Adventure to Vulcanii Noroioși in Buzău by car: program, distances, objectives and recommendations for families with children

Do you dream of surprising your family with a spectacular destination that combines nature, adventure and geography lessons? The Mud Volcanoes of Buzău are the perfect place for an unforgettable excursion, especially when traveling with little ones. Although they don’t have ‘fire’ or smoke like the volcanoes in the movies, these volcanoes are truly fascinating.

In the following lines, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Mud Volcanoes, how to get there, what other sights you can visit nearby and some recommendations for a comfortable vacation, especially if you’re going with little ones.

• What are mud volcanoes and how they formed
• Where are the Mud Volcanoes
• How to get to Mud Volcanoes in Berca
• Visiting program at Volcanii Noroioși, Buzău
• Admission price to the Mud Volcanoes
• How much time do you need to visit the Mud Volcanoes
• What else to visit in the Mud Volcanoes area
• Recommendations for families with children

What are mud volcanoes and how they formed

Mud volcanoes are unique geological formations created by the emanation of natural gases from deep underground. These gases, coming from depths of more than 3,000 meters, penetrate layers of clay and mix with groundwater to form a fluid paste. Hence the name ‘mud volcanoes’. So the process of volcano formation involves the following steps:

• Natural gas builds up under pressure underground
• They break through the upper layers of rock
• Along the way, the gases carry water and clay
• The resulting mixture is pushed to the surface
• When the mud comes to the surface, it forms cones or craters

Where are the Mud Volcanoes

Volcanii Noroioși are located in Buzău county, near Berca. Here you will find four main areas of volcanoes:

Big Pasta

The Big Funnels are the best known and most visited area in the Mud Volcano complex. Here you will find the largest mud formations, which create a spectacular landscape. This area has the tallest mud cones, some reaching up to 5-6 meters high. The Big Gorges are also the most accessible for tourists, with trails that allow comfortable sightseeing. The mud here is very viscous and constantly boiling, forming small craters that periodically “swell”, and this geological phenomenon adds a mysterious and fascinating air to the place.

Small CF

The Small Funnels are a smaller and lesser known area of the Mud Volcano complex. Here, the mud formations are smaller in size than in the Big Funnels, but they are just as interesting. In this area, the mud cones are smaller but still quite fascinating and ‘active’, erupting periodically with surprising energy. The Small Funnels are an ideal destination for a quieter visit, especially if you want to enjoy the scenery without the crowds of tourists.

Berca’s Feasts

The Berca Hot Springs is another famous area, known for its intense geothermal phenomenon. Here, the mud eruptions are more spectacular and occur at regular intervals, creating a more dynamic and ‘vibrant’ landscape. The boilers are so called because of their constantly rising ‘steaming’ appearance, resembling the steam from a cauldron. The hot mud that emerges from these craters forms small mud ‘holes’ that erupt periodically and continuously, a real attraction for visitors.

Beciu’s Feasts

The hot springs of Beciu are a lesser known area, but worth exploring for the rare geothermal phenomenon. Here, the volcanism is similar to that at Berca, but with more moderate activity. The mud formations are smaller and are not as “hectic” as in other areas, but they are still interesting and create a special landscape, ideal for nature lovers who want a quieter hike. The scenery in this area is also described as ‘Selenarian’, similar to other parts of the planet.

Each of these areas offers a different experience and is an ideal place to discover a unique and fascinating natural landscape. If you get the chance to visit them all, you’ll understand why the Cloud Volcanoes are a destination to remember!

How to get to Mud Volcanoes in Berca

If you come from Bucharest, you can get there in about 2.4 hours by car. The trip is beautiful and relaxing, perfect for a day trip with the family.

But how exactly do you get there?

Start your journey from Bucharest on the European road E85, and then continue on the county road DJ203B which will take you directly to the area of the Muddy Volcanoes. Thus, to reach the Muddy Volcanoes from Berca, you can follow the following route:

• From Bucharest, take the DN1A or the A3 highway to Ploiești
• From Ploiești continue on DN1B to Buzău
• From Buzău follow DN10 towards Brasov until Sătuc (18 km)
• From Sătuc turn right on DJ102F towards Berca
  After Berca follow the signs to Pâclele Mari or Pâclele Mici

The total distance from Bucharest to Volcanii Noroioși Buzău is about 150 km. Access to the four mud volcano areas is as follows:

• Pâclele Mari – 5 km from the junction with DJ102F
• Pâclele Mici – 3 km from the junction with DJ102F
• Feasts in Berca – near Berca
• The Beciu Feasts – near the village of Beciu, 4 km from Pâclele Mici

There are parking lots near the sights. Suitable hiking footwear is recommended as the terrain can be slippery in some areas.

Car rental for a trip to the Mud Volcanoes

If you want to explore the Mud Volcanoes and have the flexibility to enjoy the sights and attractions of the area without the hassle of transportation, we recommend renting a car for this trip. This way, you’ll have the freedom to stop at various places along the way to enjoy the scenery or visit other attractions.

It’s important to note that the road to the Mud Volcanoes can be less familiar, but with a few tips for novice drivers (which you can find in our Essential Tips for Beginner Drivers article), the journey will be stress-free.

