Bucharest: Top Gear Road and Wild Brown Bears Day Trip

Exploring Romania’s wild side on a day trip from Bucharest offers a perfect mix of scenic beauty, wildlife spotting, and road trip excitement. This tour takes you along the legendary Transfagarasan Road, famed by Top Gear as one of the world’s most spectacular routes, while also giving a chance to see wild brown bears in their natural habitat. With a professional guide and comfortable transport, it’s a day designed to satisfy nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

One of the best aspects of this tour is how it balances stunning mountain views with animal encounters—there’s nothing quite like the thrill of spotting a bear lazily resting by the roadside. However, keep in mind that bear sightings are subject to availability, which depends on the time of year, weather, and the bears’ movements. The experience is ideal for those who love photography, scenic drives, and wildlife, but travelers with mobility issues should note the walk involved at each stop isn’t extensive, though some uneven terrain may be involved.

Key Points

• Wildlife encounters: You might see wild brown bears, often joining roadside, making for unforgettable photo opportunities.
• Breathtaking scenery: The views of the Carpathian Mountains and the journey along the Transfagarasan are simply spectacular.
• Historic and engineering marvels: The Vidraru Dam and Bâlea Lake offer both beauty and cultural insights.
• Value for money: At $58, this full-day trip covers transport, guiding, and multiple stops with plenty of photo and free time.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides like Emanuel and Nicholas enhance the experience with stories, explanations, and safety tips.
• Weather considerations: Be prepared for chilly or unpredictable mountain weather, especially at higher altitudes like Bâlea Lake.

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The journey begins early at the Volo Hotel in Bucharest, with a departure time around 7:30 am. The transport is in an air-conditioned vehicle, and reviews praise the driver’s skill—especially navigating the winding roads of the Transfagarasan. The group size is typically kept manageable, often in a cozy minivan, which many travelers find more personal and less rushed than larger coaches. This is a big plus, as it allows for flexible stops and more room to enjoy the scenery comfortably.

The Drive through the Carpathians

The two-hour bus ride from Bucharest might seem long, but it’s filled with anticipation and beautiful countryside views. As you climb higher into the mountains, you’ll start to see the landscape shift into rugged, lush terrain. Many reviewers mention that the driver, like Jony or Nickolas, drives cautiously and smoothly, making the winding roads more enjoyable rather than nerve-wracking.

Vidraru Dam

The first major stop is at the Vidraru Dam, a striking arch dam completed in 1966, towering 166 meters high. Here, you’ll have about 20 minutes to take photos, walk along the dam, and appreciate the engineering feat. The reservoir behind it is expansive, adding to the dramatic scenery. Several reviewers note the dam’s visual impact and appreciate the chance to learn a bit about Romania’s hydroelectric history.

Capra Waterfall

Next, the tour moves to Capra Waterfall, a beautiful cascade often enveloped in mist and surrounded by greenery. It’s a 20-minute walk from the main road, with enough space for photos and soaking in the tranquility. Reviewers mention the waterfall’s charm and how it adds a peaceful counterpoint to the mountain drive.

Bâlea Lake

The highlight for many is reaching Bâlea Lake, situated at an impressive 2,034 meters elevation. You get about 1.5 hours here to relax, take photos, and browse the small shops or snack at the local restaurant. The views at the lake are stunning, especially if the weather is clear. However, if visiting between November and May, access to the lake and Capra Waterfall may be restricted due to weather conditions, so plan accordingly.

The Transfagarasan Highway

The road itself is reason enough for this tour. Stretching over 100 km, it features hairpin bends, tunnels, and panoramic viewpoints. Many reviews describe the drive as a highlight, with guides often stopping for photo ops and explanations. You’ll see breathtaking vistas on the way, with several stops to soak in the scenery and breathe in the mountain air.

Wildlife and Bear Sightings

One of the main attractions—and what we love about this tour—is the chance to spot wild brown bears. While sightings are never guaranteed, many travelers are fortunate enough to see bears lounging on the roadside, especially during the summer months. Reviewers consistently mention seeing anywhere from 3 to over 15 bears, with some guides, like Emanuel or Bogdan, expertly alerting guests when bears are nearby. Several visitors note that their guides explained the importance of respecting the bears’ space and not feeding them, which adds a responsible touch to the adventure.

End of the Day and Return

After a full day of scenic driving, wildlife spotting, and mountain exploration, the tour returns to Bucharest around evening. The long but comfortable ride back often includes pleasant conversations about the day’s highlights and tips from guides on exploring Romania further.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

We’ve pulled from over 780 reviews to bring you some practical insights. For example, many mention Emanuel’s excellent knowledge and friendly manner—“He explained everything about Romania’s history and kept the group entertained,” one reviewer notes. Several also praised the driver’s expertise, describing them as safe, experienced, and skilled at navigating the tricky mountain roads.

Bears tend to appear on the roadside, often right next to the bus, which makes for amazing photos. One traveler shared, “We saw about 10 bears, and the views are spectacular.” Despite some weather-related limitations during late autumn or early spring, most found the experience well worth it. Many appreciated that the tour was relaxed, with enough free time at key stops to enjoy food, take photos, or just breathe in the mountain air.

Food and Refreshments

While the tour price covers transport and guiding, meals are not included. However, at Bâlea Lake, there are amenities nearby, and some reviewers enjoyed buying local snacks and homemade bread from vendors. The guides often recommend local delicacies and tips for making the most of the stops.

Group Size and Personal Experience

Opting for the smaller, more intimate minivan (often max 7 guests) seems to be a recurring theme among positive reviews. This setup offers a more relaxed atmosphere and better chances to ask questions or request extra stops—something larger coach tours might not offer.

Weather and Packing Tips

The mountain weather can be unpredictable. Many reviewers advise bringing warm clothing, sunglasses, sun hats, and a camera with extra batteries. Wind and chilly temperatures at Bâlea Lake can catch you off guard if unprepared. The tour, which involves some walking, might be challenging for those with mobility issues, and big luggage isn’t permitted—only small backpacks.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This trip is perfect for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and anyone eager to experience Romania’s iconic scenery and wildlife in a single day. It’s also well-suited for travelers who appreciate thrilling drives and panoramic views. The reasonably priced package offers great value, considering the transportation, expert guiding, and multiple scenic stops included.

If you’re interested in photography, the stops at Vidraru Dam, Bâlea Lake, and the mountain vistas provide ample opportunities. It’s especially ideal if you want a guided experience that maximizes wildlife sightings without the hassle of organizing transport or navigating remote roads yourself.

However, those with limited mobility or looking for a more leisurely, relaxed pace might find the walk at stops somewhat demanding. Also, travelers expecting guaranteed bear sightings should be prepared for a chance rather than a certainty.

Final Thoughts

This day trip from Bucharest offers a well-rounded taste of Romania’s natural beauty and wild animal encounters. The combination of the legendary Transfagarasan Road, stunning mountain vistas, and the chance to spot native brown bears makes it a compelling choice for adventure and nature aficionados. The tour’s professional guides, especially Emanuel and Nicholas, are often highlighted for their knowledge and friendliness, helping make the experience both educational and fun.

At $58, it’s excellent value for a full day of sightseeing, wildlife, and mountain air—more than just a scenic drive, it’s a genuine Romanian adventure in the mountains. Perfect for those who want to tick off iconic landscapes and wildlife sightings in one memorable trip.

FAQ

Can I see bears on this tour?
Yes, bear sightings are common, often roadside, but they are not guaranteed. Several reviews mention seeing multiple bears, with some seeing over 15.

How long is the drive from Bucharest?
The journey takes about 2 hours to reach the mountain areas, with the return trip lasting around 3 hours, making it a full-day experience.

What should I bring?
Bring warm clothing, sunglasses, a sun hat, a camera, and weather-appropriate gear for mountain conditions. A small backpack is recommended as large bags are not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for kids or older adults?
It’s suitable for most, but some walking is involved at stops, and the roads are winding. It may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included, but there are amenities at Bâlea Lake and stops along the way where you can buy snacks.

What is the group size?
Many travelers prefer the smaller minivan option (max 7 guests), which offers a more personal experience.

When can I visit Bâlea Lake or Capra Waterfall?
Access to these sites can be restricted from November to May due to weather conditions, so check ahead or plan for summer visits.

How many bears might I see on the tour?
Most reviewers saw between 3 and over 15 bears, often resting or strolling near the roadside.

What’s the best side of the bus to sit on?
Bears tend to appear on the right side, so sitting on that side might improve your chances of sightings.

Is the road safe for driving?
Yes, the guides and drivers are experienced, especially on the winding mountain roads. They prioritize safety and comfort.

This guided trip offers a fantastic way to see Romania’s wild side without the hassle of planning. Whether it’s the thrill of spotting bears, the jaw-dropping views of the mountains, or simply enjoying a scenic drive, it’s a memorable day out suited to those eager for adventure and natural beauty.