Mud Volcanoes & Growing Stones in Buzau: Small-Group Tour

Walk among cones of cold mud pushed up from three kilometers below the earth.

A full-day tour of Buzau County's mud volcanoes and strange growing stones with an English-speaking guide, air-conditioned transport, and bottled water. The mud volcanoes are relief formations created by natural gas rising from 3,000 meters underground, entraining clay that dries into cones once it reaches the surface. The growing stones are naturally cemented sand and marl arranged in perfect circles, formed millions of years ago in ancient seabeds. Pickup is included. The route is accessible to families, though it involves climbing a hillside.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore mud volcanoes and growing stones

• Visit mud volcanoes at Beciu-Scortoasa
• Learn about volcanic cone formation
• Hike to strange growing stones
• Discover legends and natural theories

The experience

If you've landed in Romania and have a free day, or you're staying in Buzau and want to see what makes the region geologically singular, this tour reaches two sites most visitors miss. The mud volcanoes in the Beciu–Scortoasa–Paclele–Berca area are the most famous in the country, and they exist nowhere else quite like this: natural gas from depths of 3,000 meters pushes groundwater and clay to the surface, where the mixture dries into volcanic cones. The predominant gas is not flammable, though a slightly pungent, sulphurous odor may appear. The whole area is bordered by the Buzau Valley to the south.

The second stop is the growing stones: accumulations of sand, sandstone and cemented marl arranged in nearly perfect circles, formed millions of years ago in ancient marine groundwater. Their regular shape, resembling enormous eggs or shells, is what strikes visitors first. The local consensus is that they grow every year, though geologists and legends offer competing explanations for how they came to be. The route involves climbing a hillside but is accessible to children, and the physical effort is moderate. You'll have an English-speaking guide, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, maps and photos throughout the day.

The tour runs 8 to 9 hours and includes pickup from your accommodation. If you want to extend the day, the operator can arrange a traditional Romanian dinner with wine tasting in the evening: Buzau is known for both.

What’s included

• Air-conditioned vehicle with pickup from your hotel.
• English-speaking guide for the full day.
• bottled water, coffee and tea.
• maps and photos of both sites.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 07:00

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Terra Voyage

Is this one for you?Pickup is included, so you don't need a car or local knowledge to reach these remote geological sites: the tour settles the logistics for anyone staying in Buzau or arriving without transport.

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What exactly are the mud volcanoes in Buzau, and how did they form?

The mud volcanoes are relief formations created when natural gas rises from depths of 3,000 meters underground. As the gas travels toward the surface, it entrains groundwater and clay from the soil. Once the mixture reaches the surface, the clay dries and hardens into volcanic cones. The gas itself is cold and not flammable, though it may produce a slightly pungent, sulphurous smell.

Are the growing stones really moving, and do they actually grow each year?

The growing stones are naturally cemented accumulations of sand, sandstone and marl that formed millions of years ago in ancient seabeds. Their perfectly round or oval shapes resemble enormous eggs or shells. Local opinion holds that they grow every year, and many legends surround them, though geologists continue to discuss the exact process of their formation and how they reached their current location.

How physically demanding is this tour, and can children do it?

The tour involves climbing a hillside, but the physical effort is not big and the route is accessible to children. Children benefit from reduced visiting rates, and their curiosity about the geological formations will be fully satisfied by the guide's explanations on site.

Does the tour include meals, or can I add dinner and wine tasting?

The tour includes bottled water, coffee and tea. A traditional Romanian dinner accompanied by wine tasting can be added if you wish: Buzau is famous for its food and wines.

What's included in the price, and how do I get picked up?

Pickup from your accommodation is included, along with an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, bottled water, maps and photos for the full 8 to 9 hours.