A Day Amidst Mountains and Bears: Exploring the Transfagarasan on a Guided Tour
Traveling through Romania often means encountering stories of Vlad the Impaler, scenic mountain roads, and legendary wildlife. This particular tour offers a balanced mix of all that—an 10-hour adventure that whisks you from Bucharest into the heart of the Carpathians. Promising views along the famous Transfagarasan Highway, sightings of wild brown bears, and visits to iconic sights like Vidraru Dam and Poenari Citadel, it’s a full immersion into Romania’s rugged beauty and historical intrigue.
What I really appreciate about this experience is how it combines natural splendor with a touch of adrenaline—especially the chance to see bears up close (from a safe distance, of course). Plus, the emphasis on traditional Romanian food and scenic stops makes it feel less like a rushed tour and more like an authentic day out. That said, the tour’s 10-hour length can be quite packed, so it’s worth considering how much time you want to spend on each stop.
One potential drawback is that this is a small-group tour with limited spots, which means it’s perfect for intimacy but might require early booking. Also, because it involves some hiking and wildlife sightings, comfortable shoes and a good camera are a must. The guide, driven by enthusiasm and local knowledge, makes a big difference—highlighting local legends, pointing out the best photo spots, and sharing tips on wildlife safety.
Key points / Takeaways
- Unique wildlife encounters: The chance to see wild brown bears alongside the road is a rare highlight, making this tour memorable for nature lovers.
- Scenic mountain drives: The Transfagarasan Highway is often called one of the world’s most spectacular roads—expect breathtaking views and photo opportunities.
- Authentic local touches: Enjoy Romanian traditional food at Balea Chalet, adding a flavorful local experience to your mountain adventure.
- Historical sights: The visit to Poenari Citadel, associated with Vlad the Impaler, offers a peek into Romania’s dark legends and medieval history.
- Expert guidance: A knowledgeable driver/guide enhances the trip with interesting stories, wildlife tips, and local insights.
- Value for the price: Covering transportation, multiple scenic stops, wildlife viewing, and food tastings, the tour offers a comprehensive experience in a single day.
Entering Romania’s Mountain Marvels: The Itinerary in Detail
The tour kicks off early in the morning, with pick-up options from Victoriei Square or another designated location in Bucharest. The vehicle—an air-conditioned van or minibus—feels comfortable and well-suited for a day of mountain driving. The drive out of the city is quick, and within two hours, you arrive at your first stop in Curtea de Arges. Here, you get a quick 15-minute break for coffee, which is a smart way to stretch your legs before the day’s big adventure.
Vidraru Dam is your first major sightseeing highlight. This impressive structure is not just a dam but a symbol of Romania’s engineering pride, nestled amid mountains and offering great photo opportunities. The 30-minute stop includes walking around the dam, taking in the views, and snapping some shots of the surrounding landscape. Seeing a dam of this scale in such a rugged setting is a real eye-opener.
Next, the journey continues over the Transfagarasan Highway, a road that gained worldwide fame through the BBC’s Top Gear series. The road curves sharply over the mountains, offering constantly changing vistas of the peaks and valleys. Along the way, you’ll stop at Balea Lake, perched at over 2000 meters. Here, you have about two hours to enjoy a variety of activities: a short hike to the lake, exploring the area, or simply soaking in the scenery. The Balea Chalet serves traditional Romanian dishes—think hearty soups, fresh bread, and local cheeses—perfect for recharging amid mountain air.
The chance to see wild brown bears is a true highlight. As you drive to Balea Lake, you might notice bears casually joining the roadside, a reminder of Romania’s wild side. Guides emphasize safety and respect for the animals, making this a unique wildlife experience. Several reviews mentioned how surreal it was to see bears so close—something they won’t forget.
During the afternoon, the tour passes by Poenari Citadel, an imposing fortress linked to Vlad the Impaler, known for his brutal reputation. The fortress involves a climb up a steep path, so be prepared for some physical effort if you want to explore the ruins up close. Despite the climb, the views from Poenari are well worth it, offering a tangible connection to Romania’s medieval past.
The final stretch involves a scenic drive back to Bucharest, with a few more stops along the way to stretch or take photos. The tour wraps up in the evening, leaving you with plenty of memories and photos of a day filled with mountain grandeur, historic sites, and wildlife surprises.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Campulung.
Practical Details and Tips
The tour lasts about 10 hours, starting in the morning and returning by evening. It runs daily, but check availability beforehand since spots are limited (max 8 participants). The price covers round-trip transportation, a professional English-speaking driver, sightseeing at Vidraru Dam, Balea Lake, Poenari Citadel, and the chance to see bears. Not included is lunch, but the tour provides bottled water and a Romanian chocolate bar—little touches that enhance the value.
Transportation is comfortable, with an air-conditioned vehicle suitable for long drives and mountain roads. The small group size means you get personalized attention, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions or request photos.
You’ll want to pack comfortable shoes for walking around Balea Lake and Poenari Fortress, a camera for capturing the views and wildlife, and a charged smartphone for quick photos or navigation tips.
This tour is best suited for active travelers who enjoy scenic drives, wildlife encounters, and historical sites. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a full day of adventure that mixes nature, culture, and a dash of thrill. If you prefer a relaxed pace or have mobility issues, some stops might require extra effort.
Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Worth It?
For anyone craving a genuine experience of Romania’s mountain landscapes and wild side, this tour offers excellent value. It packs iconic sights and unique wildlife encounters into a single day, with a knowledgeable guide to enhance the journey. The scenery along the Transfagarasan Highway is truly unforgettable, often cited as one of the most spectacular roads in the world.
The chance to see wild bears in their natural habitat is a rare treat, making this tour stand out from typical sightseeing trips. Plus, the combination of natural beauty and historical intrigue—especially at Poenari Citadel—creates a well-rounded experience.
While the day is long and occasionally physically demanding (with some hiking involved), that’s part of the charm for those who want an active, authentic adventure. The small-group format ensures a more personal, flexible experience, and the included stops ensure you won’t miss out on key sights or photo opportunities.
This tour is perfect for travelers who want a memorable, scenic, and wildlife-filled day out of Bucharest—especially those eager to explore Romania’s legendary mountain roads and legends.
FAQ
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 10 hours, starting in the morning and returning in the evening, with various sightseeing stops along the way.
What are the pick-up options?
You can be picked up either from Victoriei Square or another designated location in Bucharest, depending on the arrangement.
Are wildlife sightings guaranteed?
While the tour is designed to maximize the chances of seeing wild brown bears, wildlife is unpredictable. Guides do their best to point out bears if they appear.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must for walking and hiking, along with a camera and a charged smartphone for photos.
Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but you will have time to buy traditional Romanian food at Balea Chalet or Platinu Chalet.
Is the tour suitable for children or older travelers?
It’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with some walking and climbing. People over 95 years old might find some stops challenging.
How many participants are in each group?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a small, personalized experience.
In brief, this tour offers an exciting mix of mountain scenery, wildlife, and history—a rewarding day for those seeking an authentic taste of Romania’s wild mountains and legendary trails.