Hiker's fears on Via Transilvanica. 'Romania is full of bears, unfortunately'. How to avoid meeting them

The Via Transilvanica, a long-distance hiking trail winding through Romania's diverse landscapes, has become a magnet for tourists seeking adventure and a deep connection with nature. However, as the article from Adevărul highlights, this immersion comes with its own set of thrills and anxieties. Numerous hikers have returned with unforgettable memories, some amplified by encounters with the region's wild inhabitants – namely, bears and the formidable guard dogs of local shepherds.

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Romania is full of bears, unfortunately.

While the trail itself is celebrated for its beauty, traversing over 1,400 kilometers through the Carpathian Mountains and connecting historical regions, certain segments present a more primal challenge. It is in these less-traveled paths, through remote villages and dense forests, that the possibility of encountering bears becomes a tangible concern. Hikers have shared their experiences on dedicated online groups, recounting multiple sightings of bears and noting the clear signs of their presence, such as trees marked by their claws. These encounters, while fascinating to some, instill a palpable sense of fear in others, especially those venturing alone.

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I arrived in Brădețelu. From Brâncovenești to here, I had a beautiful route. A forest that, in places, gave me a little shiver. For a stretch of about 1-2 kilometers, almost all the trees, left and right, have their trunks destroyed by bears.

From the perspective of a Romanian publication like Adevărul, this narrative is deeply rooted in the country's identity. Romania is, after all, home to one of Europe's largest populations of brown bears. These encounters are not isolated incidents but a reflection of the wildness that still thrives within the Carpathians. While international coverage might focus on the trail's infrastructure or tourist potential, the local perspective emphasizes the raw, untamed nature of the experience. The fear of encountering a bear is a very real, very Romanian concern, one that shapes how locals and tourists alike approach the wilderness. It’s a reminder that while Via Transilvanica offers a journey through history and scenery, it also demands respect for the powerful natural forces that inhabit it.

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Via Transilvanica, day no. 12. Today I had an adrenaline-filled day. I met two bears and was also caught in the rain. I still arrived in Odorheiu Secuiesc.