Bucegi Mountains: more than the Sphinx!

Located in central Romania, in Dâmbovița County, the Bucegi Mountains, part of Bucegi Natural Park, are one of the most impressive natural attractions in the country, drawing many visitors each year.

Rising high, massive, and bold above the horizon, with fierce peaks and steep valleys, alpine limestone grasslands, caves, springs, and waterfalls, the Bucegi Mountains offer a breathtaking view, especially seen from the Prahova Valley.

Bucegi are also very popular because they're easily accessible via cable car which means city folk can go for a walk at high altitudes on the Bucegi plateau.

Our complete guide for hiking in Romania for tourists is filled with practical info and trails - so open in a new tab :)

1. Geography and Location

Nestled in the heart of the Southern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains, the Bucegi Mountains are a true gem of central Romania. The Bucegi Natural Park, which encompasses this majestic range, is located in the picturesque Prahova Valley, 100 km North of Bucharest.

• Local tip: check our list of the 10 best national parks in Romania out of 30 to get a better idea of Romania's natural beauty

This park is renowned for its unique geography featuring an elevated plateau that soars to over 2,000 meters. The plateau is surrounded by steep canyons and rocky walls, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape.

The Bucegi Massif is bounded by the Prahova Valley to the east and the Transylvanian Plateau to the north, offering a diverse and captivating terrain for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

2. Natural attractions in Bucegi Mountains

Due to the versatile local geology, the fauna and vegetation are also very diverse. Several endangered plants and flowers are to be found in the rocky valleys, such as the edelweiss flower and the white ivy.

The Bucegi Natural Park is home to more than 3500 animal species such as the wood grouse, the rare and beautiful black chamois, brown bears, wolves, deer, and the endangered lynx.

Wildlife Watching & Tracking Trips

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The Bucegi Natural Park hosts around 46 natural monuments such as waterfalls, caves, chutes, glaciers, and unusual rock formations: towers, arcades, and, most interestingly, organic shapes resembling old ladies, mushrooms, and both the Sphinx and Babele. These natural wonders make the Bucegi Mountains a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

The most well-known are the peculiar rock formations named Babele (the Old Women) and the Romanian Sphinx.

Main natural attractions in the park:

• Babele (the Old Women)
• the Romanian Sphinx
• Omu Peak at 2,505m altitude
• Cascada Ialomitei waterfall,
• Abruptul Prahovean mini natural rezervation
• Zanoagei chutes or gorges
• Bolboci Lake

There are 39 marked trekking routes covering the entire mountain. Climbers and cavers can also find challenging adventures in the Bucegi Mountains. There are many routes, chutes, valleys, and headwalls which require technical knowledge for climbing, such as the Adanca Valley, Valea Poienii, and rapa Zapezii.

1 or 2 Day Hiking Trip in Bucegi Mountains: Sphinx, Babele, Omu Peak

Start from: Bucharest OR Brasov

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The Romanian Sphinx is the main attraction here

3. Why are the Romanian Sphinx and other peculiar rock formations in Bucegi Mountains so popular

Probably the most visited attraction in all the Romanian Mountains the Bucegi Plateau a natural wonder in itself. Situated at over 2,000 meters, the plateau is accessible by cable car from the Busteni resort in the Prahova Valley

The main attractions of the plateau are its spectacular figures made of rock, where thousands of tourists gather annually. The most popular one is the Sphinx which bears a striking resemblance to the man-made Egyptian sphinx.

However, this Romanian version, unlike the Great Sphinx of Egypt, is a natural rock formation created by wind erosion over thousands of years. It strongly resembles a human head which is why there are several local legends and myths about it! While the Sphinx and Babele are believed to have supernatural energy, they do not possess any ancient history, unlike other archaeological discoveries in the region.

Nearby you'll also find the Old Women rock formation (Babele in Romanian), a natural monument with the same origin as the famous Bucegi Sphinx.

Once you set foot on the platform, some say you can feel the special positive energy of the place—more than just peace and quiet, but a sense of being recharged in a mysterious way. Nature does that to us :)

This feeling is so intense that every year, on November 28th, people from around the world gather at the plateau around the Sphinx to witness what they believe are the sun's rays forming an energetic pyramid around it.

The resemblance to a human face and the aura of this unique natural monument has often sparked the imaginations of many, leading them to attribute sacred meaning to it or connect it with an alien civilization. Some have seen it as a confirmation of the existence of Jesus, while others have felt closer to Nirvana.

To each his own :)

One thing is for sure: this place is constantly swarming with lots of tourists with different interests.

