Hiking & Bear Watching in the Carpathians — Self-Launched Brasov Adventure

Fly into Brasov-Ghimbav (GHV) if you can, otherwise Bucharest Otopeni (OTP) is the cheaper and better-connected option. From Bucharest, take a direct CFR train from Bucuresti Nord to Brasov — 2.5-3.5 hrs, roughly £6-17 (RON 30-85). From Brasov airport a 15-min taxi costs about £7-9. Check into a budget guesthouse or hostel in or near the old town (Pension Bella Musica, Hostel Boemia or a private room at Rolling Stone Hostel all sit within a few minutes' walk of Piata Sfatului). Spend the afternoon wandering the medieval old town: the Black Church, the narrow Rope Street (Strada Sforii), the White and Black Towers, and a climb up Mount Tampa for sunset views over the city. Dinner at a traditional cellar restaurant — try ciorba (sour soup), sarmale (cabbage rolls) and papanași for dessert.

🚌CFR train from Bucharest (2.5-3.5 hrs, ~£6-17) or 15-min taxi from Brasov airport (~£7-9)

🛏Budget guesthouse or hostel dorm/private room, Brasov old town (~£22-30/night)

• →Old town walking tour (self-guided)
• →Black Church
• →Strada Sforii (Rope Street)
• →Mount Tampa viewpoint

Take an early local bus or minibus from Brasov's Autogara Bartolomeu towards Zarnesti or Bran (roughly 45 min, ~£2-3), then start a self-guided hike on the lower Piatra Craiului trails — the Zarnești Gorge (Prăpăstiile Zărneștiului) is an easy 3-4 hr out-and-back through dramatic limestone canyons with ~300m of ascent. Bring water and snacks as there are few facilities. Head back to Brasov for lunch and a rest. In the late afternoon, join an independently bookable ethical bear hide session — these are run by licensed local wildlife operators and the Zarnesti/Carpathian forest hides, bookable direct or via GetYourGuide, typically cost £55-75 per person including transfer from Brasov, a 20-min hike-in and 3 hrs in an elevated hide watching wild brown bears in a clearing (the Carpathians hold around 60% of Europe's brown bears). Sessions usually return to Brasov around 21:30-22:30 — grab a late dinner in the old town.

🚌Local bus Brasov-Zarnesti/Bran (~£2-3 each way); bear hide operator provides transfer

🛏Budget guesthouse or hostel, Brasov old town (~£22-30/night)

• →Self-guided hike in Piatra Craiului / Zarnesti Gorge (~3-4 hrs)
• →Ethical brown bear hide session (~3 hrs, afternoon/evening)
• →Late dinner in Brasov old town

Take the local bus to Zarnesti (roughly 45 min, ~£2) and visit the Libearty Bear Sanctuary — Europe's largest bear sanctuary, home to over 100 rescued former captive bears across 69 forested hectares. Entry is by guided tour only and must be booked in advance through the sanctuary's website (around £10-12 per person, English tours run at set times in the morning). Walk the forest trails between enclosures and watch bears swimming and playing. Afterwards, return to Brasov and hike Postavaru Mountain — take bus 20 to the cable car base at Poiana Brasov or hike up from the Schei district; the trail to the summit cabin gains around 800-900m over 3 hrs through lush forest with sweeping Carpathian views (a cable car back down costs ~£5-7 if you're short on time). Back in Brasov for a beer in Piata Sfatului and dinner.

🚌Local bus Brasov-Zarnesti (~£2 each way); local bus to Poiana Brasov (~£1); optional cable car (~£5-7)

🛏Budget guesthouse or hostel, Brasov old town (~£22-30/night)

• →Libearty Bear Sanctuary guided tour (book ahead, ~£10-12)
• →Self-guided Postavaru Mountain hike (~3 hrs)
• →Cable car option at Poiana Brasov
• →Evening in Piata Sfatului

Take a local bus from Brasov's Autogara 2 towards Bran (roughly 45 min-1 hr, ~£2-3 — buses run regularly through the morning). Visit Bran Castle, the medieval fortress marketed as 'Dracula's Castle', with its turrets, winding staircases and eerie rooms — entry is around £9-11, and it's worth booking a timed slot online in peak season to skip the queue. Explore the small market outside for local cheeses and souvenirs. Take the bus back to Brasov, collect any luggage left at your guesthouse, and either catch a late afternoon/evening train to Bucharest (~£6-17) or a taxi to Brasov airport (~£7-9) for your onward flight.

🚌Local bus Brasov-Bran return (~£4-6); onward CFR train to Bucharest (~£6-17) or taxi to Brasov airport (~£7-9)

🛏N/A — departure day (optional extra night ~£22-30 if needed)

• →Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle) visit (~£9-11)
• →Bran village market
• →Self-guided wander of Brasov old town if time allows