Bușteni

A lively mountain resort and gateway to the Bucegi plateau via a scenic cable car. It's known for Cantacuzino Castle, waterfalls and excellent trails climbing toward the Caraiman Cross monument.

Things to do

• Ride the Bușteni Cable Car — Take the telecabină from the town center up to the Bucegi plateau at over 2000 meters for sweeping mountain views.
• Visit Cantacuzino Castle — Explore this early 20th-century neo-Romanian aristocratic castle with its gardens, grottos, and terrace café overlooking the Bucegi mountains.
• Hike to the Caraiman Cross — Climb the trails toward the towering Heroes' Cross monument built to honor soldiers fallen in World War I.
• See Urlătoarea Waterfall — Follow a forest trail from the Bușteni-Poiana Țapului area to this scenic cascade at the foot of the mountains.
• Discover Sphinx and Babele rock formations — Reach these iconic wind-sculpted rock formations on the Bucegi plateau, easily accessed from the cable car's upper station.
• Explore central Bușteni promenade — Stroll the main boulevard lined with mountain-view guesthouses, souvenir shops, and the old paper factory area.

Food to try

• Bulz ciobănesc — A hearty shepherd's dish of polenta baked with sheep cheese, often topped with a fried egg and served in mountain chalets.
• Ciorbă de burtă — A sour tripe soup thickened with cream and garlic, a warming favorite after a cold day on the trails.
• Sarmale with mămăligă — Cabbage rolls stuffed with minced meat and rice, traditionally served alongside polenta and sour cream.
• Papanași — Fried doughnut-style dumplings topped with sour cream and jam, a classic Romanian dessert found in local restaurants.
• Brânză de burduf — Tangy sheep cheese matured in bark or a skin pouch, sold at local markets and shepherd stalls in the region.
• Țuică and mountain herbal tea — Sample the strong plum brandy or warm herbal teas offered at cabins along the hiking routes.

Local customs & good to know

• Start early and check weather — Bucegi weather changes fast, so begin hikes early and confirm the cable car is running before planning your route.
• Bring cash for cabins — Many mountain chalets, small stalls, and the cable car ticket booth may not accept cards, so carry lei.
• Respect the Heroes' Cross memorial — The Caraiman Cross is a solemn WWI monument, so treat the site respectfully rather than as just a photo backdrop.
• Dress in layers — Even in summer the plateau is significantly colder and windier than the town below, so pack warm and waterproof clothing.

Nearby

• Bucegi Mountains — 5 km
• Peleș Castle (Transylvania) — 6 km
• Sinaia — 7 km
• Bran Castle (Transylvania) — 18 km