Sfinxul si Babele, Bucegi Mountains Travel Guide

4.9 (49)

Eroded conglomerate rocks forming a human profile and mushroom pillars on Romania’s high Bucegi Plateau.

The Sphinx and Babele are two striking natural rock formations on the high Bucegi Plateau in Romania’s Southern Carpathians. The Sphinx is an 8-metre eroded conglomerate block resembling a human profile, while the nearby Babele are mushroom-shaped pillars. Reached mainly by cable car from Bușteni, the site lies at roughly 2,200 m inside Bucegi Natural Park and offers wide plateau views rather than a technical hike.

A brief summary to Sfinxul si Babele

Bușteni, RO
Duration: 2 to 5 hours
Mid ranged
Outdoor
Mobile reception: 3 out of 5

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Sfinxul si Babele.

Check cable-car status on the day of travel; strong wind frequently halts operations even in summer.
Wear windproof layers and bring water and snacks; the former Cabana Babele hut is currently closed.
Pay the 10 RON Bucegi Natural Park fee in advance online or at collection points to support trail maintenance.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Cascada Caraiman

Brâna Mare

Foamy Valley Waterfall

Babele Natural Monument

The Museum of Bucegi Nature Preserve

Explore Sfinxul si Babele on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Sfinxul si Babele, mapped for you.

Getting There

Cable car

Bușteni–Babele cable car, 12–15 minutes, adult return 199 RON.
Drive then hike

Transbucegi road to Piatra Arsă area, then 45–60 minute yellow-stripe trail.
Hike from valley

Valea Jepilor trail from Bușteni, several demanding hours.

Discover more about Sfinxul si Babele

The Rock Formations

The Sphinx is an 8 m high and 11.5–12 m wide block of Cretaceous conglomerate sculpted by wind, water and freeze–thaw cycles into a recognisable human profile when viewed from the correct angle. A few dozen metres away stand the Babele, several mushroom-shaped pillars formed by the same erosion processes. Both features sit on open, rocky ground at about 2,206–2,216 m.

Plateau Setting and Views

The formations occupy a windswept, largely treeless section of the Bucegi Plateau. From the rocks, visitors look across the Prahova Valley and toward the Ialomița side of the massif. Dwarf pine grows in sheltered pockets; otherwise the terrain is exposed and the light changes quickly with passing clouds.

Visiting the Site

Most travellers take the Bușteni–Babele cable car, a 4.35 km ride that climbs 1,235 m in 12–15 minutes. From the upper station a marked path leads to the Sphinx in 5–10 minutes; the Babele lie beside the former hut. The short plateau walk is straightforward but uneven and exposed. Longer trails continue toward the Caraiman Heroes’ Cross or Omu Peak.

Access and Practical Costs

The cable car is the standard route. Adult return fare is 199 RON and one-way 105 RON; children aged 5–12 pay 85 RON return. The Bucegi Natural Park entry fee is 10 RON per person for three months. Parking at the Bușteni lower station is paid. The cable car does not operate in strong wind and is closed for maintenance on Tuesday mornings.

Weather and Conditions

At 2,200 m the plateau is frequently windy and temperatures can drop sharply even in summer. Fog, rain or snow can arrive quickly. The Sphinx profile is clearest in specific light; the rocks themselves remain impressive in any weather when the cable car runs.

History and Folklore

The Sphinx name became established in the 1930s. The Babele have long been linked in Romanian folklore to Baba Dochia and March weather lore. The rocks are natural geological features, not ancient monuments, although popular stories sometimes connect them to Dacian sites or distant civilisations.