From Brasov: Piatra Craiului Hiking and Bear Watching Tour

The Piatra Craiului Mountains boast a captivating blend of natural wonders, from towering peaks to lush beech forests. This full-day tour from Brasov promises an immersive experience, allowing visitors to hike through the scenic landscapes and witness the elusive presence of bears in their natural habitat. With an expert guide leading the way, participants can expect a well-curated itinerary and personalized attention throughout the day. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or simply seeking an unforgettable adventure, this tour offers a chance to disconnect from the ordinary and learn about the beauty of Romania’s wilderness.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Brasov offers a half-day hike in Piatra Craiului National Park and a bear watching experience with a forest ranger.
• The hike features stunning views of the Bucegi mountains and Piatra Craiului ridge, with an option to continue to Spirlea Shelter.
• The bear watching experience takes place in a designated bear hide, with strict rules to ensure the safety and well-being of both guests and bears.
• The tour includes pickup and drop-off from Brasov accommodations, transportation, a professional licensed guide, and lunch at Curmatura Chalet.
• The tour is limited to 6 participants, providing a personalized and intimate experience, and moderate physical fitness is required for the hike.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

From Brasov, the Piatra Craiului Hiking and Bear Watching Tour offers a unique outdoor adventure.

The tour is priced from $169.81 per person and lasts one day. It’s a small-group experience, limited to 6 participants, with an English-speaking guide. Hotel pickup in Brasov is included.

The itinerary features a half-day hike through beech forests, offering stunning views of the Bucegi mountains and Piatra Craiului ridge. After lunch at Curmatura Chalet, the tour includes a bear watching experience led by a forest ranger.

The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and tips, but prohibits food, snacks, and perfumes at the bear hide to avoid disturbing the animals.

Itinerary Details

The half-day hike in the Piatra Craiului Mountains begins with a moderate ascent through a beech forest.

Hikers will be rewarded with stunning views of the Bucegi mountains and the Piatra Craiului ridge.

The group will stop for lunch at the Curmatura Chalet, situated at an elevation of 1470 meters.

Participants have the option to continue the hike to the Spirlea Shelter or return to the starting point.

After the hike, the tour shifts to the bear watching experience, where guests transfer to a bear hide accompanied by a forest ranger.

During the quiet wait, photography is allowed, but strict rules apply to avoid disturbing the animals.

Bear Watching Experience

After the half-day hike, the tour shifts to the bear watching experience. Guests transfer to a bear hide accompanied by a forest ranger.

Once there, they’ll quietly wait for bears to appear, with photography allowed. It’s important to remember that no food, snacks, or perfumes are permitted in the bear hide, as these could scare the animals.

Likewise, flash photography and bright lights are prohibited to avoid disturbing the bears. This portion of the tour offers a unique opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, providing unforgettable memories for nature enthusiasts.

Inclusions

The tour package includes pickup and drop-off from accommodations in Brasov, as well as transportation by air-conditioned vehicle.

A professional licensed guide accompanies the group throughout the day. Entry and admission to Piatra Craiului National Park are covered.

Lunch is provided at Curmatura Chalet, located at an elevation of 1470 meters. Tips and gratuities are included, and commercial photo fees are also part of the package.

The tour provides a seamless experience, ensuring convenience and value for participants.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Important Information

Featuring a free cancellation policy, the tour allows for a full refund if canceled up to 24 hours in advance.

A moderate physical fitness level is required for the half-day hike in the Piatra Craiului Mountains. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with serious medical conditions.

This hiking and bear watching experience isn’t suitable for everyone, so potential guests should carefully consider their abilities and health status before booking.

The tour provides an opportunity to explore the beautiful Piatra Craiului National Park and potentially spot bears in their natural habitat, but certain restrictions and requirements must be observed for safety and conservation purposes.

Pricing and Duration

The tour’s pricing starts from $169.81 per person, and it lasts for a full day.

This small-group experience is limited to just 6 participants, ensuring a more intimate and personalized adventure.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from accommodations in Brasov, as well as transportation by air-conditioned vehicle.

With a professional, English-speaking guide leading the way, hikers can look forward to a moderate ascent through the beautiful beech forests of the Piatra Craiului Mountains.

Lunch at the Curmatura Chalet, situated at an elevation of 1,470 meters, is also included in the price.

After the hike, you will have the opportunity to engage in bear watching with a forest ranger.

Group Size and Guide

This small-group tour limits participation to just 6 individuals, ensuring a more personalized and intimate experience.

Accompanied by an expert, English-speaking guide, you’ll learn about the natural wonders of the Piatra Craiului Mountains.

With their extensive knowledge and passion for the region, the guide will provide insightful commentary, ensuring you gain a deeper appreciation for the local flora, fauna, and geological features.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a newcomer to the outdoors, the guide’s personalized attention will cater to your needs, making this an unforgettable adventure.

Pickup and Transportation

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts with pickup from your accommodation in Brasov. You’ll be transported by an air-conditioned vehicle to the Piatra Craiului Mountains. The pickup service is included in the tour price, ensuring a hassle-free start to your adventure.

Once you reach the trailhead, you’ll begin your half-day hike through the beautiful beech forest. After the hike and lunch at the Curmatura Chalet, you’ll be transferred to a bear hide where you’ll quietly wait for the chance to spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

The tour includes all necessary transportation to make your day as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Bring Our Own Food or Snacks on the Hike?

No, own food or snacks are not allowed in the bear hide to avoid scaring the animals. Lunch is included, and bringing your own items is discouraged to ensure a successful bear watching experience.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for the Tour?

There is no minimum age requirement for the tour. However, the tour operator recommends that participants have a moderate level of physical fitness and not be pregnant or have serious medical conditions, as the hike can be challenging.

What Should We Bring for the Bear Watching Experience?

For the bear watching experience, participants should avoid bringing any food, snacks, or perfumes. This is to prevent scaring the animals. Cameras and photography are allowed, but flash and bright lights should be avoided.

Is There an Option to Extend the Hiking Portion?

Yes, there is an option to extend the hiking portion. Participants can continue to the Špirlea Shelter after lunch at Curmatura Chalet, or they can return to the starting point.

Can We Request a Private Tour Instead of a Small Group?

Yes, travelers can request a private tour instead of a small group tour. Private tours provide more flexibility and personalized attention, but may have a higher cost per person compared to the small group option.

Recap

This full-day tour provides an unforgettable adventure in the Piatra Craiului Mountains. Guests will enjoy a scenic hike through beech forests, savor a delicious lunch, and have an exciting opportunity to observe bears in their natural habitat, all while being led by an expert guide. With personalized attention in a small group, this tour offers a unique and immersive experience for nature enthusiasts.

You can check if your dates are available here: