Current as of: April 25, 2024 - 10:29
Carpathian Walking & Bears Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Romania
- Programmes: Wildlife
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Activity Level:
2 out of 7 - Leisurely / Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: WVR
- Carbon Footprint: 22kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Hike through the majestic mountains and rustic villages of central Romania while searching for wild brown bears
History and geography conspired to make Transylvania in central Romania one of the most wild and fascinating regions in Europe. For centuries, the local people have existed in harmony with a variety of wildlife, including the highest concentration of wolves, lynx and bears on the continent – almost half the European population of brown bears is recorded in the Carpathian Mountains. Meanwhile, dense forests have remained largely untouched. Our days are spent on walks through spectacular canyons, virgin forests and Saxon villages. We go in search of brown bears and explore the medieval town of Brasov as well as Bran Castle, best known as the residence of Dracula.
At a Glance
- Seven nights at Villa Hermani Guesthouse
- Five days of walking
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Altitude maximum: 5,941ft (1,811m); average: 4,265ft (1,300m)
- Option to travel by train to your adventure
Highlights
- See brown bears from a hide
- Discover one of the last remaining wilderness areas in Europe
- Enjoy a unique opportunity to observe a variety of wildlife in their natural environment
- Hike through meadows, forests, and along mountain trails
- Stay in a comfortable private guesthouse with an authentic Carpathian experience and a very warm welcome
Is This Trip for You?
The trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Leisurely/Moderate) and has a Wildlife Rating of Three. Visit our Activity Level Guidelines page for more on our trip gradings or our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife Ratings.
Walking times will vary from half to full days. There are numerous uphill sections on paths and tracks with walking distances up to 12mi (20km). Optional longer walks are sometimes available. The trip goes up to altitudes of almost 6,560ft (2,000m), so reasonable fitness levels are required. The exact trails, lengths and difficulties may be adapted according to the weather, trail conditions and group fitness.
Seeing brown bears
The chance of seeing brown bears from the hide is good; our groups have also seen wolves, beavers and other wildlife here too. Our leaders are knowledgeable about the local wildlife but, as with all wildlife viewing, we cannot guarantee which animals you will see.
Baiting is a common practice in attracting wildlife around the world, which has led to discussions on the ethics of feeding wild animals. In some circumstances, we are strongly against baiting. However, in this area, the bears are wild animals that forage freely in their natural habitat, and are not reliant on the small quantities of maize left at the hide. Because of this, we believe the practice can have conservation benefits, including increased understanding and protection of the species in this area.
We ensure our clients do not have direct contact with the bears and only watch from the hide. We also make sure our clients are not just seeing the brown bears but learning about them. This helps to raise awareness of the issues and importance of conserving the wildlife. Growing support locally to protect the wildlife is important in Exodus taking this stance.
The itinerary may be followed in a different order due to various reasons such as weather and local conditions, but we will still do all these activities even if on different days.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 4
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Bucharest Airport
- End City: Bucharest Airport
Land Only Itinerary
Fly to Bucharest; transfer to Magura
On arrival of the group flight at Bucharest Airport, we are transferred by minibus to our private guesthouse at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains (approximately 3hr 30min). A snack and water will be served during the transfer. The family-run guesthouse is in the quaint village of Magura at 3,280ft (1,000m) within Piatra Craiului National Park.
Start Bucharest; transfer to Magura
Our family-run guesthouse, and home for the week, is in the quaint village of Magura within Piatra Craiului National Park. It is approximately 105mi (170km) from Bucharest Airport and takes around 3hr 30min to reach by road. Therefore, we highly recommend you join the group minibus transfer. Due to the late arrival of the group transfer, dinner tonight is a light snack.
Walk to visit Kalibash villages
After breakfast, we spend the day exploring the area surrounding the unique Kalibash villages of Magura and Pestera, where the houses are built along mountain ridges with deep ravines and valleys in between. We learn about the history of the settlements, which were built against the medieval invasions of Mongols, Tartars and Turks.
Horse-drawn cart ride and hike in Barza Valley; evening brown bear watching
Today, after a walk into the Barza Valley, we travel the traditional way as horse-drawn carts take us on a journey. As we slowly make our way, we enjoy a spectacular view to Piatra Craiului Mountain and the dispersed settlement of Poiana Marului. We then leave the carts and hike uphill through hay meadows to a hermitage in the rocks.
This evening, we can go brown bear watching. A forester will take us to a safe hide deep in the forest. The hides are managed by the forestry commission and access is dependent on their permission, which is why it is organised and paid for locally. Not being able to get access to the hides is extremely rare.
Visit Dracula's Castle
In the morning, we start from the guesthouse and hike uphill across the flower meadows. Here we have splendid views over the wide landscape of small hamlets and mountains. We stay on the ridge and walk slowly downhill through beech forests to busy Bran.
