Where Are The Bears?

How to get up close to Europe’s magnificent megafauna

If you want to see a bear in the wild in Europe, your best bet is to journey to the Carpathians. 60% of all the bears in Europe live in the region, along with wild boar, deer, foxes and other fascinating fauna like wolf and lynx.

Bears in Bunea © FCC

But at around 1,500 kilometres long, the Carpathian mountain chain is a pretty big place, so you have to have a clear idea on where’s best for bears. One ideal site is the Bunea hide, located on a southern ridge of the Fagaras mountains.

The hide in Bunea © FCC

Stunning views all around © FCC

Nestled in the dense forest and many kilometres from civilization, there’s no internet, no phone signal and no electricity. So make sure your camera is fully charged before you get there.

Once you do, get up at first light and observe wildlife in its natural habitat, then enjoy a hearty breakfast and perhaps go hiking in the forests and breathe the crisp, clear mountain air, with the help of local guides and rangers.

Then get back to base to enjoy viewing the activities of the wildlife that gathers as the sun goes down. In the evening visitors chat and trade stories in the candlelight, after a gourmet supper from locally-sourced ingredients. And while they’re enjoying themselves, the hide’s automatic trap cameras are recording what the wildlife is up to, outside, in the darkness.

Deer observed close to Bunea © FCC

The hide – which has overnight accommodation for up to six people – is part of the Foundation Conservation Carpathia, which works to preserve the local environment, whilst allowing developing sustainable tourism for the area.

Home for 6 © FCC

Visitors to Bunea are attracted by the opportunity to leave civilization behind and enjoy the simple pleasures of the outdoor experience, and encounter magnificent animals in their natural setting, free from modern-day distractions. As one visitor remarked:

“The Bunea hide is a place we can highly recommend to those who love nature, and like to observe wildlife, and for photography. It is a good starting point for walks in the Carpathians as well!”

If you wish a more comfortable setting, stay at the Zabola Estate and go to see bears in the observatory created there. Splurge a little and rest in the comfy rooms, enjoy local meals and have as much time as you wish in nature…both around the Castle Park but in the 500ha around the property.

If you, however, stay in Brasov or a village nearby the Carpathians, there are other hides you can go to. All it takes is a short transfer to be in the hut before dusk and then waiting for the bears to come.

View from the Carpathians © FCC

Of course, it would not be a surprise to meet them while hiking so make sure to know what to do.