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Buzău
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Explore Buzău’s mud volcanoes, Carpathian valleys, rupestrian churches, vineyards and rural heritage in eastern Romania.

Buzău County lies east of the Carpathian bend, where the broad Buzău plain rises towards wooded hills, sandstone ridges and the high valleys of the Curvature Carpathians. Its principal urban centre, Buzău, is a practical base for exploring the county, while Râmnicu Sărat provides a second historic town in the east. Beyond them, the landscape becomes increasingly rural, shaped by vineyards, orchards, forests, grazing country and the winding Buzău River.
Read more about Buzău
The county is best known for geological phenomena that are unusual even within Romania. Near Berca, cones and craters of bubbling mud form the Buzău Mud Volcanoes, created by natural gases bringing clay and water to the surface. In the north-west, the area around Siriu combines a mountain reservoir with steep wooded slopes and access towards the Penteleu and Siriu massifs. The village of Mânzălești is associated with the Meledic Plateau, where salt formations, caves and karst landscapes create a striking contrast with the surrounding hills.
Buzău also has a strong spiritual and archaeological identity. The wooded settlements around Bozioru and Nucu contain rupestrian churches and hermitages cut into sandstone, evidence of a long tradition of secluded monastic life. Ciolanu Monastery remains an important religious complex, while the nearby Măgura Sculpture Camp has placed modern stone sculpture within an open rural landscape. At Colți, the Amber Museum interprets the region's distinctive amber, known locally as rumanite, and the deep geological history of the Carpathian foreland.
Food and drink reflect the meeting of plain and mountain. Vineyards around Pietroasele and neighbouring hills produce wines, while local tables draw on sheep's cheese, cured meats, seasonal vegetables, forest products and substantial soups and stews. Rural guesthouses offer a slower experience, often linked to walking, cycling, horse riding or visits to small villages and monasteries. The Buzău Valley is more than a route through the county: it is a changing sequence of market towns, river scenery, wooded slopes and mountain communities.
Distances are significant enough to make an organised itinerary worthwhile. Buzău city is convenient for an initial overnight stay, but the geological sites, monasteries and mountain districts are spread across different parts of the county. A car gives the greatest flexibility, particularly for Bozioru, Colți, Mânzălești and Siriu, while visitors relying on public transport should plan around the more limited services beyond the main towns. The reward is a region where geology, monastic heritage, wine culture and Carpathian landscapes remain closely connected.

When is the best time to visit Buzău?

Best: June, August–September · 23–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January225
February422
March1127
April1735
May2145
June (best)2550
July2845
August (best)2740
September (best)2335
October1730
November935
December330

Getting to and around Buzău

How to get there

Buzău is reached most easily by road or rail from Bucharest and other Romanian cities. The main road and railway corridor follows the route between Bucharest, Ploiești and Moldova, with Buzău city as the principal access point. Henri Coandă International Airport near Bucharest is the nearest major international gateway and lies outside the county; onward travel can be made by train, coach or hired car. Roads from Buzău lead towards Râmnicu Sărat, Berca, Nehoiu and the Siriu Valley, although mountain destinations require more time.

Transportation

Rail and intercity buses are useful for reaching Buzău and Râmnicu Sărat, while local buses and minibuses connect some larger settlements. Services become less frequent in the hill and mountain districts, and several geological or monastic sites are not close to a railway station. A car is the most flexible option for combining Berca, Pietroasele, Bozioru, Colți, Mânzălești and Siriu, but drivers should allow for winding roads, village traffic and variable surfaces on smaller routes. Walking, cycling and guided excursions work well for individual valleys and local circuits.

Top city travel guides in Buzău

The cities of Buzău, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Best attractions in Buzău

Buzău County’s attractions combine geology, religious heritage, archaeology and outdoor landscapes rather than concentrating in one visitor district. The Berca Mud Volcanoes are the best-known natural site, where gas-driven mud cones create a barren, shifting terrain unlike the surrounding farmland. The Meledic Plateau near Mânzălești adds salt formations, caves and karst scenery, while the Siriu area offers lake views, forested slopes and access to the Curvature Carpathians. Around Bozioru and Nucu, visitors can explore a dispersed group of rupestrian churches and hermit sites with a guide or careful local planning. Colți’s Amber Museum explains the geology and use of the region’s rumanite, and Pietroasele combines vineyards with archaeological associations. Ciolanu Monastery and the Măgura Sculpture Camp bring together religious architecture and modern art in a wooded setting. Smaller museums, village churches, market towns and rural guesthouses complete the landscape of attractions, with walking, cycling and scenic driving especially rewarding away from the main roads.