Renting a car is a great option. Whether you’re coming from Bucharest or another city, with a rented car you’ll have more freedom to plan your trip the way you want.

The Enterprise Rent a Car Romania team offers you car rental solutions for any type of trip, and this service can be very useful when you’re heading to less accessible places or when you want to have a more comfortable experience. We provide a wide range of vehicles to suit your needs. The range of vehicles the Enterprise team has at your disposal:

• Dacia: Sandero, Logan, MCV and Duster
• Opel: Corsa, Astra, Astra ST, Insignia ST, Crossland, Grandland and Vivaro
• Renault: Megane, Fluence, Captur and Trafic
• Toyota: Aygo
• Skoda: Rapid, Octavia
• Nissan: Juke and Qashqai
• Seat: Ateca

We are waiting for you in one of our working points. We make sure your reservation is quick and easy. Rent your desired car here.

Visiting program at Volcanii Noroioși, Buzău

To make sure your trip goes as planned, make sure you arrive at the right time. The nature reserve Volcanii Noroioși in Buzău county has the following program:

• In summer: daily between 08:00 and 20:00
• In winter: daily between 08:00 – 16:00

It is important to note that the reserve is closed on rainy days, when it is not possible to visit for safety reasons.

Admission price to the Mud Volcanoes

The price of admission to the Mud Volcanoes is up to 10 lei. According to an article from 2023, the entrance fee to the Cloudy Volcanoes for adults is 4 lei, for students 2 lei, for pensioners 1 leu.

How much time do you need to visit the Mud Volcanoes

A visit to the Mud Volcanoes will take no more than 2-3 hours, making it a perfect trip for families with children. No need to worry about getting bored or tired after your visit. Children will be fascinated by this truly special place, and you’ll have time to relax and enjoy the scenery.  What’s more, the area is accessible and relatively easy to get around, and the trails around the volcanoes are family-friendly for families who want to explore the place without having to hike long distances.

What else to visit in the Mud Volcanoes area

The Mud Volcanoes are just one of the amazing attractions in Buzău County. If you have a whole day to spare, we recommend adding other interesting places for kids and the whole family to your plan. Here are some suggestions that are nearby:

Amber Amber Museum in Colți

About 60 minutes from the Mud Volcanoes, the Amber Museum in Colți is a fascinating destination that will teach you about the process of forming amber and how it has been used throughout the ages. It’s a short but educational trip for the whole family.

The Troubadours – Growing Stones

If you want to amaze your kids with another natural phenomenon, you must visit the Trovantii, the ‘growing rocks’. These rare geological formations are found nearby and are a perfect place for a family outing.

Ciolanu Monastery

Ciolanu Monastery is a great destination, just a 40-minute drive from the Mud Volcanoes. Set in the middle of a forest, the monastery is a peaceful location, ideal for relaxing after a day of exploring.

Living Fire

Don’t forget to stop by the Living Fire, a natural phenomenon that will amaze you with the spontaneously burning fires in the ground, a true geological wonder. It’s a place that’s sure to captivate the whole family and a destination that adds an extra touch of magic to your trip.

Lake Siriu

For relaxation in the middle of nature, don’t miss Lake Siriu. Although it’s about an hour and a half away, it’s a perfect place for a boat trip or to enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery. The lake offers a beautiful setting, ideal for a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnecting with nature.

As you can see, the area of the Mud Volcanoes and their surroundings are full of special places that will delight you and offer plenty of activities for the whole family!

If you want to explore even more fascinating places in Romania, be sure to check out our article: The most beautiful roads in the country.

Recommendations for families with children

To make sure the whole family enjoys an enjoyable trip, here are some useful tips:

Check the weather forecast

Even though the mud volcanoes are an amazing place to visit, the weather can play an important role. Before you go, be sure to check the weather forecast to avoid unfavorable conditions, which could make the site more difficult for children to access. Also, you can’t visit the reserve in wet weather, as the mud in the area can get slippery.

Dress comfortably and dress appropriately

It’s important to dress children in appropriate clothing and footwear for a nature hike. Even if the trail is not long, sturdy and comfortable footwear is essential, especially to avoid slips.

Other useful tips for visiting mud volcanoes:

• Follow the reserve rules and stay on the marked trails.
• Do not touch or collect samples of mud or rocks.
• Have water and snacks, especially on hot days.
• Apply sunscreen and wear a hat as the area is exposed.
• Visit both main areas to see the differences between them.

By following these recommendations, you will have a safe and memorable experience at the mud volcanoes of Buzău, one of the most spectacular natural phenomena in Romania.

The Mud Volcanoes are a fantastic destination for families looking to combine nature, adventure and education in one trip. If you want an active vacation with the little ones, where you can learn and have fun at the same time, you shouldn’t miss this special place. From breathtaking landscapes and unique natural formations to nearby sights, this trip will be an unforgettable memory for the whole family.

So grab your family, rent a car and set off on an unforgettable adventure! Rent a car now through Enterprise Rent a Car. With locations nationwide and personalized offers, we guarantee the best prices and a hassle-free experience. Fill out the online form and get the car you want delivered directly to your address!

Photo source: Shutterstock, Enterprise, Google Maps