Bran Castle was built on the border to Wallachia, where Vlad the Impaler, Duke of Wallachia, once ruled. Vlad was a brutal tyrant and provided inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Vlad himself never went to Bran Castle, but Stoker saw an image of it and felt it was the perfect setting for his gothic tale. In the afternoon, we are picked up and return to quiet Magura.
Drive to Brasov, city tour
Today we hang up our hiking boots and take a bus to Brasov (approx. 1 hour), the cultural and economic heart of the region. This medieval town has been a mix of nations ever since it was founded in the 12th century. We have a guided tour before time to explore at leisure. In the evening we taste Romanian cuisine in one of the restaurants before driving back to Magura.
Hike through alpine pastures to Curmatura Cabin
The first highlight this morning is a hike through Zarnesti Gorge, which was formed 3m years ago by water cutting through the limestone massif of Piatra Craiului. We hike up to Curmatura Cabin at 4,820ft (1,470m), right under the walls of Piatra Craiului, which is open to hikers year-round. If weather and fitness allow, we can go further and climb Piatra Mica, the highest peak is at 5,941ft (1,811m). The return leads us over shepherd meadows and forest into the valley and finally up again to Magura.
Visit brown bear sanctuary; hike to Vulcan
We head down to the valley and visit LiBearty, the largest brown bear sanctuary in Europe. Set in oak and hazel forests, it is home to more than 100 rescued bears, many of whom suffered years in captivity as dancing bears or in circuses.
From the sanctuary, we go on a gentle hike across meadows to the village of Vulcan. This region, around Brasov, is closely related to the history of the Transylvanian Saxons, settlers who emigrated 800 years ago from the Rhine‐Moselle valleys. Their strong fortified churches have attracted international attention and some are Unesco World Heritage sites.
We will be welcomed with coffee and tea in the yard of a fortified church. The churches in Transylvania were strongly fortified during the Middle Ages when the region was raided several times by Mongols and Tartars.
To Bucharest Airport; end
The adventure comes to an end after breakfast. Bid a fond farewell to the guesthouse, which may feel like a second home by now, and begin your return journey home.
Transfer to Bucharest; fly to London
Transfer to Bucharest; fly to London.
Ascents, descents and distances
All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
Villa Hermani, a private guesthouse in Magura
We spend seven nights in Villa Hermani, a private guesthouse in the remote village of Magura. It’s ideally situated for our adventure, sitting at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains and within Piatra Craiului National Park.
The property has twin and single rooms in a range of sizes and styles, almost all of which have private facilities (there are two rooms that share one bathroom). There is free wifi at the guesthouse.
Our friendly hosts, German couple Hermann and Katharina Kurmes, possess a wealth of knowledge on Transylvania, wildlife conservation and serve delicious homemade food.
Single supplement from USD 270
Food & Drink
All breakfasts, five packed lunches and six dinners are included.
Meals are a mixture of fresh local produce and Romanian/Transylvanian specialities.
Transylvanian cuisine is influenced by several traditions and cultures (German, Hungarian and Romanian cuisine) but maintains a distinct character with a love for homemade cooking. Soups are a staple, main meals tend to be hearty with a strong focus on local produce, while desserts are varied and plentiful.
Breakfasts are usually a small buffet including an egg dish, cold cuts, cheeses, boiled eggs, vegetables, spreads, bread, yoghurt, cereals, jam, juice, herbal teas and coffee.
Lunches included on this trip will usually be self-made sandwiches; you can choose your own fillings from the morning buffets.
Each evening there is a choice between a meat or vegetarian dish. Dinner on the first evening is typically a light snack (cold platters with local food and bread) due to the late arrival of the group.
On one evening, we enjoy dinner in a typical Romanian restaurant in Brasov. This meal is not included, allow approximately 120 Romanian lei (US$25) – without drinks – for this.
Vegetarian and special diets can be catered for, but options can be limited throughout Romania – please inform the office of any specific requirements upon booking.
Transport
Transfers between Bucharest Airport and the guesthouse will normally be by Mercedes Sprinter bus. Local transport will be by minibuses. During the week, we sometimes use local low-impact transport, such as horse-drawn cart.
Weather & Seasonality
Romania has warm summers and snowy winters. Rainfall is usually quite low except in the mountains; spring and summer are the wetter seasons. The weather changes abruptly from winter to summer and spring is generally short. The Carpathian Mountains can be blanketed in snow until mid to late May at higher altitudes. Summer days are often long and warm with 10 to 11 hours of sunshine, while nights can range from pleasantly warm in the lower valleys to cold at higher elevations. September temperatures tend to be lower than those in July and August but changeable weather with cloud, rain and chilly daytime temperatures can occur at any time of the year. Expect temperatures in the village to be lower than Bucharest.
