The Two Main Sites
- Pâclele Mari: Famous for its large, dome-like structures and wide craters that simmer slowly.
- Pâclele Mici: Despite the name, this area often features more slender, "eruptive" cones and a more intricate network of dried mud "rivers."
Active mud volcano crater and cracked soil in Buzău, Romania.
Local legends from the Buzău county tell of a giant who lived beneath these hills. It is said that the muddy eruptions are actually his breath or his attempts to escape from his underground prison. When he gets angry, the mud boils faster, warning the villagers to stay away from the "gates of the earth."
A Strange Ecosystem
The soil here is highly saline and sulfurous, meaning very few plants can survive. You can find rare species like Nitraria schoberi and Obione verrucifera, which have adapted to this harsh, lunar environment. It is a place of stark beauty, where the only sound is the rhythmic "glup-glup" of gas bubbles breaking the surface.
A beautiful video which presenting Muddy Volcanoes (Vulcanii Noroioși) and the selenar surroundings landscape:
FAQ: Muddy Volcanoes (Vulcanii Noroioși)
- Where exactly are they located?
In the Berca and Scorțoasa communes, Buzău County, approximately 150 km from Bucharest. - Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, there is a small maintenance fee (usually around 5-10 RON) [1-2 EURs]. Make sure to have cash, as card payments might not always be available in this remote area. - Can I walk on the mud?
You can walk on the dried, cracked areas, but stay away from the wet mud and the craters. It is extremely slippery and can be surprisingly deep. - What is the best weather for a visit?
Dry, sunny days are best. If it rains, the area becomes an impassable swamp of sticky mud, and you won't be able to enjoy the "lunar" cracks in the ground. - Are there any restrictions?
Smoking is strictly prohibited near the craters because of the natural methane gas being released.