The steep valleys and spectacular views in Bucegi Natural Park

4. Popular hiking trails in Bucegi Mountains

Probably one of the most accessible trails in the Bucegi Mountains is the forest walk to the Urlatoarea Waterfall from Busteni resort. It’s best done on a hot summer day, because the forest is so nice and cool. Not to mention damp. Even in summer, there are small water springs watering the ground.

5. Hike to Bucegi plateau via Jepii Mari or Jepii Mici

If you are confident about your physical condition and hiking abilities, you can skip the cable car and climb to the plateau on foot. Two main trails start on the valley floor in Busteni: Jepii Mari – a 3-4 hour climb on forest trails and on the plateau. Not necessarily difficult, but challenging as it is lengthy.

There is also the Jepii Mici trail, a steep climb up a part of the mountain where holding on to chains pinned to the stone is required. Not recommended for beginners or people lacking the optimum equipment for such a hike.

2 Day Hiking Trip in Bucegi Mts: The Sphinx & Omu Peak

Start from: Brasov or Sinaia or Busteni

See details

Omu Peak the highest in Bucegi Mountains

6. Summit Omu Peak at 2,505m

The highest peak in the massif is called Omu (the man) and is probably the most accessible of the top 10 highest peaks in Romania. Several trails are leading up to Omu Peak depending on where you start your journey from.

You can reach the top of the Bucegi Mountains if you start from Babele, on the Bucegi plateau, from Valea Cerbului in Bușteni, from Râșnov toward Mălăiești (at the crossroads of two spectacular hiking trails, you find the Mălăiești cabin in the glacial valley with the same name) and head for Țigănești Lake, the only glacial lake in the Bucegi Mountains. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, which add to the majestic scenery and panoramic vistas.

The easier trails take about 5 hours to the Omu hut and the Meteorological station. The harder ones take about 3 hours, are very difficult and are closed all winter season. Even in summer, this is not a trail you can do in bad weather.

• Local hiking tip: a nearby challenge for adventurous and experienced mountaineers is to take on Acele Morarului (a ridge made of 4 rocky and very steep peaks) and Coștila Peak.

Omu may remain the highest point in the area, but it is fairly accessible. These other trails, however, are so challenging that you feel you could take the ring to Mordor next if you get the reference.

7. Hike to Heroes' Cross

If you took the cable car up to the Bucegi plateau, there are several options for trails, depending on your physical condition. After taking in the beautiful landscape and taking a picture with the main attraction, you can head toward the Caraiman Cross.

Also known as Heroes' Cross, this is a massive metal cross visible from Bușteni resort down bellow. This is a monument made by the Royal Family in memory of the heroes of the First World War. This monument serves as a tribute to the soldiers who fought during the war, commemorating national pride and remembrance associated with the sacrifices made in wartime.

8. Summit Caraiman Peak

Nearby at an altitude of 2291 meters is Caraiman Peak. The trail from the Caraiman Cross to here and back to the Bucegi Plateau at the Babele Chalet, is considered easy and takes about an hour to an hour and a half.

A glacial valley

9. Hike from one Bucegi plateau to another

From the main Bucegi plateau (NW) you can go to the other part of Bucegi massif (SE). You can take the cable car or trek (3h, 7,5km, 4/5 difficulty) on the plateau all the way to the Padina plateau. You will pass a thick mountain forest - perfect for forest bathing!

On this trail you can visit Ialomita Cave (also known as Ialomicioara Cave), whose entrance is guarded by a church (in service) built directly into the large block of stone!

Take this time tunnel and see where men and bears alike used to seek refuge from the elements thousands of years ago. The uniqueness of the area will surprise you.

Many locals consider this a sacred place with life-changing powers. The area near the cave is seen as Gură de rai (a pocket of heaven). It is said there's an abnormal magnetic field with unusual effects on the human body, making you feel instantly refreshed.

Real, superstitions or placebo - sounds good enough to try it, right? :)

If you continue to go down this side of the mountain, you will end up in the resort of Sinaia city, where you can visit the beautiful Peles castle.

10. Admire the serene Bolboci Lake

Or you can go for another 3-4h hike deeper in the mountains until you reach another breathtaking area. The forest eventually opens up to the spectacular view of Bolboci Lake, one of the few artificially created dam lakes in Romania.

11. Descend into Bran pass

From Bucegi looking to the West you'll see the spectacular 22 km long limestone ridge of Piatra Craiului National Park which is another popular hiking destination, maybe the best in our country. It draws hikers like a magnet!

Based on our experience with tourists, you may feel attracted too, so plan for 3 days for your hiking trip in Bucegi.

You can descend on the Eastern side of the massif into Moeciu or, why not, Bran Castle to see if Dracula's home. Expect lots of tourists in this area, so I suggest you continue to Magura or Pestera villages on your hiking trip.

