Amber of Colți
✨ Short description
Amber (Chilimbarul) of Buzău is a protected area of national interest located in the commune of Colți, Buzău county. This 2.52-hectare reserve is famous for its deposits of amber, a type of fossilized tree resin with over 160 colors and shades. The amber from this area, known as ‘rumanite’, is extremely valuable due to its chromatic diversity and preserved fossil content. Nearby, there is also the Amber Museum, which exhibits an impressive collection of amber and ethnographic objects related to the history of this mineral.
Upon request locals can show you the area where Amber has been found.
📜 History of the location
The Buzău Amber Reserve was created to protect one of the most important sources of amber in Romania. Discoveries of amber in the area date back to 1578 and its exploitation began in a rudimentary form between 1828 and 1834. Industrial exploitation took place in the first half of the 20th century, but the most recent extraction took place between 1947 and 1983. The reserve was declared a protected area by Law No 5 of 2000.
⭐ Importance and uniqueness of the location
Colți amber is considered the most valuable amber in the world due to its diversity of colors, which includes yellow, red, green and black. It is valued both geologically and paleontologically for its rich content of animal and plant fossils. One of the most remarkable types of amber, ‘rumanite’, comes exclusively from this region.
🐉 Local myths and stories
Colts consider amber a symbol of good luck and often keep it in their homes as a talisman. There are also traditional stories about the miraculous powers of amber, which was used in various folk remedies, mixed with brandy to prevent colds.
🗺️ What to visit
- Amber Amber Museum: A unique collection of amber, including large nuggets, jewelry and mining tools, on display in a building built in the folk style.
- Discover Amber Tour: There are local people who organize tours to the valley where the amber was found and show you local handicrafts using amber. Please contact us for more details.
📍 How to get there
- To get to Colți, take the DN 10 (Buzău-Brașov), and then via Pătârlagele – Sibiciu – Colți (DC 69).
🔎Things to keep in mind
- Accessibility: The road to Colți is accessible by car.
- Safety: It is important to respect the rules of the museum and the area to protect both the exhibits and the natural environment.
⏳ Visiting hours and Fees
- Hours: The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday.
- Fees:
- Adults: 15 lei (individual), 9 lei (group)
- Pupils and students: 3 lei
- Guides: 49 lei (group, Romanian), 74 lei (group, English)
- Free visits for certain categories of people (pre-school children, people with disabilities, etc.)