Joining Instructions
Key details
Guesthouse: Villa Hermani, Sat Magura 130, Măgura 507133
Phone: +40 740 022 384
Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing in the evening, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately
Airport: Bucharest (OTP)
Getting to the guesthouse
Villa Hermani is approximately a 3hr 30min drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
It’s not possible to reach Villa Hermani by public transport. We therefore highly recommend joining the group transfer where possible. If not, a cab from the airport costs around €200. On arrival, please make the staff aware that you are part of an Exodus group and they will have more details on meeting with your leader and group
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Bucharest Airport (OTP) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Bucharest Airport
Location end: Bucharest Airport
What To Take
Essential Equipment
- Daypack (25 to 30 litres capacity should be sufficient)
- Strong walking boots with good ankle support and sturdy soles
- Large refillable water bottle
- Waterproof jacket
- Warm jacket/jumper
- Some lighter clothing for the summer months (T-shirts, shorts etc)
- Torch (flashlight)
- Sunglasses, sun hat and sunscreen
- Walking poles
- Lunchbox for packed lunches
Optional Equipment
- Waterproof trousers (pants)
- Hat
- Gloves
- Binoculars
Practical Information
Passport
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Visa
Romania
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Romania. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/romania
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/romania
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/romania/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Romania.html
Vaccinations and Health
Romania
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and tuberculosis (TB). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
If you’re a UK citizen, please note that your UK-issued European Health Insurance Cards (EHIC) are still valid and offer the same cover as the Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC) in the EU. This gives you medical care at a reduced cost, and in some cases for free, in many European countries, but should not be considered a substitute for adequate insurance. Once your EHIC has expired, replace it with a GHIC.
Local Time
Romania's time zone: Europe/Bucharest (UTC +03:00)
Electricity
Romania's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Romania's currency: Romanian leu (RON)
ATM Availability
There are ATMs in Zarnesti, Brasov and Bran. Credit cards are useful only for major souvenir purchases in cities or in emergencies.
Should you wish to exchange money locally, euro notes in good condition are usually the easiest to exchange. You can also change British pounds and US dollars in banks or recognised exchange shops. Only exchange money in banks, hotels and recognised exchange shops, it is illegal to change money on the streets. Travellers cheques are often difficult to exchange.
We recommend you don’t change money at Bucharest Airport as the rate is very poor. You will need very little money in the first few days and the guesthouse hosts can help you with this until you can visit the bank.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Drinks are not included but the guesthouse has a bar from which you can purchase drinks. Payment can be made at the end of the week by cash only. Villa Hermani accepts euros, British pounds or Romanian lei.
Snacks are not included and you may wish to buy souvenirs. Allow approximately 120 lei (US$25) for dinner and 50 lei (US$10) for lunches on days when these are not included (see itinerary). Please note that prices regularly change in Romania.
Optional excursions
The bear hide visit is approximately 250 lei (EUR€50) per person and subject to availability. This is organised and paid for locally in cash at Villa Hermani.
Please be familiar with your camera settings. You will need to turn off the flash and illuminator. Please also mute any camera noises. We do not want to disturb the bears when we are in the hide.
The cost of the bear sanctuary is included in your tour package. Please note, there is a charge of 50 lei (US$11) to use your camera. You can take pictures using your mobile for no extra charge.
Tipping
Tipping is entirely at your discretion, but is customary in Romania. Our leader will offer guidelines on appropriate tipping. In restaurants, it is usual to tip 10 percent of the bill.
Although optional, a tip for the leader at the end of the trip is greatly appreciated. As a guideline we recommend a contribution of €15-€20 per client per week. It is also customary to leave a tip for the driver and Villa Hermani staff. This can be handed to your leader at the end of the week. For local staff, we recommend approximately €10-€15 per person.
People, Places & Planet
We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.
Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:
People
How this trip helps improve life for local communities.
- Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
- This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible.
- Our guesthouse is the family-run Villa Hermani in the village of Magura, the entire village is in Piatra Craiului National Park.
- Read more about our other initiatives here.
Places
How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.
- By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
- We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
- The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves and archaeological sites generates income, which is used for upkeep and development of these important sites. On this trip, fees go to the upkeep of Piatra Craiului National Park.
- We visit the LiBearty Sanctuary in Zarnesti, which was founded by a private association called Millions of Friends. The main reason for the sanctuary is to rescue brown bears from captivity such as zoos, bears kept in cages at restaurants or hotels, dancing bears, etc. Today they rescue bears not only from Romania but also neighbouring countries.
- The guesthouse grows fruit and vegetables, which are used for meals served to guests. Meat and cheeses are purchased from local shepherds.
- Our local partner co-founded the Romanian Ecotourism Association (AER), the first ecotourism association in Romania. The focus is on a sustainable evolution of tourism in Romania.
- We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
- Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration here, including our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.
Planet
How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.
- Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
- Villa Hermani uses a solar thermal system and a wood central heating system.
- Our local partner holds certification of the Association of Ecotourism in Romania and the Blaue Schwalbe certificate: an eco-label for tourist accommodation.
- As this is a walking holiday, it provides a low impact way of exploring the destination.
- Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.
Tips for sustainable travel on this trip
- Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
- Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.