The bison reserve in Vama Buzăului
Vama Buzăului is the home of a nature reserve dedicated to the rescue and conservation of bison.
Daniel Onea, 19.03.2026, 14:00
Located at the foot of the Ciucaș Massif, in the southeast of Brașov County, the village of Vama Buzăului is a destination that captivates at first sight with its wild landscapes and the tranquillity characteristic of rural Romania. The main attraction here is the nature reserve dedicated to the rescue and conservation of the largest land mammal in Europe, the bison, called the Valea Zimbrilor reserve.
The project was designed to offer these imposing mammals a generous living environment, as close as possible to the conditions they would enjoy in the wild, but also to allow the public to interact with nature in an organised way. Fabian Roth, the administrator of the reserve, talks to us about the logistical details of a visit, as well as about the other surprises that add to the tourist experience.
“The reserve opened in 2008. A ticket to visit costs 20 lei (approximately 4 euros) for children and 30 lei (approximately 6 euros) for adults. The daily schedule is from 09:00 to 17:00, and during the summer, the schedule is extended until 20:00. No prior appointment is needed to visit us. The space is generous enough to accommodate even ten bus loads full of visitors. In addition to bison, which are truly special animals, visitors can admire reindeer, which can only be found here. The reserve is also home to mouflons, Carpathian and fallow deer, peacocks and geese. We have also set up a mini-farm with domestic animals, such as lambs, chickens and ducks, especially popular among children. Tourists also have the opportunity to buy a bag of carrots, priced at 10 lei (about 2 euros) and to feed the animals through the fence, an activity they enjoy very much.”
After a day spent outdoors, tourists need a welcoming place to rest and a warm meal. The mountain village has quickly adapted to its status as an ecotourism destination, developing a hospitality network focused on supporting local producers. Fabian Roth explains how this works:
“In terms of accommodation, tourists can choose from the many guesthouses in the area, but there are also resorts that meet higher standards. Therefore, accommodation should not be a problem. For dining, we, the locals, proudly recommend the local gastronomic points. They offer traditional dishes, prepared exclusively from products obtained on the farm, at a fixed price and with a pre-established menu. There are over 20 such points in the area. Tourists can call in advance to find out the menu of the day and can choose the location that seems most appetizing to them.”
Due to its excellent geographical location, the village also works perfectly as a “base camp” for those who want a longer stay full of exploration. The road infrastructure facilitates quick travel to other historical, cultural or natural attractions in the region. The administrator of the Valea Zimbrilor reserve, Fabian Roth, tells us what else can be visited nearby:
“Vama Buzăului benefits from an excellent position, close to the city of Brașov, which offers generous tourist opportunities. Very close to us are the fortified churches of Prejmer and Hărman. Also, in the area of Întorsura Buzăului, visitors can discover some unique monasteries, such as those of Sita Buzăului and Barcani, in an area with many guesthouses, ideal for a short stay. Approximately 100 kilometers away are the Muddy Volcanoes. With Brașov as our main landmark, we are very well located to explore the attractions in the surroundings.”
The life of the community is punctuated by many cultural events. There is a constant concern for diversifying the offer and attracting new categories of travel enthusiasts. Moreover, in the near future, the tourist infrastructure in the area will see a major expansion.
“As the weather is getting warm, we are hosting an already well-known folk music festival, entitled Vama de la Munte. Also, between May 28 and June 1, the village of Acris will host the caravan festival. Now in its fourth edition, the event is now being organised here for the first time. In terms of tourism development, in a maximum of one or two years, an important project carried out in partnership with the local authority and a Dutch investor will take shape. This involves building a resort with over 100 bungalows, and work is currently underway on the necessary infrastructure to welcome guests.”
To end, the administrator of the Valea Zimbrilor reserve, Fabian Roth, sent a message to all mountain lovers.
“We urge tourists to come to Vama Buzăului with plenty of time to spare. Here they will not find hustle and bustle or noise, but rather the peace necessary to disconnect and recharge their batteries. I recommend that those who arrive at the reservation reserve time to watch the bison, animals that I have been lovingly taking care of for 18 years, together with my colleagues.”
Last but not least, here is an Easter offer at a guesthouse with a local gastronomic point. You will pay 1750 lei (354 euros) per person for three nights of accommodation, with full board. The offer includes a horse-drawn carriage ride, an outdoor hike, a festive Easter meal and a demonstration of the traditions that are still alive in the village. So, whether you choose to admire the bison, set off on mountain trails or simply enjoy the hospitality of the locals, this destination promises an unforgettable experience.
