Romania is known for a few things: Dracula, Vlad the Impaler, Castles, Carpathian Mountains, Painted Easter Eggs, Communism and the Brown Bear.
The BEST thing we did in Romania (arguably) was checking out the Libearty Bear Sanctuary near Bran/Brasov!
Libearty saves bears from captivity and life imprisoned to perform or dance to earn their owner money. So – if a place is all about saving animals, I’m all about giving them my money!
How it works?
The hunk and I weren’t really sure how our visit would go. But basically, there are only 3 entry times (during feeding hours). 10am, 11am and 12pm. Upon entering, you either go on foot, or take a guided tour in the little tractor bus. We decided to pay for the bus as you see more of their sanctuary. The tour lasts 50 minutes, in time for you to leave and a new group to arrive.
Entry into the sanctuary is only a few Euros, and to go on the guided tour is under 5 Euros – which is money well spent.
Our visit
From the moment we were allowed in, I was personally FLIPPING OUT! Getting to the bears couldn’t come soon enough. Upon a short walk up and through a gate you are faced with at least 6-10 bears in an enclosed space (though with over 70 hectares in the Carpathian Mountains, the space is vast and as far as the eye can see). And, ya know, feeding time means bear sightings!!!
After being warned not to make noise before entering the park, I immediately forgot the rules and began talking in a baby voice (or some such stupid thing) to the bears… 😐 Luckily the guide didn’t catch my foolery, nor did the bears take umbrage with my behaviour before we were moved on to the tractor bus for our tour.
Learning not only about the bears’ former lives, but how the Sanctuary was founded and runs was incredibly interesting and I found I had plenty of questions to keep the guide busy/chatty. Some bears live in groups however some bears have needed to be sectioned off alone due to their angry demeanour, caused from their ‘upbringing in captivity’. I imagine I’d be pretty pissed off too if I’d lived my whole life in a rusty cage! The lone bears have friends though, in the way of a howling wolf pack!
My favourite question (asked by an excited dumb blonde….) was “do you get to cuddle the bears?” to which the guide just laughed and said “they are WILD animals…” So – I guess no cuddles.
Bear Museum
After our amazing tour and time with the bears, we reluctantly left. On our way out, we stopped by the main office and donated a teddy bear to their Teddy Bear Museum and even got to write a story about the bear… who’s name is Thijsley, lol. The sanctuary employee that received the bear was so chuffed that we did that, which pretty much made my day.
Why Visit?
The Bear Sanctuary is hands down my favourite thing we did/saw in Romania and I can’t recommend it highly enough! Not only are they saving bears, they are creating awareness to the problems affecting bears across Romania.
The sanctuary survives off of the money they make from giving these special tours, which is money well spent if these bears can live a happy and safe life due to the sanctuaries efforts.
You can adopt any of the 80+ bears at the sanctuary here.
Australian expat, married to a Dutch guy, living in Amsterdam. Previously lived in London for 3 years, too! Lover of travel, coffee, brunch, beaches, fresh flowers, and family. Now a new mum, navigating life with a baby!
