Because we were in Buzau Country, Romania we decided to visit two tourist attractions that were for too long on our list. The Muddy Volcanoes & European Bison Valley Reservation
The Bison Valley is 3 hours away from Bucharest, and the Muddy Volcanoes are about 2 to 2½ hours away. If it doesn’t bother you to travel a little bit longer, the two objectives can only be good for a one day trip.
The Muddy Volcanoes
Located in Buzau County, Muddy Volcanoes have formed due to gas eruptions. The phenomenon is similar to that of a “real” volcano, but instead of the lava, from them, cold mud erupts. 😊)
The Muddy Volcano Reserve includes 4 areas where this phenomenon occurs: “Big Volcanoes”, “Little Volcanoes”, “La Fierbatori” and “Beciu”.
We’ve visited the Big and Small Volcanoes to see if there is any difference between them. In short, in both locations, there are several miniature volcanoes that make Bulcuuc-bulcuuuc.
The scenery is a unique one that will definitely give you a little impression that you have reached the moon. Gray-brown hills are full of crunching.
Big Volcanoes
The volcanoes in this area are somewhat more active and spread over an area of 22 hectares.
Visit fee: 4 lei/adult.
Little Volcanoes seemed more spectacular, and the area was much better arranged.
After we parked the car, we headed uphill the Volcano Alley – a 10-minute climb – to get to the muddy area.
Parking fee: 2 lei. Visit fee: 4 Lei
Approximately one hour for both locations would be enough.
Opening hours: 08:00 to 20:00
European Bison Valley Reservation
One of the few areas in Romania were the bison’s can still be admired is in Brasov county, Vama Buzaului commune.
The Reservation was opened in 2008 with only 5 bison’s (2 from Austria, 2 from Switzerland and 1 from Italy). In 2017 there were 36, and in 2018 their number dropped to 26 (2 bison died of old age, while others 8 due to the battles with the dominant male).
To understand how important it is to grow in a strong herd, in 1919, the last wild bison in Europe was killed (in Poland), and in 1927 the last wild bison in the world (Caucaz) was killed. This can only highlight how sensitive the survival of this endangered species. ☹
Visiting fee: 5 lei/child and 10 lei/adult, the revenues from the sale of the tickets is covering part of the costs of the food and the maintenance of the animals.
Program: Monday-Sunday: 8:00-20:00