide Bogdan was very informative and polite!! I would highly recommend this tour to everyone. The Bear Santuary was so insightful and inspiring. The Casle was truly breathtaking!!
Exceptional
Sonia P,May 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Hi we booked this to a group party of 7 . We were the only ones on the tour but it wasn't cancelled . They sent us our own tour guide who was very welcoming . Brilliantly English spoken was very knowledgeable and kept us well informed . The bear sanctuary is worth a visit lovely to see the bears are well looked after been mistreated in previous habitats sad to hear their stories but their in a safe haven now . Bran castle is a must very interesting and the views are stunningly beautiful and breathtaking taking . Been blown away by Romania's beauty . Loved our day out and special thanks Valeriu . Outstanding
Bears, wolves & vampires
Steven C,May 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.0012 hour day tour very educational & fun. Travelers will learn about the sanctuary's origins & great story.
Bear sanctuary and Bean castle day trip with our wonderful guide Ionut
Hayley M,May 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic day trip with a great guide. We were picked up from our hotel and given lots of interesting information about the sanctuary and castle we were visiting and an excellent history of the castle and stories about the area and Vlad the impaler. We had a comfortable journey both there and back and Ionut our guide showed us lots of other interesting things along the way. The bear sanctuary was a fantastic place to see the rescued bears in a happy place after being rescued, some if the stories of how they came to be there were heart breaking. We are very glad we came to see the sanctuary and got to see so many bears. We enjoyed the castle and walking around the town. You need to be able to walk uphill for both but not too strenuous and well worth it. Lovely day with a great guide. Definitely recommend
5* Laura is amazing and made the day
Nomad24239463310,Apr 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Laura was our guide, what a fantastic woman, knowledgable, patient went out of her way at any oppurtunity and was happy to take breaks whenever needed. We was early to the bears die to low traffic so she took us to Wednesdays castle for a look round, great service, very chatty and funny felt at ease all day and never rushed
A tour that is very worthwhile and with an excellent service
Gabriela P,Apr 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a tour that is very worthwhile for comfort and easy access to both the sanctuary and the castle, places that are very worth visiting. The best thing was our guide Laura, who was very friendly and with extensive knowledge of the places we visited. She is a great person who gave us tips, advice, showed us the most interesting and even took spectacular photos.
Very exciting journey to...
Felix E,Apr 5, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very exciting trip to drakula's castle and the bear reserve. With a great guide George.
Great tour
Carleton W,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a great tour with transportation and Sebastian's knowledgeable insights into the local area and history of Romania. The bear sanctuary was the highlight for me. Bring walking boots and umbrella in case of rain, and ensure you book the bear sanctuary tickets in advance.
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