Buzau: Mud Volcanoes, Salt Mountain and Strange Sandstones

Exploring the Buzau region in Romania offers a fascinating look at some of Europe’s most unusual natural phenomena. This 9-hour tour from Berca takes you through a series of captivating sites, including the Mud Volcanoes, Salt Mountain, and the mysterious Trovants, or strange sandstones. The tour is designed for small groups of up to 8 participants, providing an intimate experience with plenty of opportunities to see, touch, and even mold the natural formations.

The cost is $539 per group, making it a practical choice for families or small groups eager to explore these unique landscapes. The tour includes guided walks, hands-on activities like molding mud, and transportation between locations—delivering a well-rounded day of adventure. It’s particularly suited for those interested in geology, natural wonders, and outdoor exploration, though it’s less appropriate for visitors with mobility issues or back problems.

Key Points

• Duration: 9 hours, with multiple stops including guided walks and hikes
• Price: $539 per group, up to 8 participants
• Highlights: Mud Volcanoes, Salt Mountain, strange Trovants stones
• Activities: Touching and molding mud, sightseeing, walking, exploring karst formations
• Includes: Guided tours, transportation, water, and a sweet treat
• Not included: Meals, drinks, personal expenses
• Meeting point: Park in Berca center, across from Penny Hypermarket
• Language: Guided in English and Romanian
• Booking flexibility: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Unique Landscape of Buzau’s Mud Volcanoes

The Mud Volcanoes are the star of this tour, showcasing a rare natural phenomenon in Europe. You’ll visit these geological formations in the Subcarpathian hills, where a combination of water, clay, and sand creates spectacular mud cones. The tour guides lead you on a walk where you can see and learn about how these mud volcanoes develop and change over time.

One of the most engaging aspects is the chance to mold the mud yourself, allowing you to get hands-on with this fascinating environment. The guided walk takes roughly 1 hour, during which you can observe how the water and clay interact to produce these captivating features. This experience offers both visual wonder and tactile engagement, perfect for those curious about natural formations.

Discovering the Salt Mountain and Karst Landforms

Following the mud volcano exploration, the tour takes you across salt land formations, which display a completely natural landscape of sinkholes, uvales, ravines, and canyons. These karst features are a striking contrast to the muddy volcanoes, highlighting the geological diversity of the area.

The Salt Mountain is a notable stop, allowing visitors to observe how salt deposits shape the terrain. The landscape looks almost lunar, with white deposits and layered formations that reveal the area’s geological history. The tour’s exploration of the salt land lasts about an hour and offers excellent photo opportunities and insights into natural mineral formation.

The Mysterious Trovants: Growing Stones in Ulmet

A highlight of the trip involves strange stones known as Trovants, called “growing stones” by locals. These spectacular sandstones are believed to move or grow over time, a phenomenon that old stories have long attributed to magic or mystery. In reality, these are sandstone formations that seem to change shape, and they provide an intriguing glimpse into geological processes.

The Trovants are located in the Ulmet area, where you can observe their unique forms—mushrooms, hats, whales, and dolphins. The tour includes ample time for viewing, photographing, and pondering the mysterious nature of these stones, which add a sense of wonder to the day.

Berca Mud Volcanoes: The European Rare Phenomenon

The Berca Mud Volcanoes are a rare geological phenomenon in Europe. This site features mud cones that are constantly changing, shaped by subsurface water and earth movements. The guided tour here lasts about 1 hour, giving you time to walk around, learn about their formation, and see how their clay and water create ever-evolving structures.

Visitors have the opportunity to touch the mud and observe how the cones form and grow, making this stop both educational and sensory. The site is a spectacle of natural activity, and the tour emphasizes the simple yet spectacular processes behind this phenomenon.

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The Route and Pacing of the Day Trip

The itinerary is carefully structured to maximize sightseeing and activity time. Starting in Berca, the tour moves by van to the first site, with 40-minute drives between stops. Guided walks and hikes are spread throughout the day, totaling approximately 7 hours of outdoor exploration.

Each stop includes a guided walk or hike, an opportunity to see, touch, and learn, along with time for photos and informal exploration. The pacing is steady but not rushed, allowing visitors to absorb the sights comfortably while enjoying the outdoor environment.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Group Size

The meeting point is located in the center of Berca, across from the Penny Hypermarket, making it easy to find. The tour is operated by Panoramic Travel SRL and is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience with the guide.

The small group size enhances interaction and allows the guide to tailor explanations to the group’s interests. The transportation included takes you between sites, so walking distances are manageable, though some outdoor walking and standing are required.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour package includes a guided walk, the opportunity to see and touch the growing stones, and mold mud at the Mud Volcanoes—a hands-on activity that many find memorable. You also get to explore the salt land formations, with transportation between all the stops.

The package provides water and a sweet treat to keep you energized. However, meals and drinks are not included, nor are personal expenses such as souvenirs or additional snacks. Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, sun protection, and a camera to capture the scenery.

Physical Requirements and Accessibility

This tour involves outdoor walking and hiking, making it less suitable for individuals with back problems, mobility issues, or those requiring wheelchair access. It’s best suited for visitors in good physical condition who are comfortable spending several hours outdoors under the sun.

Participants should come prepared with comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and water. The terrain can be uneven, especially around the Mud Volcanoes and karst formations, so appropriate footwear is recommended.

Booking, Cancellation, and Flexibility

Reservations can be made with the option to pay later, offering flexibility for travel planning. Cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund. This policy makes it easier for visitors to commit without worry.

The tour operates in English and Romanian, and availability should be checked ahead of time to confirm starting times. It’s a great choice for those looking to explore Romania’s geological diversity in a small, guided group.

Buzau: Mud Volcanoes, Salt Mountain and Strange Sandstones – Final Thoughts

This tour offers a comprehensive look at some of Romania’s most unusual natural landscapes. The combination of hands-on experiences, guided walks, and spectacular scenery makes it an engaging and educational adventure.

While it involves outdoor walking and some uneven terrain, the small group size and expert guide help make the day enjoyable and informative. It’s ideal for geology enthusiasts, families, and curious travelers eager to understand earth’s natural processes.

The $539 fee covers transport, guide services, and interactive experiences, delivering good value for such a specialized tour. Visitors should be prepared for a full day of outdoor discovery and bring essentials like comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a camera.

This tour is a unique opportunity to see and touch formations that look like they belong to another world, making it a memorable addition to any Romanian travel itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts 9 hours, with multiple guided stops and walking segments.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized experience.

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at the park in Berca center, across from Penny Hypermarket, and ends back there.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, hat, camera, sunscreen, and water for outdoor walking.

Is the tour suitable for children or the elderly?
It depends on mobility; it’s less suitable for those with back problems, mobility impairments, or wheelchair users.

Are meals included?
No, meals and drinks are not included in the price.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is there a guide available in other languages?
The tour is offered in English and Romanian.

What makes the Mud Volcanoes special?
They are a rare geological phenomenon in Europe, with constantly changing mud cones shaped by water, clay, and earth movements.

What are the Trovants?
The strange stones called Trovants are sandstone formations believed by some to move or grow, providing an intriguing natural spectacle.

Is transportation provided?
Yes, transport between sites is included in the tour price.

How do I book?
Reservations can be made online with pay later options and full cancellation policy.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby