European bison, Bison bonasus, in the Tarcu mountains nature reserve, Natura 2000 site, Southern Carpathians, Romania.
Staffan Widstrand / Rewilding Europe

Bison disappeared from the wild in Romania 200 years ago, but Rewilding Europe, WWF, and the Bison Hillock Association (AMZA) are working together to bring them back in the Țarcu Mountains, with the support of the LIFE Bison project. The European bison is an umbrella species, a missing link in the ecosystem, with a real impact on maintaining natural processes that are specific to wilderness areas. Visit the Bison Hillock to find out more about the animals that used to roam freely in forests across Europe. We recommend that you experience nature conservation at its grass roots, by booking a guided tour to the Bison Hillock.

Day 1: Track the mighty bison like a ranger

Guided by the local bison rewilding team and experienced nature guides during your first day you will see and understand the bison’s importance to the ecosystem. You will learn how to interpret and identify the actors of flora and fauna on the stage of the Romanian wilderness, get a taste of the traditional lifestyle in the Southern Carpathians and have a first-hand experience of what rewilding is all about. Bison tracking will take up to 3-5 hours hiking so be prepared, wear neutral coloured clothing, and bring good waking shoes and a raincoat.

Day 2: In search of bear and chamois

Continue your adventure in the Tarcu Mountains with a bear watching experience in Rusca Teregova, Caraș-Severin, Romania. Spend a late evening in a wildlife watching hide and get a chance to see the elusive bear amongst other wildlife. Throughout the trip an experienced nature guide, who will keep you safe and informed along the way, will accompany you. You can spend the night in a near-by cabin, or tented camp, reflecting on your experience and sightings, wake up to a coffee, and view over the Rusca Lake. After breakfast, your guide will take you in search of the agile chamois as it traverses across the wooded cliffs of the Țarcu Mountains.

Transfer back to Armenis from Rusca Teregova takes 30 min by car. The hike to the bear watching hides is 30 min and this activity takes place after dark.