Brusturet Gorges: An Oasis of Relaxation and Adventure

The karst landscape of Brusturet Gorges and the wild beauty of nature give this place a special charm. The entire area is remarkably scenic and offers plenty of ways to spend a pleasant and fulfilling vacation.

Here, you can:

• Explore spectacular caves
• Hike on trails of varying difficulty levels
• Observe wildlife, birds, and plants
• Pick wild berries
• Go fishing
• Visit sheepfolds and local households to enjoy traditional dishes
• Learn horseback riding or take a ride on horseback, by cart, or in a horse-drawn sleigh
• Enjoy winter sports and more.

Below, you’ll find our recommendations for a rewarding trip.

About Brusturet Gorges

Brusturet Gorges are part of the vast natural gorge complex in Piatra Craiului National Park, alongside Dâmbovicioara Gorges, Dâmbovița Gorges, and Zărnești Gorges. Compared to these other three major gorges in the area, Brusturet is narrower, with lower rock walls and lush vegetation, making it particularly appealing during hot summer days.

Carved into the rock by the Dâmbovicioara River, the gorge stretches over just two kilometers and consists of three sections: Cheia Lungă (the Long Gorge), Cheia Strâmtă (the Narrow Gorge), and Cheița (the Small Gorge). The route is accessible year-round, remains uncrowded, and offers plenty of pleasant surprises along the way.

How to Get to Brusturet Gorges

Brusturet Gorges are located in Argeș County, and the trail through the gorge follows a road that starts a short distance from Dâmbovicioara Cave.

From Bran to the entrance of Brusturet Gorges, the route covers approximately 30 kilometers, passing through Moieciu – Fundata – Podu Dâmboviței – Dâmbovicioara – Dâmbovicioara Cave.

From Dâmbovicioara Cave, a paved road leads through Brusturet Gorges all the way to Brusturet Chalet and the entrance to Piatra Craiului National Park.

Things to Do in Brusturet Gorges

Although the road through Brusturet Gorges is paved and easy to drive, we recommend walking to fully enjoy the natural beauty along the route and in the surrounding area. You can step off the main path to explore forest trails and pick wild berries.

The journey starts at Dâmbovicioara Cave, so take the opportunity to visit it. As you enter Brusturet Gorges, you’ll come across Izvoarele din Plai – a cluster of water streams cascading from a rock in Valea Rea hamlet, where the Dâmbovicioara River meets Valea Peșterii. The rock from which the springs emerge is actually the wall of an inaccessible cave, whose entrance is blocked by a water reservoir fed by an underground river.

Further along the gorge, you will see Peștera Dracilor (The Devils’ Cave), also known as Gaura Brusturetului. This cave opens at the base of tall cliffs, near the confluence of Brusturet Valley and Valea Muierii.

One of the most spectacular spots in Brusturet Gorges is La Gâlgoaie, where a roaring water jet bubbles at the base of a water collection system. This is actually a karst spring, intermittently fed by what geologists call a siphon—a water reservoir in a karst cavity. When the siphon fills up, water bursts out, then gradually decreases and stops until the cavity refills.

At the end of the gorges, you will reach Poiana Brusturetului, a breathtaking meadow at the confluence of Valea cu Apă and Valea Seacă a Pietrelor. Here, you’ll find Brusturet Chalet, a great starting point for further hikes. One of the trails, marked with a yellow stripe, leads to the beautiful mountain village of Ciocanu.

Necessary Equipment

To hike through Brusturet Gorges, from Dâmbovicioara Cave to Brusturet Chalet, you don’t need any special gear—just sturdy, non-slip footwear and comfortable hiking clothes.

As you know, mountain weather can be unpredictable, so bring rain gear and something warm, especially if you plan to venture onto the trails leading to the ridges or explore the caves along the way.

You’ll find water, soft drinks, and snacks both near Dâmbovicioara Cave and at the chalet at the end of the trail, so there’s no need to carry too much. However, please bring a plastic bag for your empty wrappers and other waste and dispose of it in the designated bins.

There’s a chance you might encounter wild animals along the way. Do not feed them, do not approach them, and if you happen to see a bear (which is unlikely), use a whistle to scare it away.

Hiking Trails in Piatra Craiului National Park

Piatra Craiului National Park is vast and crisscrossed by numerous scenic hiking trails. The park’s official website has a dedicated section listing all of them, categorized by difficulty level.

Here are two easy and short routes that we recommend for their beauty and accessibility:

Șirnea – Curmătura Groapelor

• Duration: About 1 hour uphill (after leaving Șirnea village) and 30 minutes downhill
• Difficulty: Easy

Why go? Șirnea is a picturesque village with many interesting attractions, which we will detail later.

Dâmbovicioara Gorges – Dâmbovicioara Trout Farm – Zanvele – Dealul Sasului (Saxon’s Hill)

• Duration: About 1 hour
• Difficulty: Easy

Why go? Along the way, you can spot the beauty’s girdle (Dianthus callizonus), a rare flower species found only in this region. On Dealul Sasului (Saxon’s Hill), you can visit Oratia Fortress, which we will describe below.

