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1 / 5From Brasov: Day Trip to the Bison Reserve & Traditional Lunch
About this activity
Escape Brașov for a full-day immersion into Carpathian wildlife at the Bison Reserve near Acris village, home to European bison and red deer in a sprawling 12-hectare sanctuary. Combine rare animal encounters with natural beauty—visiting the dramatic Urlatoarea waterfall and enjoying a traditional Romanian lunch—making this an unexpected but rewarding mix of conservation and gastronomy.
Rainy day in Brasov? Don't worry, we have just the right tour for you. If seeing bisons in Romania is something unexpected for you, find out that they are closer than you think.
Just 40 kilometers away from Brasov, in the small village of Acris, in Vama Buzaului commune, you can find the Bison Reserve. Opened in 2008, the reservation is home to several bisons that share the space with some roe deer and stags. In an area of about 12 hectares, you can spot these majestic animals feeding or just spending their time walking around.
The last wild European bison was killed in 1919 in Poland and since 1965, this animal is considered an endangered species. Luckily, people have been working hard to reintroduce the bison in the wild again and currently, in Romania, there are plans to release more of them in the Carpathians.
In the morning, your guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Brasov and will take you to the village of Acris, to the Bison reserve. (Please feel free to write dow your hotel name in Brasov, on the relevant section when booking)
After having a tour of the reserve, your next stop will be at the Urlatoarea waterfall, situated in the forest, near the village. Considered one of the most beautiful places in Romania, this curtain of water flows down a steep hill, creating a sound that gives its name: Urlatoarea means 'the raging one'. After heavy rainfalls, the sound effect is even more predominant.
In the end, you will have a well-deserved lunch at a local household. Your hosts will prepare a three-course meal from local organic products. Taste the palinca - our national drink - and enjoy quality time in the courtyard.
If you're looking for something sweet, the hosts will show you their cellar where they usually keep homemade jams and spreads made from hand-picked fruits and forest berries.
After the feast, you will be taken back to Brasov and dropped off at your accommodation.
This experience has flexible start times - departures. After booking, the local supplier will contact you in order to arrange the exact starting time of your tour. (If you accidentally don't receive an update email from your local supplier within 24 hours please contact him back in order to arrange the time. All the local supplier's info will be provided to you as soon as you book.)
Highlights
- ✓See endangered European bison in a dedicated 12-hectare reserve just 40 km from Brașov
- ✓Spot red deer and roe deer in their natural habitat across open meadows
- ✓Visit Urlatoarea waterfall, a curtain cascade renowned for its thunderous roar (especially after rain)
- ✓Learn about bison reintroduction efforts in the Romanian Carpathians
- ✓Enjoy traditional Romanian lunch in a local setting
- ✓Guided day tour with hotel pickup and drop-off from central Brașov
Insider tips
- ★Visit after heavy rain to experience Urlatoarea's full acoustic drama—the name means 'the raging one' for good reason
- ★Bring binoculars and a camera with zoom; bison are best spotted early morning or late afternoon when they're most active
- ★The reserve sits in a cool forest microclimate; bring a light jacket even in summer
- ★Ask your guide about the reserve's role in the broader Carpathian rewilding project—it's a living conservation success story
Good to know
- •Hotel pickup from Brașov accommodation (provide hotel name at booking); check-in time with your supplier for early morning departure
- •Sturdy walking shoes essential for forest paths to the waterfall and around the reserve
- •Full day duration; bring water and sun protection (hat, SPF) despite forest shade
- •Reserve can be muddy or slippery after rain; waterproof jackets or rain ponchos recommended
- •Limited accessibility for mobility-impaired visitors due to uneven forest terrain
Who it's for
Best time to visit
Visit spring (April–May) or early autumn (September–October) for mild weather and active wildlife, but plan a post-rain visit in any season to catch Urlatoarea at its most dramatic. Morning departures maximize bison sightings and photography light.
Frequently asked questions
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