In Zărnești, in Brașov County, the Libearty Bear Sanctuary provides refuge to brown bears rescued from circuses, restaurants and private menageries. Founded in 2005 by Cristina Lapis with support from the NGO Asociația Milioane de Prieteni and the British organization World Animal Protection, the site now houses over a hundred bears, along with a few wolves and cervids. It is one of Europe's largest brown bear sanctuaries.

Why visit the sanctuary

A visit to the Libearty Bear Sanctuary offers several complementary reasons to go:

• Observe brown bears in forest enclosures close to their natural Carpathian habitat.
• Understand the concrete work of a Roumanie NGO committed to animal protection for two decades.
• Directly support animal care through your entrance fee or the symbolic adoption programme.
• Combine your visit with trips to Brașov or Bran Castle, both in the immediate vicinity.

The sanctuary functions neither as a zoo nor an amusement park: visits are guided, supervised and scheduled to preserve the animals' peace and well-being.

A story born from rescue

The project began in the late 1990s when Cristina Lapis discovered three bears confined in cramped cages outside a restaurant near Brașov. This practice, once common in Roumanie, involved keeping captive bears fed on beer and scraps to attract customers. With World Animal Protection's help, the association acquired a forest site in Zărnești and opened the sanctuary in 2005.

Since then, dozens of bears have been removed from traveling circuses, monasteries and private properties across Roumanie and several neighbouring countries. Many arrive with serious physical or behavioural scars; the sanctuary offers them forest space where they can once again dig, climb and hibernate.

The visiting route

The property spans several dozen hectares of beech and oak forest, with an enclosed zone of approximately 27 hectares divided into large enclosures. The walking route follows a marked path, accompanied by a guide.

The bear enclosures

Bears are grouped according to compatibility. Each enclosure features pools, fallen trees, shaded areas and dens. Your guide shares the individual stories of several residents, often identified by name and place of origin.

Other species

The sanctuary also cares for a few wolves, roe deer and red deer, equally rescued from captivity. Part of the visit is dedicated to them.

The symbolic adoption programme

Visitors can sponsor a bear by contributing to part of its annual upkeep costs (food, veterinary care). The donation involves no physical contact with the animal but provides you with updates on its story.

Practical information

• Guided visits only, at fixed times in the morning, several times a week. Booking is recommended, especially during peak season.
• Moderate entrance fee, with child discounts; proceeds go directly to site maintenance.
• Visit duration: allow approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, walking on an easy trail.
• Equipment: closed-toe shoes, clothing suited to Carpathian weather (cool and damp even in summer).
• Photography permitted without flash; drones forbidden.

As opening times and fees change regularly, please verify current conditions with the association before your visit.

How to get there

Zărnești is located approximately 30 km west of Brașov, at the foot of the Piatra Craiului massif.

• By car from Brașov: 40 to 50 minutes via DN73 then DJ112A. Parking available on site.
• By train from Brașov to Zărnești station (approximately 1 hour), then taxi or shuttle to reach the sanctuary, located a few kilometres from the town centre.
• Organized excursion: most local agencies offer day trips combining the sanctuary and Bran Castle.

What to combine nearby

The Brașov region concentrates several major sites accessible in the same day or on a short circuit:

• Bran Castle, 25 km to the south, associated with the Dracula legend.
• Piatra Craiului National Park, whose main entrance is in Zărnești itself.
• Brașov's old town and its Black Church.

To extend your Transylvania itinerary, consider the Transfăgărășan Road or Corvins Castle, further west. Beyond that, the Turda Salt Mine and the Bucegi Plateau complete a grand tour of the Carpathians.

Frequently asked questions

Include the sanctuary in your journey

The Libearty Bear Sanctuary fits naturally into a Transylvania circuit, between Brașov, Bran and Piatra Craiului Park. To build a bespoke itinerary including this visit, consult our trips to Roumanie.