Bear Watching Experience: An Afternoon into the Wild

Dive into the heart of the Harghita Mountains for an up-close look at the iconic brown bear in its natural habitat. From a professional wildlife hide, you’ll observe these majestic creatures as they roam freely. Guided by a biologist and bear expert, this experience offers more than just sightings, it’s an insight into the delicate balance of nature and the lives of the forest’s most famous residents.

Details at a Glance:

  • Location: Harghita Mountains
  • Start/End Point: Odorheiu Secuiesc
  • Duration: Afternoon into evening (approx. 4-5 hours)
  • Included:
    • Professional guide (biologist and bear specialist)
    • Transportation to and from Odorheiu Secuiesc
    • Time in the professional bear hide

Availability Season

The tour is available May 1st – September 15th.

Brown bears are the highlight of the tour and sightings are highly likely, though not guaranteed

Sustainability Focus

This experience is rooted in conservation. The hide was built with a specific goal: to reduce conflict between humans and bears. By feeding bears in this controlled environment, they are deterred from descending into villages, ensuring the safety of both locals and wildlife. By participating in this tour, you directly support these efforts and contribute to preserving Romania’s unique natural heritage.

The price of this tour is:

60 euro/pers

The price is per person, per tour and it is in euro (EUR).

Booking request form

Please fill the form below for a booking request. One of our agents will process your request and answer to you (usually in less then 24h). Please check also the SPAM folder for our email.

Booking Information

This is not a regular mass-tourism attraction. The hide and tour were created by a passionate biologist to offer travelers a real, authentic wildlife experience. Due to its exclusivity, availability is limited, and bookings must be made well in advance to secure a spot, as we prioritize the quality and sustainability of this experience.

Bookings

  • Bookings are based on the full payment of the trip. You’ll receive a payment link.
  • The tour is done with minimum 2 persons subscribed.

Cancellation

  • More then 90 days before the program you can postpone the trip (you will receive a voucher available 2 years).
  • Less then 90 days before the trip, the deposit is non refundable.

Contact

Email: office@ilgotours.com

Phone: (Voice, SMS, WatsApp): +40 757 894 456  |  +40 749 120 009

Itinerary

1. Pick-Up in Odorheiu Secuiesc
Your adventure begins in the charming town of Odorheiu Secuiesc, where your guide will pick you up and share a preview of the journey ahead. The time of pick-up will be agreed upon after your booking request, depending on the season and bear activity.

2. Transfer to the Bear Hide
As you travel through the beautiful Harghita Mountains, you’ll feel the peaceful embrace of nature. Upon arrival at the hide, you’ll settle in for an exciting afternoon.

3. Bear Watching from the Hide
This professional hide offers the perfect vantage point for observing brown bears in their natural surroundings. Built by passionate conservationists, the hide serves a dual purpose: providing an incredible wildlife experience and reducing human-bear conflict. By feeding the bears here, they are discouraged from wandering into nearby villages, protecting both the bears and the community. Your guide, a biologist, will enrich the experience with fascinating insights into bear behavior, their role in the ecosystem and other forest wildlife.

4. Evening Return to Odorheiu Secuiesc
After an inspiring and educational day, you’ll return to Odorheiu Secuiesc, carrying with you memories of one of Europe’s most iconic species.

Destination

Harghita Mountains, Romania.
570 - 1000m elevation

Climate

Temperature vary from 1-25 °C spring/fall; 10-35 °C summer.

Warnings

Morning and evening can be chill, please bring proper clothes.

Hide

Hide activity. Make sure you have all you need for 4h session.

Details

  • Facilities: The bear hide does not have a toilet so please plan accordingly before the tour.
  • Food and Drinks: No food or drinks are allowed during the tour, except for a bottle of water.
  • Scent-Free Zone: Please avoid wearing perfumes or strong fragrances, as animals have an extremely sensitive sense of smell and may avoid the area.
  • Photography Rules: To ensure the bears are not disturbed, flash photography are strictly prohibited.
  • Clothing: Dress appropriately for a short walk in the forest (approximately 15 minutes). Avoid bright colors to blend into the natural surroundings, including windproof or waterproof outerwear, depending on the weather. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are a must.
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