Libearty Bear Sanctuary
Europe's largest brown bear sanctuary, rescuing bears from exploitation and offering them a natural home.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Bears are most active
Libearty Bear Sanctuary
Best Time
Bears are most active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Europe's largest brown bear sanctuary, rescuing bears from exploitation and offering them a natural home.
"A truly meaningful experience, more than just a tour, it's a powerful insight into rescue and rehabilitation. "
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on hills and gravel paths. Sturdy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Book English Tours
Tours are the only way to visit. English tours are available and highly recommended for understanding the stories. :ticket:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rescued Brown Bears
Various enclosures
Witness over 100 bears living naturally in a vast, protected forest environment.
Heartfelt Rescue Stories
During guided tours
Learn about the bears' pasts and the sanctuary's mission to give them a second chance.
Natural Habitats
Sanctuary grounds
See bears roam, climb, and swim in pools within their spacious, oak forest home.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tour in Advance
Prepare for a Moving Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on hills and gravel paths. Sturdy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Book English Tours
Tours are the only way to visit. English tours are available and highly recommended for understanding the stories. :ticket:
Support the Mission
Your ticket price directly contributes to the bears' care and the sanctuary's operations. :heart:
Bring Snacks
There's a lovely picnic spot in the car park for before or after your visit. :sandwich:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on hills and gravel paths. Sturdy footwear is a must! :athletic_shoe:
Book English Tours
Tours are the only way to visit. English tours are available and highly recommended for understanding the stories. :ticket:
Support the Mission
Your ticket price directly contributes to the bears' care and the sanctuary's operations. :heart:
Bring Snacks
There's a lovely picnic spot in the car park for before or after your visit. :sandwich:
Be Prepared for Emotion
The stories of the bears' pasts can be moving. It's a powerful experience. :sob:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently describe Libearty Bear Sanctuary as a powerful, moving, and inspiring experience. The dedication of the staff and the natural environment for the rescued bears are highly praised. While the stories of abuse can be emotional, the overall sentiment is one of deep appreciation for the sanctuary's mission and the well-being of the animals.
"A Moving Experience.
Visiting Liberty Bear Sanctuary in Zărnești was both powerful and inspiring. Our tour guide, Valentin, was incredibly professional, knowledgeable, and warm - his heartfelt storytelling brought to life the sanctuary’s mission to rescue abused and abandoned bears from across Europe.
Through his sincere and compelling stories, we gained deep insight into the bears’ tragic pasts and the incredible work the NGO does to give them a second chance. It was more than just a tour, it was a truly meaningful experience. Highly recommended for anyone visiting the area."
Raluca Neamtu
"We had an amazing and emotional visit at the Libearty Sanctuary! The bears look so happy and well taken care of. Cristina was a wonderful tour guide and Maria at the reception was helpful and effective.
At the end of the visit, we were delighted to adopt the bears Jean and Pamy for one year. ♥️♥️"
iri
"Did an English tour here yesterday morning, what a special treat to be able to visit these magnificent creatures. The stories of their abuse and how they were rescued makes you really appreciate the mission of this organization!
Very worth making the effort to visit, and good knowing your ticket price is going towards the huge amount of money they need each month to care for these bears. They also have a dog sanctuary at a different site, facilitating adoptions. Excellent two hour tour with a wonderful guide! You do need to be able to walk up and down a hill on gravel, wear appropriate shoes! Thank you!"
Martha Canipe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Libearty Bear Sanctuary is located about 40 minutes outside of Brasov, Romania. Many visitors rent a car or hire a taxi. The road leading up to the sanctuary is a rough, unpaved lane for about 1.5 km, so drive slowly if you're in a car.
Yes, it's a popular day trip from Brasov. The sanctuary is typically open for morning tours, making it feasible to visit and return to Brasov within a day.
The final stretch of the road is a rough, unpaved lane, approximately 1.5 km long. It's advisable to drive slowly and carefully if you are in a car.
