WHAT DOES A UNESCO GEOPARK MEAN
A UNESCO International Geopark is more than just a natural park: it is a unified territory with well-defined boundaries, where internationally important geological heritage is managed through a concept of protection, education, and sustainable development. The fact that a territory receives the status of an internationally recognized UNESCO Geopark confirms the uniqueness and global value of its natural and cultural resources.
The main characteristics of a UNESCO Geopark are:
- Heritage Conservation: Protecting and valorizing geological formations, landscapes, biological resources, and cultural sites;
- Education and Research: Supporting scientific research activities, involving schools and communities in educational programs;
- Sustainable Development: Stimulating the local economy, primarily through responsible tourism, local crafts, and entrepreneurial projects that preserve and promote the area’s identity;
- Social Implications: Attracting young people, strengthening infrastructure, preserving and revitalizing traditions, gastronomy, and crafts.
These principles also guided the establishment process of the “Ținutul Buzăului” Geopark, which, starting in April 2022, entered the UNESCO Global Geoparks Network (GGN), thus joining over 170 geoparks worldwide.
BUZĂU LAND (ȚINUTUL BUZĂULUI)
Location and Context
The Buzău Land (in Romanian “Ținutul Buzăului”) Geopark extends into the hilly and mountainous area in the north-west of Buzău County, covering an area of over 1,000 km², including 18 communes (Beceni, Berca, Bozioru, Bisoca, Brăești, Chiliile, Cănești, Colți, Cozieni, Lopătari, Mânzălești, Odăile, Pârscov, Pănătău, Scorțoasa, Sărulești, Valea Salciei, Vintilă Vodă). It is a predominantly rural territory with a population of over 40,000 inhabitants, mostly concentrated in the scattered villages along the Slănicului, Bălănesei, Sărățelului, Sibiciului, and Câlnăului valleys.
In 2020, the official candidacy for UNESCO International Geopark status was submitted. After the evaluation visit by UNESCO specialists in September 2021, the final decision arrived in April 2022: Ținutul Buzăului became the second UNESCO Geopark in Romania, after Țara Hațegului. This status brings worldwide recognition and obliges the maintenance of quality standards, protection, and sustainable development.
Subcarpathian Landscape
The area is part of the Curbură Subcarpathians, at the junction between the Buzău Hills and the Buzău Mountains, traversed by the Buzău River and its tributaries. The relief is varied, with elevations exceeding 1,000 meters at the peaks of Ivănețu and Breazău, as well as low depressions where larger villages and hamlets are located. This geomorphological diversity creates a spectacular landscape, featuring:
- Forested Hills and Alpine Meadows
- Salt Plateaus (Meledic, Lunca Slănicului)
- Cone and Small Mud Volcanoes, unique geological reserves
- Ravines and Gorges carved into gypsum and marl.
Due to its geographical position at the crossroads of three historical provinces (Muntenia, Moldova, and Transylvania), Ținutul Buzăului also boasts a unique cultural diversity, reflected in customs, gastronomy, and traditional costumes.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS OF THE GEOPARK Buzău Land
Focurile Vii (Lopătari)
One of the most popular natural phenomena in the area is represented by Focurile Vii (Living Fires), near the village of Terca (Lopătari Commune). Here, natural gases (mainly methane) emerge to the surface through cracks in the earth’s crust and ignite, forming small flames that burn continuously. The ascent to the Living Fires area is a mini-adventure that offers a spectacular panorama over the surrounding valleys and forests. The phenomenon has given rise to numerous legends and popular beliefs, with locals attributing it magical and protective powers.
Mud Volcanoes
The Mud Volcanoes of Ținutul Buzăului are, practically, the geological signature of the area. The most well-known are located in Berca and Scorțoasa – Pâclele Mari and Pâclele Mici –, but the phenomenon of mud volcanoes can also be observed in Beciu and Policiori. They emit small eruptions of mud, sometimes accompanied by gas bubbles, and form cones of various sizes, which dry up and acquire the appearance of lunar landscapes. It is a unique place in Europe where you can see the ground “boiling” beneath your feet without exposing yourself to any danger.