Other Places to Visit in the Area

As we mentioned, this area is rich in natural and cultural attractions. Here are just a few, but rest assured, you’ll discover many more along the way or by talking to the locals—you’re in for plenty of pleasant surprises!

• Dâmbovicioara Gorges
• Dâmbovicioara Cave
• Izvoarele din Plai natural springs
• Curmătura Groapelor
• The Zărnești Gorges (Prăpăstiile Zărneștilor)
• Peștera Urșilor (Bears’ Cave, or Peștera Colțul Surpat)
• Podu Dâmboviței Village
• The Mountain Villages of Șirnea and Ciocanu
• Oratia Fortress
• DeȘirnea Experience Leisure Center

We’ll tell you about each of them in the following sections.

Dâmbovicioara Gorges

Dâmbovicioara Gorges is a picturesque canyon located between the villages of Podu Dâmboviței and Dâmbovicioara.

From Bran to Podu Dâmboviței, the drive takes approximately 45 minutes via DN73/E574, covering 29.4 km. The scenic route offers diverse landscapes as it passes through the Rucăr-Bran corridor.

Dâmbovicioara Gorges are spectacular and highly popular among nature lovers. The road winding through the gorge is flanked by near-vertical rock walls, reaching up to 200 meters high, and is bordered in places by a crystal-clear stream. The area is dotted with over 50 caves and grottos, the most famous being Dâmbovicioara Cave, Labyrinth Cave, and the Cave at the Gorge Entrance.

Dâmbovicioara Cave

Dâmbovicioara Cave is located about one kilometer from Dâmbovicioara village, right next to the road that runs through Dâmbovicioara Gorges.

The cave has a total length of 555 meters, with 250 meters open to visitors on a designated route. Inside, it features a main gallery with several branches, and in one of the chambers, you can see the bones of Ursus spelaeus (the cave bear, a long-extinct species), discovered here.

The cave’s colorful lighting highlights the towers, stalactites, stalagmites, and other spectacular formations.

The Dâmbovicioara stream, which originally carved these wonders into the rock, has since changed course and now flows outside, making the cave moderately humid. The temperature inside stays between 10-12°C, so it’s best to bring warm clothing, even during hot summer days.

Visits are only allowed with a guide, and the tour lasts about 20 minutes.

Izvoarele din Plai natural springs

The trail that runs through Brusturet Gorges passes through Valea Rea hamlet, where the waters of Valea Peșterii meet those of the Dâmbovicioara River. Right by the roadside, you can see Izvoarele din Plai, a cluster of springs cascading down in small waterfalls.

The springs emerge from the walls of a cave that cannot be visited, as its entrance is blocked by a siphon (a water reservoir fed by an underground river). The opening measures only 25 centimeters in height, making it impossible to enter.

During a dry year, when the water level in the siphon dropped, a team of speleologists managed to squeeze through and crawl their way about 50 meters past the cave’s entrance. Their efforts were rewarded with an astonishing discovery: they had entered a vaulted chamber with walls as white as snow, richly adorned not only with stalactites and stalagmites but also with columns, cave pearls, and other rare formations seldom found in the caves of Piatra Craiului Mountains.

Curmătura Groapelor

If you visit Șirnea village (which we’ll tell you more about below), it’s worth taking a short trip to Curmătura Groapelor. This is a wide and picturesque mountain saddle located at 1,389 meters altitude, and getting there takes just one hour on the red triangle-marked trail starting from the village.

The route is easily accessible in any season and poses no significant difficulties. The landscape is dominated by beech, birch, hornbeam, ash, elm, and maple trees, which create a beautiful contrast with the spruce, fir, and larch conifers. The area is home to lynxes, martens, squirrels, wolves, and bears, and if you look towards the Piatra Craiului ridges, you might even spot a chamois. Although encountering a wolf or a bear on this trail is unlikely, we recommend staying on the marked path and carrying a whistle to deter any wildlife if needed.

The Zărnești Gorges (Prăpăstiile Zărneștilor)

The Zărnești Gorges (also known as Prăpăstiile Zărneștilor or Valea Prăpăstiilor) are a breathtaking canyon and a protected natural area, part of Piatra Craiului National Park.

To get there, we recommend starting from Zărnești, following Râului Street, and taking the marked trail towards Valea Prăpăstiilor.

The 5-kilometer-long trail running along Zărnești Gorges is almost flat and easy to hike in any season. The scenery is absolutely stunning—the towering rock walls flanking the road reach up to 200 meters in height, while the lush vegetation completes the dreamlike landscape.

Over time, water eroded the sedimentary rock, forming a cave whose ceiling eventually collapsed, giving birth to the Zărnești Gorges. The actual gorge section stretches for 2 kilometers. It’s well worth taking a short trip to admire the wonders shaped by nature’s forces, and if you’re lucky, you might spot chamois perched on the rocky peaks.

