Bucegi Natural Park

The Bucegi Mountains rise above the Prahova Valley south of Brasov, and the natural park that protects them is one of the most visited mountain areas in Romania. The summit plateau is a wide, windswept landscape of alpine grass and strange wind-carved rocks, the best known of which are the Sphinx, a rock outcrop that resembles a human face in profile, and the Babele, or Old Women, a cluster of mushroom-shaped boulders. Steep cliffs drop away on the valley side, there are waterfalls and gorges on the lower slopes, and marked trails lead to mountain huts, viewpoints and the high point of the range. A cross on one of the summits honours Romanian soldiers, and on clear days the view runs across the Prahova Valley to the Piatra Mare and Postavaru mountains and out over the Brasov plain. Cable cars have long climbed from the valley towns to the plateau, so it is possible to reach the high ground without a long walk.

The park is about an hour and a quarter by road from Brasov, and visitors usually come either on a guided hike or on a day trip that combines the plateau with Sinaia and Busteni. The linked guided hike from Brasov takes care of transport and chooses a route to match your fitness. Routes vary from a few hours on the plateau to a full day on steeper trails, so describe your experience and ask what is realistic for the season before you book.

Conditions matter more than the calendar. The high plateau can be cold, windy and wet even in summer, and fog can drop within minutes, so bring waterproofs, warm layers, a hat, sturdy boots and plenty of water. Snow lingers late into spring and arrives early in autumn, and cable cars may pause in strong wind or for maintenance, so check operating status on the day. In winter the plateau is a serious environment and best left to experienced walkers with the right equipment or to a guide.

Respect the park by staying on marked trails, carrying rubbish out and keeping a good distance from wildlife. Bears live in the forests below the plateau, so make some noise on lower trails and avoid walking at dusk. Many visitors combine a morning on the mountain with an afternoon at Peles Castle or Cantacuzino Castle, and the contrast between royal interiors and open mountains is part of what makes the Prahova Valley such a rewarding day out from Brasov.

If you can choose only one hiking trip, Bucegi gives the greatest sense of height with the least effort.

Photographers will want an early start, since the light on the rock formations is softest in the morning and the plateau is quieter before the cable cars begin to carry crowds. Bring a hat and sunglasses as well as warm clothes, because the sun at altitude is strong even when the air is cool.

If you are travelling with children, keep them close to the paths near the cliff edges, and carry snacks for the walk. A guide can also explain the geology and the legends attached to the Sphinx, which adds a layer of interest to what could otherwise be a simple scenic walk.