Bucegi Mountains

Bucegi Mountains 3D

Location. The Bucegi Mountains (Romanian: Munţii Bucegi) are located in central Romania, south of the city of Braşov. They are part of the Southern Carpathians group of the Carpathian Mountains. They are limited by Prahova Valley to the east, by Ialomița Valley and Rucăr-Bran Corridor to the west, by Bârsa Depression to the north, and by Curvature Subcarpathian Hills to the south. The Bucegi Mountains are located within Dâmbovița, Prahova and Brașov  counties, having a surface of over 300 km².  Highly complex structurally and morphologically, the mountain appears as a natural fortress, with chamber suspended from 1600 m/5300 ft (southwards) to  2500 m/8200ft (northwards), supported by strong slopes.

Etymology. Although its etymology is under dispute, the name of Bucegi seems to derive from Bugeac, which means “green carpet of moss”. This may suggest the appearance of Bucegi Plateau in the summer when it is beautifully covered with green colonies of juniper trees.

Structural features. Bucegi has a horseshoe shape opened southwards and from its center springs Ialomița River. The main parts of the horseshoe meet each other at Omu Peak, which is the highest elevation point of the massif (2505 m or 8219 ft).

Climate. Climate features average temperatures of 2-6° Celsius  (0-2° Celsius above 1800 m) with high precipitation and strong winds. Onto Bucegi Plateau is typical alpine climate with annual temperatures under 2° Celsius, few precipitation and very strong winds. In Bucegi, as well as any mountain, weather can change suddenly and sometimes you can witness at least 3 seasons in a couple of days or less. The average number of winter days with temperatures below 0° Celsius is 47 days per year, and the average number of  days with temperatures above 25° Celsius is 16 days per year.

Flora and Fauna.Flora in Bucegi Mountains consists of a rich variety of both broad-leaved and coniferous trees. Among the preserved plants you may encounter the edelweiss, the rhodondendron, the white dryad, the moss campion and the wild celery.

The mammals  met in Bucegi are the wild boar, the rabbit, the grey wolf, the fox, the brown bear (ursus arctos arctos), the stag, the lynx, the deer and the squirrel, the mouse. Birds are represented by golden hawk, common buzzard, heather cook (capercaillie), eastern imperial eagle, griffon vulture, cinereous vulture, common rock thrush, alpine ring ouzel etc.  you can also meet here various species of lizards alongside smooth snake and viper.

Tourism. Bucegi Mountains appear as a plateau which grows in height from south (1600 m) to north (2500 m). The slopes are smooth southwards and westwards, but incredibly steep eastwards and northwards (500 – 900 m lift). This steepness generates spectacular lofty landscapes that attract many tourists over the year.