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Best landmarks in Buzău

The Buzău Mud Volcanoes near Berca are the county’s most recognisable natural landmark, their grey cones and fissured surfaces standing out sharply against the surrounding agricultural landscape. The sandstone rupestrian churches around Nucu and Bozioru are more discreet but deeply significant, preserving carved or adapted sacred spaces in wooded hills. Ciolanu Monastery provides a contrasting landmark of Orthodox religious architecture, set near the sculptural landscape of Măgura. In the northern county, Siriu Lake forms a major geographical marker beneath the Carpathian slopes, while the Buzău Valley creates a natural corridor between plain and mountain. Pietroasele is associated with both vineyards and the discovery of the celebrated late-antique treasure, giving the locality archaeological as well as agricultural importance. The old urban fabric of Buzău and Râmnicu Sărat is less monumental than that of Romania’s best-known historic cities, but churches, civic buildings and market-town streets reveal the region’s development as a commercial and administrative centre.

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Best restaurants in Buzău

Buzău’s food culture reflects both the Wallachian plain and the Carpathian foothills. In the city and larger towns, restaurants serve Romanian staples such as soups, grilled meats, stuffed cabbage, polenta and seasonal vegetable dishes, while rural inns and guesthouses are more likely to emphasise home-style cooking. Local produce includes sheep’s and cow’s cheeses, smoked or cured meats, orchard fruit, honey and vegetables from the plain. The hills around Pietroasele are associated with viticulture, and wine tasting can form part of a visit when arranged with a producer in advance. Markets and small food shops are useful for bread, preserves, dairy products and fruit in season. Menus vary considerably between urban restaurants and village kitchens, so visitors should ask about regional specialities rather than expect a single dish to represent the county. In mountain areas, hearty soups, stews and grilled meats are practical choices after walking, while cafés and bakeries provide simpler options in Buzău and Râmnicu Sărat.

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Best bars in Buzău

Evening life in Buzău County is concentrated in Buzău city, with cafés, beer venues, restaurants and a modest selection of bars providing the broadest choice. Râmnicu Sărat has a smaller local scene, while in mountain towns such as Nehoiu the evening rhythm is more closely connected with restaurants, guesthouses and social venues than with dedicated clubbing. Traditional pubs and modern cafés are suitable places to try Romanian beer, wine from the surrounding hills or non-alcoholic drinks, and some venues host live music or seasonal events. Rural accommodation may offer a communal dining room or terrace rather than a formal bar, so late-night options can be limited outside the main towns. Visitors should check current opening arrangements locally, particularly outside summer and at the end of the working week, and should not rely on nightlife services in remote valleys.

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Best nightclubs in Buzău

Evening life in Buzău County is concentrated in Buzău city, with cafés, beer venues, restaurants and a modest selection of bars providing the broadest choice. Râmnicu Sărat has a smaller local scene, while in mountain towns such as Nehoiu the evening rhythm is more closely connected with restaurants, guesthouses and social venues than with dedicated clubbing. Traditional pubs and modern cafés are suitable places to try Romanian beer, wine from the surrounding hills or non-alcoholic drinks, and some venues host live music or seasonal events. Rural accommodation may offer a communal dining room or terrace rather than a formal bar, so late-night options can be limited outside the main towns. Visitors should check current opening arrangements locally, particularly outside summer and at the end of the working week, and should not rely on nightlife services in remote valleys.

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Best shops in Buzău

Shopping in Buzău County is strongest in the county seat, where ordinary high-street retail, supermarkets, specialist food shops and independent businesses provide the widest selection. Râmnicu Sărat has the character of a smaller market town, with local shops and everyday services rather than a major destination shopping district. For regional products, look for cheeses, honey, preserves, wine from the Pietroasele area, fruit products and traditional baked goods at markets or directly from established producers. Rural fairs and village markets vary by season and location, so ask locally for current days rather than relying on a fixed itinerary. Craft and souvenir choices are generally modest but may include ceramics, carved wood, textiles and small items connected with monasteries or local heritage. The Amber Museum at Colți can provide context for rumanite and related local products, although visitors should distinguish certified material from generic amber sold in tourist settings. Independent galleries and cultural venues in Buzău may offer contemporary work linked to the county’s sculptural tradition.