Hero's cross on Caraiman Peak and views of Prahova Valley

12. Bucegi is a great place for winter sports

Sinaia, Bușteni, and Azuga are popular mountain resorts in the Southern Carpathians group that transform into prime skiing and snowboarding destinations during winter. These are among the best ski resorts in Romania and they attract many tourists because their slopes cater to various skill levels.

Some of the most popular ski slopes in Sinaia are Carp, Valea Soarelui, and Valea Dorului.

If skiing or snowboarding isn’t your preference, you can explore snowshoeing trips on the Bucegi Plateau. However, be cautious—winter is not ideal for regular hiking due to the risk of avalanches in many areas and deep, untouched snow in others.

13. Safety and Precautions

Exploring the rugged terrain of the Bucegi Mountains requires a good dose of caution and preparation. The rocky walls and steep canyons can pose significant hazards, especially when the weather takes a turn for the worse. It’s crucial to wear sturdy hiking boots and appropriate clothing to navigate the trails safely. Always stick to the designated paths to minimize the risk of accidents.

• Local tip: a common sight in the Romanian mountains is the brown bear. Look for warnings, check with local authorities before going up on remote trails; it's best to go on more circulated trails or with a hiking guide who knows what to do in case of close encounters.

The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including bears, so it’s essential to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to avoid encounters.

Fortunately, the Bucegi Natural Park is dotted with mountain shelters and refuges, providing shelter and assistance in case of emergencies. These refuges are a welcome sight for weary hikers, offering a safe haven amidst the wild beauty of the mountains.

14. History and Culture Facts about Bucegi Mountains

The Bucegi Mountains are steeped in history and culture, with traces of human presence dating back to ancient times.

The park is a treasure trove of archaeological sites, including the fascinating Ialomicioara Cave, which houses ancient rock art and artifacts. The Bucegi Plateau, with its unique geological formations, was a significant spiritual site for the Dacians, who believed in its sacred powers.

Today, the park continues to draw nature lovers and adventure seekers, captivated by its breathtaking landscapes and the enigmatic allure of the Sphinx and Babele. These iconic rock formations, shaped by millennia of wind and weather, stand as silent witnesses to the region’s rich and storied past.

15. Where to stay in Bucegi Mountains

For accommodation, there are many hotels and mountain cabins in Bucegi massif: Padina Cabin, Malaiesti Cabin, Pestera Hotel, and Omu Cabin. But do keep in mind that some of the mountain refuges or mountain huts you come across while hiking may not offer the best conditions for staying the night. So make sure to plan ahead when hiking.

There are also camping possibilities near the cabins, but you need to check with each one individually and in advance.

Access to the Bucegi Natural Park is possible from multiple directions: the national roads through the towns close to the park - Sinaia, Predeal, Azuga, Bran, Busteni, Moroieni, Rasnov, or Moieciu de Sus and Moieciu de Jos. You can also find boarding in any of these locations, and they are more than happy to have you. You can opt for villas, hotels, B&Bs, and even apartments.

There are plenty of day tours organized from Bucharest if you have a hike in mind. Otherwise, you can rent a car and see the resorts.

Do keep in mind the fact that Romanians are very keen on their weekend plans and will often flock to the mountains. Expect heavy traffic on Friday going toward Prahova Valley and on Sunday coming back to the big cities. Taking the train to Sinaia, Busteni, Azuga, Poiana Tapului, or Predeal is another option.

Prahova Valley is a very popular tourist destination with accommodations for all pockets. These small towns have everything you need to make your stay comfortable, like plenty of restaurants with all price ranges, food stores, and even shops with mountain equipment. If you want to go to a big city, Brasov is your best option.

16. Final Travel Tips

When planning a trip to the Bucegi Mountains, it’s essential to be prepared for the variable weather conditions that can change rapidly, especially in the winter months when snow and ice are common. Check our guide on the best time to visit Romania for more info of what to expect.

The high altitude of the park can also lead to altitude sickness, so it’s wise to acclimatize gradually. Accommodation options are plentiful, ranging from cozy mountain huts and refuges to comfortable hotels and guesthouses in nearby towns like Sinaia and Bușteni.

The park is easily accessible by car or public transportation, with regular bus and train services from Bucharest and other major cities. Remember to familiarize yourself with the park’s rules and regulations, including restrictions on camping and wildlife protection, to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit.

Our licensed hiking guides are experts, friendly and true mountaineers, ready for any situation. So if you want to go on a hiking trip in Bucegi Mountains, we can organise an amazing - and safe - trip for you. Contact us, happy to help.

Your Romanian Friend,
Georgiana