Berca Mud Volcanoes

If you want to see a somewhat different natural phenomenon, then the Berca Mud Volcanoes are just the thing for you! The mud volcanoes are located in the Romanian commune of Berca in Buzău County, about 130 km north of Bucharest. Since 1924, the roughly 30 square kilometer crater landscape has been a nature reserve.

What makes the volcanoes so special?

Instead of hot lava, these volcanoes spew cold mud. The so-called mud volcanoes grow to between three and eight meters high and form through small gas eruptions. A mixture of clay soils and groundwater is carried to the surface from depths of up to 3,000 meters.

Thanks to the absence of heat, hiking through the crater landscape is a very special experience. The so-called cold volcanism can be observed particularly well around Pâclele Mari and Pâclele Mici, where an especially large number of mud volcanoes are found.

The landscape seems almost surreal and is more reminiscent of another planet. The barren, desert-like atmosphere, the mud flows, and above all the bubbling volcanoes create an impressive natural spectacle.

Flora and Fauna

Flora

Some special plant species occur in the geological and botanical nature reserve of Berca. The unusual soil conditions allow the growth of specialized plants that are otherwise hardly found in Romania, such as Nitrariaceae or Atriplex verrucifera. The salty and sulfurous soils, as well as the nutrient-poor subsoil, allow only sparse vegetation — yet unique plant species can still be found here.

Fauna

The area around the mud volcanoes is home mainly to small animals, insects, and various bird species. Observed species include the barred warbler, alpine accentor, penduline tit, isabelline wheatear, and bee-eater. The special plants provide food, while the uneven landscape offers protection from predators.

The Berca Mud Volcanoes are an impressive example of how even unusual geological formations can serve as habitat for a diverse range of wildlife.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Berca is between April and October. During these months, pleasant temperatures prevail. In July and August it can get as warm as 32 °C, while temperatures otherwise usually hover around 20 degrees.

Notes

Visiting the mud volcanoes is only recommended for physically fit individuals, as there are no paved paths and the terrain is very uneven. The visit is not suitable for people with severe physical limitations or wheelchair users.

Please do not leave any litter and treat nature with respect.

The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Trip

The Berca Mud Volcanoes are an extraordinary excursion destination with impressive photo spots and a unique landscape. We wish you a pleasant trip to Romania and lots of fun on your exploration tour. Please inform yourself in advance about the toll regulations in Romania. You can find more information on the toll in our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to optimally plan your trip. If you have any questions, we are available at any time via email.