Buzău county features a landscape at Berca that looks like the surface of the moon with its bubbling grey craters. You visit the mud volcanoes where cold liquid earth flows out of small cones and creates strange, cracked patterns on the ground. It is a unique geological sight that you will not find anywhere else in this part of Europe. The small craters pop and hiss as natural gas pushes the mud to the surface in a rhythmic dance. Walking across this dry, lunar terrain feels like exploring another planet entirely.
Drive through the Buzău valley to find the Aluniș rock churches, which were carved into the mountainside over 700 years ago. These stone rooms were used by monks seeking silence and offer a fascinating look at ancient religious life. The path to reach them is steep but rewards you with a great view of the surrounding pine forests and rocky ridges. You find peace and silence in the heart of these mountains, far from any modern settlements. It is a perfect route for those who like a bit of mystery mixed with their outdoor adventures.
Watch the ground burn with a blue flame at the Living Fire in Lopătari, a natural phenomenon caused by gas escaping through the soil. The fire stays lit day and night, creating a beautiful and eerie sight against the green hills of the sub-Carpathians. The hills here are also full of salt mines and rare amber, which is often found in local streams after a heavy rain. It is a land where the earth itself is full of surprises and hidden treasures waiting to be discovered. You can find local artisans who still make jewelry from the famous deep-red Buzău amber.
Buzău (county) highlights
- Mud Volcanoes of Berca Walk across a cracked, grey landscape where miniature volcanoes bubble and pop with cold, liquid clay. This lunar terrain feels like another planet and offers a surreal backdrop for your most unique road trip photos. The constant gurgling of the earth creates a strange and fascinating soundtrack to your hike through the dry craters.
- The Living Fire Head to the village of Lopătari to witness natural gas flames that dance eternally from the mountain soil. These blue and orange fires burn on their own and become a magical sight as the twilight shadows stretch across the hills. It is a rare geological wonder that perfectly captures the wild and mysterious energy of the region.
- Amber Museum of Colți Inspect rare pieces of deep red fossil resin found in the surrounding cliffs at this specialized mountain museum. The winding road to the village takes you through rugged terrain where the earth still hides prehistoric treasures from millions of years ago. It is an insightful stop that connects the beauty of jewelry with the raw geology of the Carpathian range.
- Aluniș Rock Church Explore a holy sanctuary carved directly into a massive stone wall by monks over seven hundred years ago. The dark, cool rooms and simple altar offer a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that feels disconnected from the modern world. You can find several other hermit cells hidden in the nearby woods for a truly quiet and spiritual walk.
- Ciolanu Monastery Visit a sprawling religious complex famous for its vast outdoor gallery of stone statues carved by local artists. The sculptures are scattered through a peaceful forest park where the air is fresh and the light is soft. It is an ideal place to stretch your legs and enjoy a blend of religious art and natural forest beauty.
- Siriu Dam and Lake Drive along a high, narrow road that hugs the edge of a deep blue reservoir held back by a giant rock wall. The mountains rise sharply from the water’s edge, creating a dramatic canyon effect that is breathtaking to witness from your car. Several lookout points allow you to pull over and capture the scale of this massive engineering feat.
- Salt Mountain of Meledic Discover a high plateau made entirely of salt where the rain has carved out white canyons and deep, hidden caves. The brilliant white earth contrasts sharply against the green mountain grass and the bright blue sky above. It is a strange and beautiful spot for a short hike to see how water shapes the soft mineral stone.
- Vadu Așchii Gorges Follow a rugged path through towering rock walls that provide a cool, natural corridor even on the hottest summer days. The road mimics the curves of the rushing river and offers a shaded, intimate look at the mountain’s rocky core. It is a favorite route for drivers who prefer the raw and wild side of the southern Carpathian range.
- Sărata Monteoru Resort Stop at a historic spa town famous for its healing salty springs and the only horizontal oil mine in all of Europe. You can soak in the warm mineral pools or wander through the old park filled with rare and exotic tree species. It is a classic destination for health and relaxation after a long day of exploring the winding mountain roads.
- Confounding Stones of Ulmet Trek to a hillside where giant, round boulders look as if they grew organically from the earth in bulbous shapes. Known locally as "trovants," these stones are shrouded in legend and provide a fantastic 360 degree view of the rolling valley below. The short hike up the hill is a perfect way to break up your drive with some fresh air.
The local Four
History of Buzău (county)
Buzău is a land of geological wonders and hidden salt trails in the curve of the mountains. It has been an important stop on the trade routes connecting the plains to the high peaks for centuries. The region is famous for its bubbling mud volcanoes that create a landscape looking like the surface of the moon. This unique natural energy is also visible in the eternal flames that dance from the ground in the remote valleys where natural gas escapes through the mountain cracks.
The county holds deep mysteries in its soft sandstone hills where ancient people carved homes and churches into the rock. These Aluniș and Nucu cave dwellings were used by monks and refugees for hundreds of years and carry a sense of quiet spiritual power. The local history is also tied to the production of salt which was once as valuable as gold. Travelers can follow the old paths used by the salt caravans through the green and rolling landscape that once saw the passage of the famous Silk Road merchants.
Agriculture and viticulture are the pride of the local people in the sun-drenched hills of Dealu Mare. The region produces some of the most famous red wines in the land which are kept in deep stone cellars that have stood for generations. It is a place of raw natural beauty and a living history of the connection between the earth and the human spirit. Buzău offers a unique and adventurous escape for those who love to explore the strange and beautiful side of nature.