Legends&Wildlife Awaits: Dracula's Castle & Bear Sanctuary

Bucharest , Romania

Legends&Wildlife Awaits: Dracula's Castle & Bear Sanctuary

Active

(5 reviews)

7h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover Romania’s wild beauty and legendary history on an unforgettable full-day tour from Bucharest.
Travel into the heart of the Carpathian Mountains to visit Europe’s largest bear sanctuary, home to nearly 90 rescued brown bears living freely in a protected forest environment. Learn their inspiring rescue stories and observe them up close in a responsible, ethical setting.

Continue to the iconic Bran Castle, famously known as Dracula’s Castle, where medieval history blends with myth. Walk through its atmospheric rooms and uncover the legends of Vlad the Impaler, the real-life figure behind the Dracula story, while enjoying spectacular mountain views.

Your experience is completed with a scenic Carpathian drive, offering stunning landscapes and relaxing moments as you return to Bucharest — a perfect mix of nature, culture, and storytelling.

An ideal choice for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and travelers looking for a truly authentic Romanian experience.

Available options

Private Trip

Private Car<br/>Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

Bottled water

WiFi on board

pick up and drop off

Air-conditioned vehicle

Live commentary on board

Parking Fees

Detailed itinerary

Visit the Libearty Bear Sanctuary, where nearly 90 rescued brown bears roam freely across 69 hectares of forest, rivers, and ponds. Once kept in tiny cages as tourist attractions, these bears now enjoy a natural habitat and expert care. Observe them climbing trees, swimming, and relaxing in open meadows while learning their inspiring rescue stories and the sanctuary’s conservation mission.

Stop 2

Drive through the dramatic Carpathian Mountains to reach Bran Castle, famously known as Dracula’s Castle.
This mysterious fortress is steeped in legend and inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Explore its narrow staircases and eerie rooms, and uncover stories of Vlad the Impaler and the dark history that surrounds the castle.

Return to Bucharest with unforgettable memories of Transylvania’s most famous legend.

What's not included

Entrance fee

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.7

3 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Bucharest

Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is a vibrant city known for its blend of historic architecture and modern development. With a rich cultural scene, lively nightlife, and significant historical landmarks, it offers a unique experience for travelers.

Top Attractions

Palace of the Parliament

One of the largest administrative buildings in the world, a symbol of communist architecture and power.

Historical/Architecture 2-3 hours €7-10

Old Town (Lipscani)

The historic center of Bucharest, filled with charming streets, cafes, restaurants, and nightlife.

Historical/Cultural Half-day Free to explore

Village Museum (Muzeul Satului)

An open-air museum showcasing traditional Romanian village life with authentic houses and buildings.

Cultural 2-3 hours €3-5

Must-Try Local Dishes

Sarmale

Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat, rice, and spices, usually served with polenta and sour cream

Main Course Contains meat and gluten

Mămăligă

Polenta made from cornmeal, often served with cheese, sour cream, or meat dishes

Side Dish Vegetarian, gluten-free

Ciorbă

A sour soup made with various ingredients such as meat, vegetables, or fish, often served with a boiled egg and sour cream

Soup Can be vegetarian or with meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Carpathian Mountains Skiing in Poiana Brașov Spa treatments Strolling through Herăstrău Park Visiting museums and art galleries Attending classical concerts at the Romanian Athenaeum Boating on Lake Herăstrău Skiing

Best Time to Visit

June to August

This is the warmest time of the year with the most outdoor activities and festivals. However, it can be crowded with tourists.

20°C to 30°C 68°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Romanian
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Romanian Leu (RON)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET), GMT+3 (EEST) during daylight saving time

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas

Bucharest is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime such as pickpocketing and scams can occur, especially in crowded areas. Be cautious at night and avoid poorly lit streets.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use licensed taxis or ride-sharing apps
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with unsolicited offers or requests

Getting there

By air

Henri Coandă International Airport • 16.7 km (10.4 miles) from city center
Aurel Vlaicu International Airport • 8 km (5 miles) from city center

By train

Gara de Nord, Băneasa

By bus

Autogara Nord, Autogara Sud

Getting around

Public transport

Clean, efficient, and affordable. The metro system is the fastest way to get around Bucharest.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town (Lipscani) Dorobanți Cotroceni

Day trips

Peleș Castle

120 km (75 miles) • Full day

A stunning neo-Renaissance castle nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, once the summer residence of the Romanian royal family.

Bran Castle

160 km (100 miles) • Full day

A medieval fortress often associated with Dracula, offering a glimpse into Romania's rich history and folklore.

Sinaia

120 km (75 miles) • Full day

A beautiful mountain town known for its stunning landscapes, historic sites, and outdoor activities.

Festivals

Bucharest International Film Festival (BIFF) • April George Enescu Festival • September Bucharest Pride • June

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Romanian phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Explore beyond the tourist hotspots to discover hidden gems and local culture
Use public transport or walk to get a sense of the city's rhythm and avoid traffic
Try local street food for an authentic and affordable culinary experience
Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds