Bear Sanctuary Belitsa is a unique protected sanctuary in Bulgaria, providing a second chance at life and a safe natural environment for rescued brown bears. Tucked away in the beautiful scenery where the Rila-Rhodope massif meets Northern Pirin, the park is a joint project between the Four Paws Foundation and the Brigitte Bardot Foundation, established back in 2000. Originally built as a refuge for dancing bears from Bulgaria, today it serves as a secure home for bears rescued from substandard living conditions in countries such as Albania, Croatia, North Macedonia, Serbia, Ukraine, and Argentina. Guided Tours and Visitor Experience To fully experience the sanctuary, we recommend planning a visit of about 1.5 hours. Guided tours run every half hour, led by professional guides, and take between 30 and 40 minutes on average. The first tour starts right at opening time (10:00 AM or 12:00 PM, depending on the season). During the walk, you will hear moving stories about the residents, learn fascinating facts about hibernation, and see real natural dens made by the bears. Visitors have plenty of opportunities to take stunning photos while watching the bears splash in the ponds, forage for food, or simply relax in the shade. The park spans over 12 hectares, allowing the bears to roam freely, meaning there is no guarantee of how many bears you will spot during your walk. Seasonal Opening Hours - April - June: 12:00 PM - 06:00 PM - July - August: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 01:00 PM - 06:00 PM - September - November: 12:00 PM - 06:00 PM - December - March: Closed to visitors (bears hibernation period). Note: The final guided tour of the day begins at 05:30 PM. How to Get to Bear Sanctuary Belitsa (Logistics and Directions) The sanctuary is located roughly 180 km from the capital city of Sofia and 20 km from the famous ski resort of Bansko. - From Bansko: Drive towards the town of Yakoruda, then turn left towards the town of Belitsa. - From Velingrad: Drive towards the town of Razlog, then turn right towards the town of Belitsa. - From Belitsa to the Sanctuary: Follow the signposts inside the town of Belitsa. There is a 12.4 km drive left to the park entrance. The road is asphalted and fully accessible for cars. The last 2.4 km section is undergoing roadworks but remains completely passable. Large tour buses can easily reach the main parking lot. Essential Visitor Information - Terrain and Accessibility: The sanctuary features steep trails and more than 100 stairs. It is not suitable for visitors with limited mobility, and strollers cannot be used (baby carriers are highly recommended). - Pet Policy: Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a leash at all times. - Guest Conduct: Since many of these bears suffered abuse in the past, visitors are kindly asked to avoid making loud noises and to respect the animals peace. - What to Wear: Wear comfortable hiking or athletic shoes (no high heels or flip-flops) and check the weather forecast before arriving. - Food Donations: If you bring food donations for the bears, please hand them directly to the staff. Feeding the bears on your own is strictly prohibited.
Blagoevgrad
3.7 km away
Blagoevgrad
8.0 km away
Blagoevgrad
8.5 km away
Blagoevgrad
9.0 km away
Belitsa (Bear Park) - Yakoruda is located in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria.
Belitsa (Bear Park) - Yakoruda is most easily reached by car. Use the coordinates above to navigate, or open the location in OpenStreetMap or your preferred maps app for turn-by-turn directions. Public transport options vary by region — for remote destinations a rental car gives the most flexibility.
Belitsa (Bear Park) - Yakoruda can be visited year-round. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant conditions for exploring, with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer is ideal for photography and longer day trips; winter visits are possible but weather can limit access at some sites.
Most natural landmarks in Bulgaria are freely accessible and open year-round, though some sites have entrance fees or require a guide. Wear sturdy footwear and bring water, as the terrain can be uneven. Respect any protective barriers and stay on marked paths to preserve the site.
