Romania’s wildlife is impressive, to say the least. Romania landscape includes some of Europe’s last virgin forests, wild mountains home to the largest population of brown bears in Europe and other protected species, and the Danube Delta in Romania is the second largest river delta in Europe.
Romania’s wildlife – into the mountains
The Carpathians cover a big part of Romania and make a spectacular destination both for the hiking enthusiast but also for the wildlife passionate. With a diverse landscape that alternates lush forest and rocky peaks, they are home to thousands of species of animals and plants.
Romania has the largest population of brown bears on the continent. The large mammal can be easily spotted here, although with great care and from a distance. The Natural Reserve of Cheile Tisitei (Tisitei Gorge), Vrancea Area, also known as the large carnivore reserve, is the perfect spot for an encounter with bears, wolves and the lynx.
In fact, Romania has the second biggest population of Eurasian lynxes (Lynx Lynx). The large feline is hard to spot and is on the protected species list. And speaking of protected species, Romania is one of the few places in Europe where the almost extinct European bison is being reintroduced into it’s habitat.
A safer way to come close to the brown bear is The Liberty Sanctuary in Zarnesti, Piatra Craiului Mountains. This is not a zoo or circus, far from that. In fact, the sanctuary is home to around 100 bears saved from harsh conditions. By visiting you don’t just get the opportunity to spot the fluffy mammal but also you get to learn their story and by paying the ticket you help the “Millions of Friends” NGO to save from sufferings and death thousands of animals.
Moreover, a trip in the area can be combined with an easy hike in Zarnesti Gorges and the remote mountain villages of Magura and Pestera. And while still in the area keep your eyes open for Dianthus callizonus, a beautiful pink flower that grows only in Piatra Craiului Mountains and became the symbol of the area.
More easily to spot and less dangerous is the chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra). Not friendly enough to pet, but still a lovely presence, these brown and black goats run and jump on rocky peaks making the delight of travelers.
Romania’s wildlife – the Delta
Before speaking about the great diversity of the Danube Delta, we must mention the area in which it is located. Dobrogea area alternates mountains and plains, but the landscape is nowhere near similar with the Carpathians. The mountains here are the oldest in the country, arid and rocky. They are home to a diverse flora and fauna and home to one of the slowest animals in Romania, the land tortoise.
In spring the forests here fill with red peonies and the plains become a sea of yellow with the blooming of turnips.
In the plains watch out for cute European ground squirrels popping their heads from the ground, hares, and foxes. The Letea Forest, the oldest natural reservation in Romania, is home to the last wild horses.
The Danube Delta in Romania is the second largest river delta on the continent and Europe’s top destinations for birdwatching. Here, nature photography lovers can see The Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus), world’s biggest freshwater bird.
The delta home to thousands of species of birds, fish, and mammals. Furthermore, along with Razin-Sinoe lagoon, it is listed as Unesco World Heritage Site. This is not a day trip type of destination, but a more slow travel type in which to fully enjoy what it has to offer.
But for the traveler short on time, a more convenient glimpse into a delta landscape is a day trip to Comana Lake near Bucharest. Surrounded by hills and forests, Comana Natural Park is the perfect destination for those that are passionate about photography, bird-watching or wildlife and flora. Also available are boat tours, biking, zip-lining in the adventure park and, of course, fishing.
Discover Romania’s wildlife with a local guide
Romania is a magical place and no one knows it better than its locals. That is why our small team of certified tourist guides is always happy to share stories about Romania. Furthermore, our aim is to make sure you have the vacation of your dreams. Just see what other travelers are saying about us.
You can find out more about us in the contact section and see all our predefined tours. But keep in mind that we can customize any tour to suit your needs and interests. Just drop us a line and we’ll start planning your dream vacation together.
