Bison Reserve and Salt Mine Europe's top Attractions Day Trip
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Bison Reserve and Salt Mine Europe's top Attractions Day Trip

Active
(1 reviews)
7h - 9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore two of Europe's top remarkable destinations : the Unirea Salt Mine and the Bucșani Bison Reserve. The salt mine offers a surreal underground landscape that resembles a sci-fi movie set, while the bison reserve offers a rare encounter with the "giants of the Ice Age" in a centuries-old forest, providing tourists with a striking contrast between industrial history and pure nature.

In terms of conservation and record dimensions, both attractions hold impressive titles. The Slănic Salt Mine is often presented as the largest salt mine in Europe, while the Bucșani Reserve is the largest bison reserve in Romania and one of the most populated in Europe, offering the chance to see the heaviest land animal on the continent.

Available options

Bison Reserve and Salt Mine Europe's top Attractions Day Trip

Pickup included

What's included

WiFi on board
Bottled water
Hotel Pick-up and Drop-off
Air-conditioned vehicle
Professional tour guide in English

Detailed itinerary

1

In short, it is a rare glimpse into European prehistory, located just an hour from Bucharest. The European bison is the largest land animal in Europe, weighing up to 1,000 kg.

Established in 1983, the Bucșani reserve—the largest in Romania—is not a zoo, but a reserve covering approximately 160 hectares, where animals live in a protected but wild environment.

The best time to visit is in the morning, around 10:30, when the bison approach the feeding areas and can be easily observed from the observation tower.

The reserve is located in the middle of the old Neagra Forest, offering complete tranquility (often with no cell phone signal), ideal for those seeking "off-the-beaten-path experiences."

2

The Unirea Mine in Slănic Prahova is a spectacular tourist destination, a veritable underground cathedral carved out of salt, offering a unique experience that combines industrial history with natural health benefits.

The salt mine impresses with the design of its chambers, which have a trapezoidal profile and a height of up to 70 meters, creating a vast, airy, and surreal space.

Regardless of the season, the temperature inside is constant, around 12-13°C, and the air is extremely pure, free of radiation and pollution, with low relative humidity (50-60%).

The unique microclimate, rich in saline aerosols, is renowned for its beneficial effects on the respiratory system. A visit here can help alleviate respiratory conditions and improve overall health.

It is a rare opportunity to see such a large underground structure, a veritable "cathedral" of salt, offering a landscape that seems to be from another world.

Additional cost - 55 RON (11 Euro) per person

3

The Black Gold Capital of Europe, a place with deep historical resonance, Ploiești is home to the world's first oil refinery, built in 1857. This innovation made Bucharest the first city in the world to be lit by gas lamps.

For many Americans, the name "Ploiești" is synonymous with one of the most daring and costly air missions in US history - Operation Tidal Wave. On August 1, 1943, B-24 Liberator bombers flew at low altitude from Libya to strike the refineries that fueled the German war machine. The mission was so intense that five Medals of Honor were awarded in a single day — a record for the Air Force.

4

Back at the starting point

What's not included

Lunch break at the Salt Mine if the customer wishes
Coffee and/or Tea
Admission at Salt Mine - 11 EURO (55 RON)

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

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1 reviews
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Important information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Confirmation will be received at time of booking
The entrance to the depths of the mine will be done with a mini-bus, it will take about 15 minutes and there will be 20 people in the minibus
Please note the temperature in the Salt Mine is around 12 degrees Celsius (53 Fahrenheit), so please consider bringing some warm cloth with you, even in summer
It is higly appriciated if the customers are not eating in the vehicle

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
Get Price per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 0-99
1
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 7
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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