Bear watching from Brasov: 10 meters from wild bears

Watch bears at arm's length from a one-way mirror hide

Bear watching in the Tusnad area near Brasov is a four to five hour activity where you sit in a ground-level hide with a one-way mirror and watch wild bears from as close as 10 meters. You're picked up and dropped off in Brasov, travel in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English-speaking guide, and stay completely safe behind glass while bears sometimes approach the windows. The hide was built by a professional photographer and works for both serious and casual photographers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Bear watching in Tusnad area

• Pickup from Brasov location
• Travel to Ciomatu massif near St. Anna Lake
• Watch bears safely from the hide
• Return to Brasov location

The experience

You'll be picked up from your location in Brasov and driven to the Ciomatu massif, where the bear hide sits at ground level near St. Anna Lake at the border between Harghita and Covasna counties. The hide is designed so bears can't see inside through the one-way mirror window, which means you can watch them move, feed and interact without them knowing you're there. Sometimes they come right up to the glass.

The hide holds up to 30 people, though your vehicle carries a maximum of six, so you'll share the space with visitors from other travel agencies. The setup works equally well for professional photographers with telephoto lenses and for people who just want to see bears in their natural habitat. You're at the same level as the animals, not elevated or distant, which changes how close the experience feels. The whole activity runs four to five hours from pickup to dropoff.

The guide speaks English throughout, and the vehicle is air-conditioned for the drive. Children from age six are welcome. Bring your own water and snacks, as meals aren't included.

What’s included

• English-speaking guide.
• access to the bear watching hide.
• air-conditioned vehicle for the round trip.
• pickup and dropoff at your Brasov location.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 16:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (14 to 17 years) · Child (6 to 13 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 25 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Outdoor Holidays (NeoTour Brasov)

Is this one for you?Book this if you have a half-day free in Brasov and want to watch bears from a ground-level hide with a one-way mirror. You'll see them at close range without the drive feeling rushed, but confirm the timing if you're leaving the same day.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 17 years); Child (6 to 13 years). Children under 6 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How close can you actually get to the bears in the hide?

The one-way mirror lets you watch bears from as close as 10 meters, and they sometimes come right to the windows. You're at ground level with them, so the distance feels immediate even though the glass keeps you completely safe.

Will I be alone in the bear hide, or will there be other people there?

The hide accommodates up to 30 people total, including visitors from other travel agencies. Your vehicle holds a maximum of six passengers, but you'll share the viewing space with other groups once you arrive at the site.

What's the drive time from Brasov to the bear hide?

The full activity takes four to five hours from pickup to dropoff in Brasov, which includes the drive to the Ciomatu massif near St. Anna Lake and your time in the hide watching the bears.

Is this activity suitable if I'm not very fit?

Bear watching is suitable for all physical fitness levels. You sit in the hide and watch. There's no hiking or strenuous movement required.

Can I bring a camera and take photographs?

Yes. The hide was built by a professional photographer and works well for both serious photographers with telephoto lenses and casual visitors taking pictures with regular cameras.