Prehistoric Volcano Ash
In many points of the geopark, sedimentary formations preserve the petrified ash of prehistoric volcanoes, which erupted more than 10 million years ago. This ash, rich in volcanic glass particles and crystals, was carried by the wind over huge distances, and in Ținutul Buzăului it remained as an important geological testimony. Depending on the composition, you can see shades of white, green, gray, or even pink, and researchers are still studying the exact origin of these volcanic particles.
Trovanții (Ulmet)
Trovanții, also known as “Babe” or “Moși”, are mysterious geological formations made of cemented sand. In Ulmet (Bozioru Commune), but also in other areas of the geopark, Trovanții appear in bizarre forms: spheres, ellipsoids, cylinders. Locals have attributed fantastic stories to them, believing they are petrified beings or hosts of spirits. Geologically, Trovanții were formed as a result of sedimentation and erosion processes that took place in a prehistoric delta.
Salt Massifs (Meledic Plateau)
The Meledic Plateau and its surroundings (Mânzălești, Lopătari, Bisoca) hide impressive salt deposits, with some specialists claiming they are among the largest in Europe. Over time, the dissolution of salt has created spectacular relief forms: dolines, caves, salt lakes. An example of such a lake is Lacul Mare on the Meledic Plateau, with fresh water over a salt bottom, a fascinating geological anomaly. In the area, you can admire salt stalactites, salty springs, and formations shaped by nature in surprising ways.
Amber of Colți
Amber, fossilized resin from prehistoric trees, is a true treasure of Ținutul Buzăului. In Colți Commune, there have been at least 13 small mines where amber was extracted, including the red variety called rumanit, very rare and appreciated worldwide. The Colți Amber Museum displays samples in various colors (yellow, black, green, orange, red) and preserves the stories of those who, for generations, have searched for the “yellow gold” in these places.
Rupestrian Settlements/ Cave Churches
If you are attracted to mysterious history, you will like the rupestrian settlements in the Aluniș-Bozioru-Colți-Brăești area. Dug directly into the rock, many of them appear to have been inhabited in late antiquity, either by secluded communities or by monks seeking mountain tranquility. On the stone walls, there are inscriptions in Cyrillic alphabet, undeciphered signs, and rudimentary paintings. Places like Agatonul Nou or Piatra Îngăurită impress with archaic architecture and the wild landscape around them.
Bottom of a Prehistoric Sea
Millions of years ago, the territory of Ținutul Buzăului was underwater, forming the bottom of a sea (Paratethys). The retreat and uplift of the relief left behind marine deposits, limestone with fossils of mollusks, shells, and corals. In areas like Valea Slănicului, Niculești, and Vintilă Vodă, you can find traces of fossilized marine creatures, indicating that the place was once an extensive abyssal plain.
Traces of Glacial Eras
The last three major glacial eras, which ended approximately 12,000 years ago, also left their marks on the relief of Ținutul Buzăului: glacial valleys, stone blocks carved by glaciers and abandoned in seemingly unexpected places, as well as lakes formed from melting ice. In some points, trenches and eroded cliffs have been identified in the rocks, which locals call “the traces of giants”, fueling new legends about ancient fabulous creatures.
Rural Landscape and Wild Nature
A large part of the geopark’s charm derives from the authentic rural landscape and the abundance of wild nature. Isolated villages, orchards, meadows, and forests shelter rich biodiversity (wolves, bears, lynxes, various species of birds and reptiles). At every step, you will meet people who still preserve traditional rhythms of life, cultivating the land and raising animals in harmony with the surrounding environment.
LOCAL CULTURE, TRADITIONS, AND MUSEUMS
Customs and Legends
Over the centuries, the unusual natural phenomena in the area (living fires, mud volcanoes, Trovanți) have generated countless stories and legends about dragons, giants, buried treasures, and mysterious spirits. Thus, Ținutul Buzăului has earned the reputation of being the “land of stories”, where geological reality and popular imagination merge.
Museums in the Geopark
To get an overview of the Geopark before embarking on exploration, you can visit the thematic collections and museums:
- Colți Amber Museum – hosts a variety of amber samples and stories about traditional mining.
