Bucegi Mountains

GENERALITIES :

One of the most interesting elements of the natural offer Romania has got refers to the mountainous area. This area is very diverse, both from the accessibility point of view and from the provided facilities or tourist development possibilities' point of view. The highest mountain range in Romania is the Fagaras, reaching 2545 m. elevation on Moldoveanu Peak, while the lowest range is the Macin, reaching 467 m. elevation in its highest point. In between there are very diverse mountains, from the hilly-like, round-shaped Capatanii or Suhard, to the sharp Piatra Craiului or the massive, rocky and lake-filled Retezat or Parang. These mountains provide the tourist with many resting or active holidays opportunities.

The Bucegi are by far the most frequented mountains in the country because of their easy accessibility and because of the relatively short distance to Bucharest and Brasov. This has resulted in a well-developed area, with quite big resorts at the bottoms (e.g. Sinaia, Busteni, Predeal) and a few mountain huts located in the high area (including the highest mountain hut in Romania, namely Omu Hut, 2507 m.alt.). The highest peak is Omu, 2507 m.alt.. The mountains are divided basically in two different sections: the Eastern slope (towards Sinaia - Busteni) is rather steep, with rocky valleys and vertical walls with best conditions for rock climbing, while the Western slope is rather mild. Above 2000 m.alt., in the central section there is an almost perfectly flat area called the Plateau. The northern section of the mountains is probably the most scenic one as far as the hiking opportunities are concerned, as it is made of beautiful glacial valleys and circuses, also bearing some rocky ridges.

These mountains host as many rock climbing tracks as possible, also including the most difficult one in the country ("The Blue Crack", rated 6B). For those looking for a relaxing stay, the accommodation units along Ialomita River (Scropoasa, Zanoaga, Bolboci huts, Pestera Hotel), with its beautiful two dam lakes provide great places to be for a couple of days. The attraction of this valley is accomplished by the existence of Pestera Monastery, which is hosted in Ialomita Cave and has a very interesting story. The two cable cars make it easier for people to enjoy these mountains, as they go up to 2000, respectively 2100 m.alt. Another feature of the area is the existence, around Babele Hut, of some rocks shaped by the wind and rains, which look like some huge mushrooms (locally called "the old women") and another one looking like a human face (locally called "the sphinx") and which is connected to some legends involving the Dacians.