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 :)

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.

Bucegi Natural Park truly has it all. From high ridges to deep valleys, the area offers plenty of hiking opportunities suited to all fitness levels and is filled with stunning landscapes.

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.

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. You can reach them either by taking the cable car or by hiking up the trail, which includes a moderate elevation gain. The views of the surrounding mountains make the journey absolutely worthwhile.

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

With 39 marked trekking routes covering the entire mountain, the Bucegi Mountains offer some of the best outdoor adventures and are among the many exciting reasons to visit Romania. Climbers and cavers can take on thrilling challenges, with numerous routes, chutes, valleys, and headwalls that require technical expertise—such as 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

Why is the Romanian Sphinx 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 plateau’s main attractions are its remarkable rock formations, especially the Romanian Sphinx, whose shape resembles a human face and draws thousands of visitors each year. Formed naturally by wind erosion, it has inspired many legends about its mysterious energy. Nearby, the Old Women formations (Babele) share the same origin and spark just as much curiosity.

Travelers often describe a unique atmosphere here, felt most strongly on November 28th, when people gather to witness the sun’s rays forming what some believe to be an “energetic pyramid” around the Sphinx.

Its striking features of a human head and enigmatic presence continue to inspire interpretations ranging from the spiritual to the otherworldly.

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

The easiest trail in Bucegi Natural Park

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.

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

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Omu Peak the highest in Bucegi Mountains

Summit Omu Peak at 2,505m

Omu, the highest peak of the massif, is considered the most accessible among Romania’s top ten summits. Multiple routes lead to Omu Peak, depending on where you begin your hike.

You can climb it from Babele on the Bucegi Plateau, from Valea Cerbului in Bușteni, or from Râșnov via Mălăiești, where two spectacular trails meet at the Mălăiești cabin in the glacial valley, and continue toward Țigănești Lake, the only glacial lake in the Bucegi Mountains. Along the way, the surrounding peaks create breathtaking, panoramic views.

Easier routes reach the Omu hut and the Meteorological Station in about 5 hours. The tougher ones, suitable for adventure seekers, take 3 hours, are extremely challenging, and remain closed all winter. Even in summer, they should not be attempted 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.

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.

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

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!

Along this trail, you can visit Ialomita Cave (Ialomicioara Cave), whose entrance is uniquely guarded by a functioning church built right into the rock. Step inside this natural “time tunnel” to see where both people and bears once sought shelter thousands of years ago.

Many locals view the area as sacred, calling it Gură de rai (a small corner of heaven). Some even believe an unusual magnetic field here can refresh the body almost instantly. Real, superstition, or placebo… it’s tempting to find out for yourself.

Continue down the mountain and you’ll reach the resort town of Sinaia, home to the beautiful Peleș Castle.

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.

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

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.

Safety and precautions

Exploring the rugged terrain of the Bucegi Mountains demands caution and preparation. Rocky walls and steep canyons can be dangerous, especially in bad weather. Wear sturdy boots and proper clothing, and always stick to marked trails to stay safe.

• 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 wildlife, including bears, so vigilance and precautions are essential. Fortunately, Bucegi Natural Park has mountain shelters and refuges, offering weary hikers a safe haven amid the mountains’ wild beauty.

Where to stay in Bucegi Mountains

Accommodation in the Bucegi Massif ranges from mountain cabins, like Padina, Mălăiești, and Omu, to hotels such as Peștera. Some huts may offer basic conditions, so planning ahead is essential. Camping near the cabins is possible but requires prior confirmation.

Access to Bucegi Natural Park is available from several towns, including Sinaia, Predeal, Azuga, Bran, Bușteni, Moroieni, Râșnov, and Moieciu. These towns offer a range of lodging options (villas, hotels, B&Bs, and apartments), and plenty of restaurants, stores, and shops for mountain gear. Day tours from Bucharest are plentiful, or you can rent a car to explore the resorts.

Be aware that weekends bring heavy traffic as locals head to the mountains, so consider taking the train to towns like Sinaia, Bușteni, Azuga, Poiana Țapului, or Predeal. For city amenities, Brasov is the closest major urban center.

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 on what to expect.

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 experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Bucegi Mountains, we can organise an amazing - and safe - trip for you.

Contact us, happy to help.