Bison Land
The most famous eco-tourist destination of Neamț County.
Daniel Onea, 30.11.2022, 20:06
Today we travel to the only place in Europe where the bison can be spotted in the wilderness, in semi-wilderness and also in captivity. The area is located in north-eastern Romania and is a tourist destination appreciated by everybody. Visitors can spend a day at a barn and wonder at the diversity of plant and animal species found within the Vânători Neamț Natural Park, in northeastern Romania. Viorela Chiper, manager of the Zimbrul Association, told us more about it: Bison Land is the most famous eco-tourist destination of Neamț County. It is a beautiful micro-region, which covers a relatively small area, mostly on the territory of the Vânători-Neamț Nature Park. There are no less than 17 hermitages and monasteries, four memorial houses, protected areas, the Neamț Citadel, historical monuments as well as 21 cycling and hiking trails. You can also go in search of the bison with the rangers from the Vânători-Neamț Nature Park. The acclimatization enclosure near the Visitor Centre of the Vânători-Neamț Nature Park has 180 hectares, and your encounter with bison will be a unique experience. Anyone who wants to have an adventure, to see bison in life size without any barriers, can live this experience. It requires an appointment at least two to three days in advance and is a truly special experience that is worth living.
The visit can start from the Visitor Center. The indoor and outdoor spaces are generous and you will also find suspended walkways which have an educational role. From these walkways, the bison can be spotted in the forest, while feeding. Also, near the visitor center, there is a mini-climbing trail and a zip line. Viorela Chiper: In general, hiking and cycling trails link several cultural, natural, spiritual and historical objectives. In the monastic villages around Agapia Monastery and Văratec Monastery, which are unique in Europe, you can admire the traditional houses, beautifully preserved by those over 800 nuns. Neamț Citadel, a medieval monument, is another point of interest, from where you can admire the beautiful Ozana Valley. On the other hand, the Codrii de Aramă and Padurea de Argint nature reserves have a special charm in any season. This was probably the reason why they appear in various Romanian writings and literary works. Most of those who arrive at the destination enjoy the tranquility here and the fact that the traditions are still alive. Traditional craftsmen are still active, and they organize spinning, braiding, weaving, sculpting or clay modeling workshops. Most of the accommodation places we have in the area are local guesthouses. They are near the forest or have generous courtyards, where you can spend time in nature. And during the Christmas and New Year period, people still go caroling. On the other hand, on January 2, in Târgu Neamț, the New Year’s traditions and customs festival is organized.
Bison Land is also a land of experiences. There are many sheep flocks in the area, so tourists have the chance to take part in various activities alongside shepherds. Viorela Chiper tells us more about plans in the region: “We want to focus more on developing the infrastructure and ease peoples access to the area. An event we stage here in the warm months of the year is Ecobrunch in Bison Land. It is an event that brings to light traditions, culture and local community and also local cuisine.“
A food festival is held several times a year in the towns and communes included in Bison Land. The delicious food is sometimes cooked in front of visitors. (EE)
