Prepare for an emotional and unforgettable wildlife experience at the Libearty Bear Sanctuary in Romania, a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating Romanian brown bears.

Located in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains near Brașov, this 160-acre haven offers a glimpse into the lives of bears once confined to cages or used as tourist attractions. This family-friendly Romania attraction is a must-see for wildlife lovers and travelers exploring Transylvania wildlife tours.

What Is the Libearty Bear Sanctuary?

The Libearty Bear Sanctuary spans 69 hectares of oak and hazel forest, providing rescued bears in Europe with a safe, natural habitat. Founded in 2005 by the Millions of Friends Association (AMFP), the sanctuary now cares for over 130 brown bears, making it one of the largest and most ethical bear sanctuaries in Europe.

The sanctuary is also focused on raising awareness about bear captivity in Romania and promoting animal welfare in Romania.

Why Was the Sanctuary Created?

Historically, Romania had a troubling record with bears in captivity. Many were confined to small cages in restaurants or kept as exotic pets. The sanctuary began after the rescue of 50 bears from inhumane conditions, giving them freedom, food, and proper care for the first time in their lives.

Since joining the European Union in 2007, Romania has enforced stricter animal welfare laws. Many zoos could not comply, leading to more rescued bears in Romania finding their way to Libearty Bear Sanctuary.

Visiting Libearty Bear Sanctuary

Visiting the bear sanctuary is a meaningful way to support Romania wildlife conservation. Here’s what you need to know:

Visiting Hours and Tickets

• Schedule (Autumn 2025):
  • Tuesday–Friday: 09:30 / 10:45
  • Saturday–Sunday: 09:30 / 10:45
• Ticket Prices:
  • Adults: 90 RON
  • Children (5–18): 45 RON
  • Students (18–25): 70 RON
• Photography Fees:
  • Standard: 50 RON
  • Documentary filming: 200 EUR/hour
• Booking: Tickets must be booked online in advance.

Visitor Guidelines

• No children under 5 for safety reasons.
• Do not feed the bears or use flash photography.
• Stay clear of electric fences.

Most tours are timed with feeding schedules so you can watch the Romanian bears in action. The bear sanctuary also cares for rescued wolves and deer, offering a broader wildlife experience.

How to Plan Your Visit

• Location: Zărnești, 25 km south of Brașov
• Transport: Organized tours are recommended as public transport is limited.
• Contact:
  • Phone: +40 268 471 202
  • Email: apamp@clicknet.ro
  • Website

While in the Area:

Visit Bran Castle

While in the Zărnești and Brașov area, make sure to visit Bran Castle, famously linked to the legend of Dracula. Perched atop a hill and surrounded by forested mountains, Bran Castle is one of Romania’s most iconic landmarks.

Visitors can explore the castle’s historic rooms, learn about its medieval history, and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding Transylvanian countryside. A trip to Bran Castle perfectly complements a visit to the Libearty Bear Sanctuary, making for a full day of culture, history, and family-friendly Transylvania attractions.

Visit The Surrounding Countryside

After we visited the Bear Sanctuary we stopped on the nearby hilltop outside the Sanctuary entrance to take a moment. Our group had brought an eclectic picnic lunch and we sat admiring the stunning views of steep mountains and quaint towns.

It’s in a gorgeous location and the kids played football with a Coke bottle while us adults reflected on our heart-wrenching tour.

It was a moment I will never forget.

Stay in Brașov: Winter Wonderland

Staying in Brașov is an experience in itself, especially during winter. The city transforms into a winter wonderland with snow-dusted medieval streets, charming cafes, and festive markets. Guests can wander through the picturesque Council Square, admire the Gothic Black Church, and enjoy local Romanian cuisine.

Brașov also serves as a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions, including the Libearty Bear Sanctuary and Bran Castle, offering the perfect mix of Romania travel with kids, history, adventure, and winter charm.

Why You Should Visit

A visit to Libearty Bear Sanctuary Romania is both educational and emotional. Learn about the rehabilitation of bears who endured cruelty, from those blind from mistreatment to others fearful of open spaces. Every story reflects the bear sanctuary’s mission to provide ethical wildlife rescue.

Supporting the  bear sanctuary means contributing to animal welfare in Romania and helping ensure a safe, natural life for rescued Romanian brown bears. Visitors leave not only inspired but also more aware of the importance of wildlife conservation.