Living Fire
✨ Short description
The Living Fire (also called Eternal Flames) of Lopătari is a spectacular natural phenomenon, located in Buzău county, where natural gases emerge from cracks in the earth and ignite, forming flames that can reach up to one meter high. These flames are colored and, under certain conditions, can burn continuously or go out depending on weather conditions. It is a rare and impressive phenomenon and is particularly visible at night. The phenomenon is protected by geological reserve status and is part of the Geopark Buzău Land, declared a UNESCO site in 2022. The site has inspired many legends and traditions, including the Olympic flame.
📜 History of the location
The Living Fire of Lopătari is a geological phenomenon, considered a gift of nature. Its formation is explained by the release of natural gases from deep in the earth, which ignite on contact with quartz crystals on the surface. The locals have linked this phenomenon to various legends, one of the most famous being that of a dragon that spewed flames and was confronted by a local hero, the brave Mountaineer. The Living Fire is also a symbol of eternal fires, inspiring customs and traditions, including the Olympic flame.
⭐ Importance and uniqueness of the location
The Living Fire is a unique geological phenomenon in Europe, fed by a natural gas deposit underground. This phenomenon, which can be observed more intensely at night, is a symbol of eternity and has an important religious and cultural significance. It is also a central element of the Ținutul Buzăului Geopark, recognized for its geological and ecological value. During earthquakes, flames can reach heights of over 2 meters, a rare and spectacular manifestation of natural forces.
🐉 Local myths and stories
One of the famous legends is about a many-headed dragon that was shooting flames from its nostrils and wreaking havoc in the village of Terca. The brave mountaineer manages to face the dragon, and it is the heads of the dragon that fall to the ground that continue to burn, thus explaining the phenomenon of living fire.
🗺️ What to visit
- Living Fire: The natural flames that burn continuously in this place, with varying intensity, are the main attraction.
- Museum “7 fairytale places”: A local museum that explores the stories and legends of the Buzăului Land.
- Salt Mountains: Columns and salt formations rising out of the ground and forming an impressive landscape.
- Salt Cave: A small natural cave, visible from the road, which is part of the natural phenomena of the area. Unfortunately it is not accessible to visitors.
- Meledic Plateau: Another nearby site that includes a network of salt caves and karst lakes, some of which are freshwater salt lakes. Unfortunately these caves are not accessible.
- Grunjul de la Mânzălești
- Museum “The Time of Man” Mânzălești
📍 How to get there
- Access: Take the DJ 203K, which starts from the DN2 (E85) in Mărăcineni, and continues on the Beceni-Vintilă Vodă-Mânzălești-Lopătari-Terca route. The road up to Lopătari is paved, but to reach Focul Viu, there is an unpaved road of about 7 km. Walk from car park: Approx. 20-30 min uphill (minimum physical condition required)
- GPS: N45.535885, E26.548708.
🔎Things to keep in mind
- Accessibility: Although the road to Lopătari is asphalted, access to Focul Viu involves a route on an unpaved road, which is quite degraded.
- Visiting the phenomenon: The most impressive spectacle of the Living Fire takes place at night, when the flames are more visible and have shades of yellow, red or blue.
- Weather: In rainy or windy conditions the flames are extinguished.
- Local guide: For a better experience, it is recommended to hire a local guide.
⏳ Visiting hours and Fees
- Visiting hours: The Living Fire can be visited at any time of the year, but the most spectacular is at night.
- Fees: There are no fees to visit the Living Fire, but to visit the “7 Fairytale Places” Museum, it is recommended to call in in advance.