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Buzău essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Romanian leu, with the international code RON. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in Buzău city, Râmnicu Sărat, larger accommodation providers and many established restaurants. Cash remains useful for rural guesthouses, small food stalls, markets, village shops and occasional local transport. ATMs are easier to find in towns than in remote valleys, so carry a modest amount of lei when travelling into the Buzău Mountains.
Safety
Buzău is generally straightforward for visitors, but normal precautions apply in town centres, on public transport and at crowded markets. Rural and geological sites require more practical care: keep to marked or locally recommended paths around mud volcanoes, avoid unstable slopes and take water during warm weather. Mountain roads can be narrow or wet, and weather may change quickly at higher elevations. Do not enter caves, abandoned structures or restricted sites without appropriate guidance, and use reliable local advice for remote walking routes.
Emergency Situations
Romania’s national emergency number is 112 for police, fire and ambulance services. Give the operator your exact location, as rural addresses may be difficult to identify; a saved map position can be useful. For mountain walks, share your route and expected return with your accommodation or a companion. Mountain rescue, commonly known as Salvamont, can be contacted through emergency services when required. The European emergency number 112 can be used from mobile phones, subject to network coverage.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress modestly when entering monasteries, churches and rupestrian chapels, and ask before photographing worshippers or religious services. In villages, greet hosts politely and do not assume that every private track or meadow is public access. Follow instructions at geological sites and avoid touching fragile formations. Tipping in restaurants is customary when service has been satisfactory but is discretionary. Romanian is the everyday language outside the main visitor businesses, so a few greetings and place names can make rural encounters easier.
Local Tips
The county works best as a series of linked excursions rather than a single city break. Pair the Berca mud volcanoes with nearby villages, reserve a separate day for Pietroasele’s wine country, and allow a full day or more for the Bozioru–Nucu and Colți area. The mountain districts are particularly rewarding in late spring through autumn, while winter can complicate rural access. Ask accommodation hosts about current road conditions, local guides and seasonal produce before setting out.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloSalut[sah-loot]
GoodbyeLa revedere[lah reh-veh-deh-reh]
YesDa[dah]
NoNu[noo]
Please/You're welcomeTe rog/ Cu plăcere[teh rog/ koo plah-cheh-reh]
Thank youMulțumesc[mool-tsoo-mesk]
Excuse me/SorryScuză-mă/ Îmi pare rău[skoo-zah-muh/ eem pah-reh row]
How are you?Ce mai faci?[cheh my fahch]
Fine. And you?Bine. Tu?[bee-neh. too?]
Do you speak English?Vorbești engleză?[vor-besht en-gleh-zah?]
I don't understandNu înțeleg[noo uhn-tseh-leg]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAș dori să văd meniul, vă rog[ahsh doh-ree sah vehd men-yool, vah rog]
I don't eat meatNu mănânc carne[noo muh-nank kar-neh]
Cheers!Noroc![noh-rok]
I would like to pay, pleaseAș dori să plătesc, vă rog[ahsh doh-ree sah plah-tesk, vah rog]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Ajutor![ah-joo-tor]
Go away!Du-te![doo-teh]
Call the Police!Sună la poliție![soo-nah lah poh-lee-tsee-eh]
Call a doctor!Sună un doctor![soo-nah oon dok-tor]
I'm lostM-am pierdut[m-ahm pyehr-doot]
I'm illSunt bolnav[soont bol-nav]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Aș dori să cumpăr...[ahsh doh-ree sah koom-pair]
I'm just lookingMă uit doar[muh uit doar]
How much is it?Cât costă?[koot kos-tah?]
That's too expensiveAsta e prea scump[ahs-tah eh preh-ah skoomp]
Can you lower the price?Poți să scazi prețul?[pohts sah skahz preh-tsool?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Ce oră este?[cheh oh-rah yeh-steh?]
It's one o'clockEste o'clock[yeh-steh oh-clock]
Half past (10)Două jumătate[doo-eh zhoo-mah-tah-teh]
MorningDimineața[dee-mee-neh-ah-tsah]
AfternoonDupă-amiază[doo-pah ah-mee-ah-zah]
EveningSeara[sah-rah]
YesterdayIeri[yehr]
TodayAstăzi[ahs-tahz]
TomorrowMâine[mee-neh]
11[un]
22[doi]
33[trei]
44[patru]
55[cinci]
66[șase]
77[șapte]
88[opt]
99[nouă]
1010[zece]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Unde este un/ă...?[oon-deh yeh-steh oon-uh?]
What's the address?Care este adresa?[kah-reh yeh-steh ah-dreh-sah?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Poți să-mi arăți (pe hartă)?[pohts sahm ah-rah-ts (peh har-tah)?]
When's the next (bus)?Când vine următorul (autobuz)?[kand vee-neh oor-mah-tor-ul (ow-toh-booz)?]
A ticket (to ....)Un bilet (la....)[oon bee-let (lah....)]

