Tourist attraction - Zărnești

The museum is arranged in the national art camp "Fekete Gabor", is a sale-exhibition space with modern and traditional artworks exhibited both outdoors and indoors, also offering free art courses. Text source: https://www.visitzarnesti.ro/

The church „The Entry of the Most Holy Mother of God into the Church” was built in 1779, ten years after the village was founded. The church was founded by the great Romanian merchant from Brașov, Ioniță Boghici. The merchant from Brașov has also made other donations to the church, of which there were preserved four icons painted on 20th of February 1779 by Constantin Popovici and a brass candlestick with two arms, dated 1723. Among the valuable objects brought from Tohanul Vechi by the priests Mihai and Oprea, there was a precious gospel printed in Bucharest in 1682 at the command and the expense of Ion Șerban, the nephew of the ruler Șerban Basarab. Text source: https://www.visitzarnesti.ro/

”The Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary” Church was built in 1791, and was organized and developed around the Orthodox cemetery in Zărnești, being founded by archpriest Bratu Baiul. Due to the increasing of the population of the village, the enlightened priest wanted to organize an Orthodox cemetery and build the church. At that time the cemetery and the church were located on the outskirts of the village. An ideal location is found on a hill above the river bed Bârsa. Through the efforts of past and present priests, the Orthodox cemetery and stylish renovated church, dedicated to the Birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary, gives us a sample of respect for the ancestors of Zărnești. Text source: https://www.visitzarnesti.ro/

The church "Saint Nicholas" is the oldest church in the city, the old medieval art monument inscribed in the heritage of the Romanian Academy. The great historian Nicolae Iorga believed that the church, which was built on the site in 1515 and then was repaired in 1810, comes from ancient times, from a Romanian ruler. It seems that the original church was quite of small dimensions. As the number of residents was increased by approximately five times, the size of the church was unfit for its purpose. In the late seventeenth century the church was finished, being stuck in the narthex of the chapel. In the oral reports, the elders of the village said that after the Battle of 1690 at Zărnești, the Tatars burned the village, and here it did not stand after that scorching fire than the new church, whose brick and stone walls left in their place. It is believed that the rise of this place would have been helped by a prince of Wallachia, respectively the predecessor of Constantin Brâncoveanu, Şerban Cantacuzino. Text source: https://www.visitzarnesti.ro/

* CURMATURA CHALET IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR ACCOMMODATION, but you can dine in the restaurant or you can use the tent camping facilities / ecological toilets / showers/ spring water. Chalet Details:  - 46 places (in the cottage and annex)  - Cottage: rooms with 2, 3, 11, 12 places  - Annex: 2 rooms with 4 seats, 1 room with 10 seats  - Buffet and restaurant (slow food, NU fast food)  - Spring water, electricity (generator)  - Dining room program: 07.00 - 23.00 (after 23.00 dining room closes!) Prices: Prices may change, so it's good to call back to the cottage!  - 50 lei / room in the rooms with 12-14 beds in the room  - 100 lei / room with 2 beds in the room  - 150 lei/ room with 3 beds  - 10 lei / tent - In the Winter, tourists must book beds for the weekend and in summer for any period! Slipping in the dining room is not allowed!

Visiting Schedule Winter- Piatra Craiului National Park Visiting Center: Monday: Closed Tuesday-Thursday: 10:00-16:00 Friday - 10:00-14:00 Saturday: 11:00- 15:00 Sunday: 11:00- 13:00   More details on: https://www.pcrai.ro/program Rates:  Adults - 5 lei                 Teens (under 18 years old) - Free                 National Park access fee payers - Free *If you come with a group, it's recommended to tell the park administration in advance! *The ticket for the museum can be bought only from the Visiting Center of the Piatra Craiului National Park. More info on presentation (pcrai.ro) Opened in 2016, the Visitor Center is an exhibition space that combines information trails in the park, based on interactive techniques, three-dimensional layouts, and exhibits related to the area's biodiversity. With touch screens, visitors can see the landscapes of Piatra Craiului and find out all the necessary information about the flora and wild animals that live here, but also about the rocks that are combined in the massif. Visitors can also take a virtual tour of the tourist trails, everything with a simple hand movement.  An artificial stall has been set up in the visitor's center to allow visitors to see what they look like on the inside, but also an artificial cave where bats and other insects are living in this environment.  The wild animals can be admired on the route that runs through the visitor center. These can not only be seen but also heard, which brings a spectacular element and is certainly a great attraction for the little ones.  The interior of the center is designed to simulate the idea of rocks as much as possible, so visitors will feel right on the mountain. In addition, the special effects of thunder, lightning, or chirping of the birds will bring the visitor even closer to the beauty of the Piatra Craiului Mountains. The center also has a Piatra Craiului 3D layout and a walkway that tourists can climb to admire from above as if they were on a mountain at heigh. Also on the walkway can be projected pictures from Piatra Craiului, geological information, and habitat, but also tourist routes. Everything is with a touch screen command. Practically the visitor can design what map he wants to see and they can virtually admire the entire Piatra Craiului massif.

It preserves the heritage buildings of architectural patrimony, historical monuments built in the XIX century: the Communal House (1867- the current Cultural Center), the Court (1886) and the Confessional School of Zărnești (1875).

According to the legend, during a period of drought that has scorched all plants, humans and animals, a poor woman, named Stanca, climbed to the peak of the Piatra Craiului Mică and prayed to God to give rain, repeating this route for several days until, one day, she never returned to the village. Then a miracle occurred, it was raining incessantly for three days and three nights. After a long search, the locals have found Stanca on the peak of Piatra Craiului Mică, on her knees and her eyes up to the sky, but dead. They buried her there, and left a cross on her head. Text source: https://www.visitzarnesti.ro/i

The Holes in Zăplaz are considered gateways to another dimension. The ruptures in the rock may be encountered coming up from the Spirlea Refugeto “La Lanțuri” trail in The Piatra Craiului Massif. The Mountains of petrified shells dating back to the dinosaurs’ times turned into the holes that are currently at Zăplaz. Cutting the sky, the Holes in Zăplaz means, actually, "fence boards" and are often likened to the work of Gaudi. Apart from and grandeur of the mountain holes, which scientists have no clear explanation, the windows carved into limestone are considered possible portal to another dimension. The water, the wind, the years have worked hard on arches, columns, galleries, to create the phenomena displayed today. The holes at Zăplaz is one of the most important sights of Piatra Craiului Massif, an objective which should not be missed it if you are nearby. Text source: https://www.visitzarnesti.ro/

 The natural rock fortress of Pietra Craiului is unique among the mountains in our country. The specific landscape is characterized by a lonely ridge, which reaches a length of approximately 25 km and heights of over 2,000 meters. La Om peak (or Piscul Baciului) is the highest and measures 2,238 m. If we leisurely study the particularities of the massif, we will discover a great variety of relief shapes and sizes: rock corners, needles, pyramids, edges, towers, belts and chimneys. The large number of valleys, hollows, natural arches and alpine gaps complete the visual spectacle, along with particularly spectacular steeps. 1,170 plant species live here, almost 30% of the plants found in our country, of which 181 are protected. Among these species we mention only the most well-known ones: the carnation of Pietrei Craiului, the yew, the angelica, the blood of the strong, the yellow poppy, the linaria, the cornflower, the wild gladiolus, the bulbul and the mountain peony. Piatra Craiului harbors an impressive number of species of mountain orchids, 41 of the 58 existing in Romania. The climatic and geological conditions, the geomorphology and the structure of the flora and vegetation of Piatra Craiului have determined the preservation of a special diversity in the group of mammals. Of the approximately 100 species of mammals in the fauna of the entire country, over 40% live in Piatra Craiului. The sccess in the Piatra Craiului National Park is based on the visitor's ticket. Ticket purchase points: Text and photo-video sources: http://www.pcrai.ro/; http://romaniasalbatica.ro/ 

Carved into spectacular rock walls over a length of approximately 2 km, the Gorges of Zărneştilor is characterized by a monumental due to vertical walls or even bend over whites, with heights exceeding 200 m in some places. In this area, the temperature drops a few degrees because the sun hardly ever penetrates the gorges, only a few hours per day, which provides opportunity to relax and rest in the cool weather offered the gorges in the summer. The access is from the town Zărnești and Peștera. The cabin Curmătura is located near the gorge, an important starting point shifts to Piatra Craiului Massif. Those who come here will be impressed by the sights of the Cave (The Great Cave chasms, The Small Cave chasms) and several springs, like the Fountain of Botorog and the Gentlemen Fountain. The walls bordering the valley have a height ranging between 100 and 200 meters. The route through the Gorges of Zărneşti impresses with its spectacular rock walls where there were built numerous alpine routes. The view can be admired from afar, from Zărnești and Peștera. Covering the gorges you reach the place called "La Table" one of climbing spots on the Piatra Craiului peak. Accessibility: • National Road (DN) 73A to Zărnești and here County Road (DJ) 112G, to the Fountain of Botorog, then after 100 meters the road splits, one before the gorges and the other to the village of Măgura. Text source: https://www.visitzarnesti.ro/

*Between January 9 and March 4, the weekday tours (Tuesday-Friday) will be bilingual! Tours are organized at 9.30 and 11.00. During the weekend, two tours are organized in Romanian, at 9:45 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., and in English at 9:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. We advise you to dress and dress appropriately for this time of year. The visit to the sanctuary is done on foot, on a cobbled road that can be covered with snow on some parts.   Remember you are in the mountains so be prepared to drive in winter conditions and keep your chains on your cars as you may need them by the time you reach the sanctuary! *We recommend to buy tickets online at: https://millionsoffriends.org/en/buy-tickets/ *Children under 5 years old are not allowed in the sanctuary.! *The Sanctuary's visiting schedule, visiting rules, and online ticket purchase for guided tours are available at https://millionsoffriends.org/en/libearty/ Visiting schedule 1st November 2023– 30th April 2024: • Tours in English, Tuesday-Sunday at 09:30, 10:45; • Tours in Romanian, Tuesday-Sunday at 09:45, 11:00; * We recommend purchasing tickets online to secure seats, each tour has a limited number of seats. * Tickets can be purchased on the official website of the sanctuary: https://millionsoffriends.org/en/buy-tickets/  • All tours are guided. Children under 5 do not have access to the reservation. Happy Visit! #libeartybearsanctuary #visitzarnesti Created in memory of the Maya bear, the Libearty Sanctuary is today home to over 100 brown bears, all rescued from a cruel and abusive life in captivity.  Recognized by many specialists as probably the best bear sanctuary in the world, Libearty covers an area of ​​69 hectares of lush forest, streams, and ponds located on the territory of Zarnesti, the municipality at the foot of the Carpathians, near the city Brasov.  Most bears in the reserve were rescued from the most miserable and tiny cages, being only a reason for "fun", tourist attraction. Many were confiscated from the terraces of restaurants, hotels, and boarding houses, but some of them were held captive near factories, gas stations, or even a monastery. Bears that lived in circuses also came to us.   Each bear or bear in the reserve has its own story full of drama. Please note that Libearty is a bear sanctuary, not a zoo. The Libearty Bear Sanctuary has been named by Tripadvisor, the world's largest travel site, Traveler's Choice for 2020! It is the second time that the Libearty Sanctuary has received this award of excellence after the one awarded in 2014.  Details of the visit can be found by accessing the following link Visit the Sanctuary - Asociația Milioane de Prieteni (millionsoffriends.org)

"Colțul Chiliilor" is an Orthodox hermitage located in the middle of the forest, in the northern part of the Piatra Craiului massif in Zărnești, Brașov County.  ~ It is the oldest religious settlement in Zărnești (1421), consisting of a chapel arranged in a cave and a monastic ensemble, rebuilt on the site of the one destroyed in 1718 by the Austrian imperial authorities.  ~ A little above the hermitage, climbing into the forest, there is a cave in which a Holy Altar dedicated to Saint Pious Parascheva has been arranged. The cave, about twenty meters long, is adorned with numerous icons. _____  ~ How to get there? >>> Route to follow: from the center of Zărnești (Tourist Information Center) on the road to Plaiul Foii, following the blue stripe marking.  ~ Length of the route: 4, 8 km, difficulty: easy  ~ Duration per direction: 1h / 1h: 30  ~ Level difference: +310 m  ~ Also recommended for families with children Text source: https://www.visitzarnesti.ro/

Wolf Park Adventure is an effective way for personal and group development with outdoor activities. Schedule:  Monday- Sunday: 10:00- 19:00 (last entrance at 17:00) Tariffs 3 hrs: Adult 18+: 80 lei, Children 4-18 years old: 70lei  More info on: WOLF Park Adventure

Plaiul Foii - Zărneşti is a beautiful tourist area located on the Bârsa valley at the foot of the imposing massive Piatra Craiului. The lofty ridges of the massif are a stone's throw away and you can admire them leisurely in all their splendor. Plaiul Foii is a location appreciated by tourists who want peace and relaxation, but also by the active ones, who prefer mountain routes, this area being the main access point to the most spectacular tourist routes in Piatra Craiului and even in the Făgăraş Mountains. What can you do in Plaiul Foii area? -hiking in Piatra Craiului National Park -riding, carriage rides, pony rides for the little ones / horseback riding at Popasul Craiului -bike rides on biking routes, bicycles can be rented from Mountainbike Romania, Casa Zarnesteana Guesthouse or electric bicycles from E-Bike Piatra Craiului -photographs in nature, -camping and picnic. -visit at the Museum of the National Park Piatra Craiului Visiting Center -Relaxation with a cold drink at the Green Garden terrace - Pensiunea Piatra Craiului. -lunch and dinner on the terraces of restaurants with panoramic views over the Piatra Craiului Mountains: Padina Craiului Zarnesti Restaurant, Popasul Craiului, Plaiul Foii Chalet, Panorama Pietrei Craiului Pension, 7 Crai Plaiu Foii Complex. ATV rides at ATV Rental Adventures Zărnești-Plaiul Foii or Atv-Tour-Zarnesti Accommodation: The guesthouses here are scattered along the valley and benefit from huge spaces, where tourists can fully enjoy nature. How to get there? >>> from the town of Zărneşti- follow Topliţa street, the road leading to Plaiul Foii Chalet, having a length of approx. 12 km. * More tourist information related to activities, tourist attractions, accommodation and meals, useful info on www.visitzarnesti.ro www.brasovtourism.app and www.undemergem.ro • Or at our headquarters the National Center for Tourist Information and Promotion Zărneşti, 12A Dr. Tiberiu Spârchez Street, near the Romanian Post.