- “Time of Man” Collection (Mânzălești) – arranged in a former traditional house, illustrates the lives of locals in relation to salt, wood, and stone.
- “7 Story Places” (Lopătari) – focuses on the legends and fantastic stories of Ținutul Buzăului, from dragons to protective spirits.
- “Museum of Forms” (Bozioru) – dedicated to the Trovanți of Ulmet, describes how these strange geological formations appeared and their cultural significance.
- “House of Time” (Valea Salciei) – reconstructs the lifestyle of families in the hilly area and preserves household objects, traditional costumes, church books, and traditional tools.
HOW TO GET TO AND TRAVEL IN ȚINUTUL BUZĂULUI
Road Access
- From Brașov: via DN10 (Brașov – Buzău), following the Buzău Valley and stopping at Vernești, Cândești, Berca, up to Pătârlagele. From here, county roads branch out along the Slănicului, Sibiciului, and Bălănesei valleys.
- From Bucharest: via DN2/E85, or new highway A7 up to Buzău; from Buzău, proceed either via DN10 or via secondary county roads (towards Beceni, Lopătari, Valea Salciei).
Railway Access
The 504 Buzău – Nehoiașu train line traverses the county along the Buzău River, having stations and stops (Berca, Unguriu, Viperești, Pătârlagele, etc.). From the stations, you can continue your journey with local buses, taxis, or rented cars.
Tourist Infrastructure
- Accommodation: Mainly in guesthouses and inns in communes like Lopătari, Mânzălești, Colți, Berca, but also with locals who offer their rooms.
- Communal and Forest Roads: A relatively dense network of communal and forest roads connects the villages, though some sections may be difficult to traverse during rainy periods or winter.
- Guiding and Information Centers: Tourist information centers exist in Berca, Bozioru, Lopătari, and Mânzălești. Some guesthouses and local NGOs offer on-site guiding services for larger groups.
Recommended Visit Period
The Geopark can be visited in any season, but spring and autumn are ideal for hiking (mild temperatures, spectacular colors). Winter access can be hindered by snow and impassable roads. In summer, sunny days allow for self-guided explorations, but strong sun should be avoided during midday, especially in sunless areas (such as Mud Volcanoes).
CONCLUSIONS AND PERSPECTIVES
Ținutul Buzăului represents a space where nature and culture are closely intertwined, offering tourists the chance to discover rare geological phenomena, ancestral traditions, and authentic rural communities. The status of UNESCO International Geopark ensures:
- Increased visibility of the area on an international level;
- Protection of natural and cultural resources;
- Promotion of responsible tourism;
- Access to global research and collaboration networks.
From mud volcanoes to mysterious rupestrian settlements, every corner of the geopark has a story to tell. Visitors can combine adventure with relaxation, taste local cuisine (Pleșcoi sausages, burduf cheese, plum țuică), and meet people whose hospitality surpasses all expectations. All this under the banner of sustainable development, aimed at preserving the authenticity of places and ensuring a prosperous future for the communities in the heart of the Curbură Subcarpathians.
Additional Resources and Practical Information
- Official Geopark Website: tinutulbuzaului.org – offers detailed maps, trail suggestions, and accommodation information.
- Tourist Information Centers in Berca, Bozioru, Lopătari, and Mânzălești – for brochures, local guides, and consultancy.
- Transportation: CFR Line 504 Buzău – Nehoiașu, DN10 (Brașov – Buzău), DN2/E85 (Bucharest – Suceava), plus county roads leading into mountain villages.
- Recommendations: Hiking equipment (appropriate footwear, raincoat), respecting nature and local communities, avoiding risky explorations in wild areas without a qualified guide.
Therefore, the UNESCO Geopark “Ținutul Buzăului” invites you to immerse yourself in a world where geological past and millennial traditions form the basis of an authentic and memorable experience. Whether you are passionate about Earth sciences, history, or simply seeking a vacation away from the hustle and bustle of cities, here you will find a land to explore, a warm community, and landscapes that will stay in your heart for a long time.