Bear sanctuary in Romania: a rescue station, not a zoo
The Libearty bear sanctuary lies at Zărnești, at the foot of the Piatra Craiului mountains and close to Bran. It covers 69 ha and exists to rescue and care for bears. It has taken in more than 130 of them. The bears live in large forest enclosures, and you see them from a walking path with a guide.
The visit is guided only. There is no petting and no feeding, and nobody can promise where a particular bear will be on the day. If you are building a longer trip, the sanctuary pairs well with Bran Castle tours and day trips, and it fits a half day on its own.
Libearty bear sanctuary: tickets in 2026
Prices in Romanian lei (RON) for the classic guided visit.
| Ticket | Tuesday to Friday | Saturday, Sunday and public holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | RON 95 | RON 100 |
| Child, 5 to 18 years | RON 50 | RON 55 |
| Student, 18 to 24 years | RON 75 | RON 80 |
| Children under 5 years | Not admitted | Not admitted |
A personal photo or video camera costs RON 50 extra. Children under 5 are not let in at all, so this is not a free-entry age group. For most families with school-age children, a weekday visit is the cheaper choice.
Our pick: Bran, bear sanctuary and Râșnov
A guided small-group day from Brașov that includes the bear sanctuary in Zărnești.
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Day trips that include Bran Castle
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Opening days, tour times and booking
What to plan around.
Opening days
The sanctuary is open from Tuesday to Sunday. Monday is a maintenance day. It is also closed on the first day of Christmas, Easter and New Year. Bran Castle opens at 12:00 on Mondays, so Monday is the day to see the castle instead.
Tour times
The first guided walk starts at 09:45. A second walk starts at 11:00 or 11:15, so check the time on your ticket. Do not plan around a later departure.
How long it takes
The walk follows a forest path of 2 km. Allow about 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes for the guided part.
Booking window
Online tickets go on sale up to 10 days before your visit. Places are limited. A ticket is bound to one date, one time and one language, English or Romanian. A few places are sold at the box office, but they are not guaranteed, so book ahead for weekends and holidays.
Rules on the walk
The rules protect the bears and keep the group safe. Stay with your guide at all times. Do not feed the animals, eat, smoke, use a flash or make noise, and keep away from the electric fence. Children under 5 cannot join.
Parking at the sanctuary is free. Do not count on a public bus that stops at the entrance, and check the forest path with the operator if you need step-free access. Wear sturdy shoes, and bring a layer in case the weather changes. Our weather and seasons guide helps with the choice of day.
Zărnești and Piatra Craiului
The national park next door is a separate place.
Piatra Craiului is its own national park and not another name for the sanctuary. If you want to walk in the mountains after your visit, the park ticket costs RON 10 per person for 7 days. An annual pass costs RON 40, and the visitor center charges RON 5. The park fee applies to visitors over 14. Use the marked trails, respect the zones closed to motor vehicles, camp or light fires only in the places set aside for it, take your litter with you and do not pick plants.
Bears in the wild
The sanctuary is the safe way to see a bear up close.
Brown bears also live in the forests around Brașov and on the mountain roads. Feeding a free-living brown bear is illegal in any form, and the fine is RON 10,000 to 30,000. Keep your distance, never offer food and tell the authorities if an animal behaves in a risky way. Do not count on a roadside sighting, and do not stop on the road to look for one, for example on the Transfăgărășan.
Fitting the sanctuary around Bran Castle
A simple day plan.
Take the 09:45 walk first, then drive on to the castle in the afternoon. The castle is open from 09:00 Tuesday to Sunday and from 12:00 on Monday, with last entry at 19:00 in the summer plan (1 April to 1 November) and 18:00 in the winter plan (2 November to 31 March). See Bran Castle tickets and opening hours for prices. If you travel by public transport, read how to get to Bran first, because the last leg to the sanctuary is easiest by car or transfer.
Bear sanctuary in Romania: frequently asked questions
Can I touch or feed the bears?
No. The sanctuary offers no petting and no feeding. Feeding is also against the rules on the walk, and feeding free-living bears is fined at RON 10,000 to 30,000.
Do I need a guide?
Yes. You can visit only with a guided group, in English or Romanian, at the time on your ticket.
Can I bring a child?
Children from 5 years can join, with a child ticket from 5 to 18. Children under 5 are not admitted.
Is the sanctuary open on Monday?
No. Monday is a maintenance day, and it is also closed on the first day of Christmas, Easter and New Year. Bran Castle is open on Mondays from 12:00.
How far ahead can I book?
Online booking opens 10 days before the visit. Places are limited, and a few are sold at the box office without a guarantee.
Is parking free?
Yes, parking at the sanctuary is free.