Public transport options are limited and may be time-consuming. Renting a car or taking a taxi/ride-share service is generally more convenient for reaching the sanctuary.
Yes, there is a car park available. It's also noted as a pleasant spot for a picnic after your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Visits are by guided tour only. You can book your tour, often in advance, through the official Libearty Bear Sanctuary website.
The sanctuary typically operates with morning tours to allow the bears to enjoy their space undisturbed. It's best to check their official website for the most current tour times.
Ticket prices vary, but the revenue directly supports the care of the bears. Information on current ticket prices can be found on their official website.
Tours are generally offered in English and Romanian. It's important to book an English tour if you don't speak Romanian to fully understand the sanctuary's mission and the bears' stories.
No, visits are exclusively through guided tours. This ensures the bears are not disturbed and visitors receive comprehensive information about the sanctuary's work.
🎫 🐻 Onsite Experience
You'll see over 100 rescued brown bears living in large, natural enclosures within an oak forest. You'll witness them roaming, playing, swimming, and interacting in their natural habitat.
While the experience can be emotional due to the rescue stories, children can learn a lot about animal welfare. Ensure they are accompanied and understand the sensitive nature of the sanctuary.
The sanctuary is spread across 69 hectares of oak forest and involves walking up and down hills on gravel paths. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are essential.
No, interaction with the bears is strictly prohibited as it is a no-touch sanctuary designed for their natural living.
Tours usually last around two hours, providing ample time to see the bears and learn about their stories.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use. However, always be mindful of the bears' well-being and avoid using flash photography that might disturb them.
Look for vantage points along the tour path that offer clear views of the bears in their natural enclosures. Early morning light can be particularly good for photography.
Drone usage is typically restricted in wildlife sanctuaries to avoid disturbing the animals. It's best to check the sanctuary's specific policies before flying a drone.
While personal photography is usually permitted, avoid intrusive behavior. The primary focus should be on observing and respecting the bears' environment.
A camera with a good zoom lens is recommended to capture clear shots of the bears from a distance. Comfortable walking shoes are also key for navigating the terrain. :camerawithflash: :athletic_shoe:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Ensure children are accompanied by an adult and are prepared for the emotional aspects of the visit. Comfortable shoes are a must for everyone, as the terrain can be uneven. 🌍 Ethical Travelers
Your visit directly supports the sanctuary's mission to rescue and rehabilitate bears from exploitative situations, making it a truly impactful experience. 📸 Photographers
The large, forested enclosures and natural behaviors like swimming and playing offer dynamic subjects. Consider bringing a camera with a good zoom lens to get clear shots from a distance, respecting the bears' space. Early morning light can be ideal for capturing the best shots. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mission of Libearty Bear Sanctuary
It was named the most ethical animal sanctuary in the world by National Geographic in 2016, based on criteria developed by Oxford University, emphasizing a no-touch policy and allowing animals to live as naturally as possible. The sanctuary spans approximately 69 hectares (around 170 acres) of oak forest and lakes, providing a safe haven for bears saved from circuses, zoos, and private captivity across Europe. +1The sanctuary's work is crucial in Romania, a country that has faced challenges with bear hunting authorizations.
By offering a protected environment, Libearty allows these bears to live out their lives in dignity, often for much longer than they would in the wild. Visitors contribute directly to this mission through their tour fees, which are vital for covering the substantial daily costs of feeding and caring for over 100 bears. Beyond the bears, the organization also facilitates dog adoptions at a separate site, showcasing a broader commitment to animal welfare.
A Visitor's Experience: What to Expect
The terrain within the sanctuary involves walking on hills and gravel paths across its 69-hectare expanse.
+1 Seeing bears, including cubs, playing in the water is a particularly memorable sight. While the experience is deeply rewarding, it can also be emotional. Standing inside a representation of a bear's former cage can be a moving reminder of the abuse these animals have endured.
Social
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