History of Buzău

Prehistoric settlements and Pietroasele’s ancient legacy

Buzău County has a long archaeological record, including prehistoric settlements and artefacts associated with communities that farmed and traded across the lower Carpathian approaches. The Pietroasele area is especially important: Roman-period remains and the famous Pietroasele Treasure, discovered in the nineteenth century, demonstrate the wealth and movement of peoples through the region in late antiquity. The treasure, commonly associated with the Goths, is now preserved in Romania’s national collections, but its discovery made Pietroasele one of the county’s best-known archaeological names.

The medieval Buzău settlement and episcopate

The town of Buzău developed at a strategic meeting point between the Wallachian plain and routes towards the Carpathians. It is documented in the fifteenth century, while the Orthodox episcopate of Buzău was established in 1502, confirming the town’s growing religious and administrative importance. The episcopal institution helped shape the county’s cultural life through churches, schooling and manuscript traditions. Although later rebuilding has altered much of the old town, Buzău’s continuing role as a regional centre reflects these medieval foundations.

Rupestrian monastic life in the Carpathian foothills

The sandstone hills around Bozioru and Nucu preserve traces of medieval and early-modern ascetic communities. Hermits and monks adapted natural overhangs and rock shelters into small chapels, cells and places of prayer, creating a scattered sacred landscape rather than a single monumental monastery. Their survival in remote valleys was linked to the protective character of the terrain and to enduring Orthodox traditions. Today, the rupestrian churches are valued both for their religious significance and for the way they reveal a distinctive form of vernacular sacred architecture.

Trade, estates and the growth of market towns

From the eighteenth century onwards, Buzău’s position between Wallachian agricultural districts and the mountain passes supported fairs, livestock trading and the movement of salt, timber and farm produce. Râmnicu Sărat developed as an important market town in the eastern part of the county, while villages and estates supplied grain, wine, fruit and animal products. The region’s roads and commercial links tied the plain to the Carpathian valleys, helping create the economic geography that still distinguishes urban Buzău from the county’s mountain communities.

Nineteenth-century modernisation and the railway

The formation and modernisation of the Romanian state brought administrative reorganisation, improved roads and new commercial connections to Buzău. Railway development in the nineteenth century strengthened links between Bucharest, Moldova and the lower Danube, making Buzău a more important transport and trading centre. Urban institutions, schools and civic buildings expanded during this period, while vineyards and agricultural production remained central to the surrounding economy. The railway continues to give the county’s main city a practical connection with the national network.

Industry, oil and agricultural transformation

During the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries, Buzău County experienced a mixture of industrial and agricultural development. Food processing, metalworking and other urban industries expanded, while the wider county continued to produce grain, wine, fruit and livestock. Oil extraction and related activity affected parts of the region, particularly around the foothills, although Buzău never became defined by a single industrial sector. Socialist-era planning increased the scale of urban industry and infrastructure before the economic transition of the 1990s reshaped employment and local commerce.

Modern heritage and rural revival

Since the late twentieth century, Buzău’s identity has increasingly been interpreted through its landscapes and dispersed heritage. The Buzău Land Geopark initiative has linked geological sites, villages, archaeological remains and local traditions within a broader conservation and tourism framework. The Măgura Sculpture Camp, established during the communist period, added a significant modern-art layer to the countryside, while guesthouses, wineries and small cultural projects have brought renewed attention to rural districts. These developments complement rather than replace the county’s agricultural and religious traditions.

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Buzău, Romania

Discover Buzău like never before with Evendo, a 100% free travel guide app covering attractions, restaurants, hotels, and more. Your perfect travel companion awaits!

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Explore Buzău with Evendo, your comprehensive, free travel guide app. Find the best attractions, restaurants, hotels, and more, all in one place.

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Planning a trip to Buzău, Romania? Let Evendo be your ultimate travel companion! Our app offers detailed information on the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Buzău.

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