Bears’ Cave (Colțul Surpat Cave)

There are three caves in Romania named Bears’ Cave, and this is one of them. It is also known as Colțul Surpat Cave, a name that helps avoid confusion.

Bears’ Cave (Colțul Surpat Cave) is located in Dâmbovicioara Gorges, 2 kilometers from Podu Dâmboviței village. Access is via a set of steps leading up from the roadside.

Upon entering, you step into the Large Hall, from which two corridors extend: the Trench Gallery and the Sand Gallery.

The water that once carved through the rock was a tributary of the Dâmbovița River but has long since disappeared. Today, the cave has moderate humidity and is easy to explore—just bring a flashlight and wear hiking gear, along with a warm layer to protect against the cool interior.

The name Bears’ Cave comes from the remains of Ursus spelaeus (the cave bear, an extinct species) that were discovered inside in 1951.

Podu Dâmboviței Village

Podu Dâmboviței (Dâmboviței Bridge) village gets its name from the wooden bridge that once stood here, providing passage between Pitești and Brașov. The village is part of Dâmbovicioara commune and lies along the Rucăr-Bran corridor, at the foot of the Iezer-Păpușa Mountains, where the Bucegi and Leaota Mountains intersect.

This place will surprise you with its breathtaking landscapes, rich folk traditions, and especially the collection of statues at the village entrance—part of a cultural project initiated decades ago by playwright Paul Everac.

For an authentic culinary experience, visit Podu Dâmboviței in September, when the Răvășitul Oilor festival takes place. This centuries-old pastoral tradition is preserved in several villages across Țara Bârsei—we’ve described here how it is celebrated in Bran. The festival gives you the chance to taste fresh cheese, pastrami, and other traditional products, brought down from the mountains along with the sheep and distributed to their rightful owners by the shepherds who cared for them over the summer. As you wander among the stalls filled with local delicacies, you’ll hear shepherd songs, old ballads, and wise sayings passed down through generations. You might even see locals dancing their traditional round dance—and if you want to join in, you’ll be more than welcome.

The Mountain Villages of Șirnea and Ciocanu

Until the Great Union of 1918, the border between Romania and Austria-Hungary ran between the villages of Șirnea and Ciocanu. The Giuvala Customs Post was the border crossing point, and fierce battles took place here during World War I. The trenches, defensive walls, and machine gun nests, whose ruins can still be seen today around these two villages as well as in Fundata and Podu Dâmboviței, stand as witnesses to the past.

In 1916, this was the site of the first battles for the Union, and Lieutenant Colonel Gheorghe Poenaru-Bordea, who fell in combat here, is considered the first Romanian soldier to have sacrificed his life for the unification of Transylvania with Romania.

Today, just like in the past, Șirnea (Fundata commune, Brașov County) belongs to Transylvania, while Ciocanu (Dâmbovicioara commune, Argeș County) is part of Muntenia.

Of the two villages, Șirnea is the most well-known, having been designated a tourist village in 1973 as part of a Ceaușescu-era tourism experiment. At that time, the number of foreign tourists allowed in Romania was very limited, but after 1989, Șirnea quickly caught up, developing its tourism infrastructure and seeing an increase in guesthouses across the area. Like other mountain villages in the region, Șirnea was fortunate to escape forced collectivization.

Today, Șirnea is a charming village with idyllic scenery, where locals proudly preserve and showcase their cultural heritage. You can visit the Nicolae Frunteș Ethnographic Museum, stop by local households that serve traditional dishes, or head to the sheepfolds to taste authentic shepherd meals—the bulz (polenta dumplings filled with cheese) is a must-try! You can also participate in activities at DeȘirnea Experience, which we will describe below.

The mountain village of Ciocanu is just as blessed with stunning landscapes as Șirnea and also escaped communist collectivization. Less known among tourists, Ciocanu has managed to preserve its traditional architecture to a greater extent. The old wooden houses, built with masterful craftsmanship, are true gems. In contrast, the glamping tents at Ursa Mică offer modern comfort while still allowing visitors to experience the natural beauty of the area.

Oratia Fortress

Oratia Fortress (also known as Orația or Oratea) stands on Dealul Sasului (Saxon’s Hill), 1.5 kilometers from Podu Dâmboviței village (Dâmbovicioara commune) and about 300 meters east of the DN73 Câmpulung – Brașov road.

This is the oldest fortress in Argeș County. Its walls, likely built in the 13th century, are now in ruins. The fortress had its golden age when it served as a customs post on the border between Wallachia and Transylvania. Inside, you can still see the wheel and horseshoe marks left by merchants and travelers of past centuries.

Initially, it was called The German’s Fortress (Cetatea Neamțului, like the one in Moldova), then Piatra Craiului Castle, later Dâmbovița Fortress, and finally, it was renamed Oratia, after the valley at the foot of the hill.

The best vantage point to admire the fortress from a distance is the parking lot near Valea Sasului Guesthouse. However, if you climb to the top of the hill, you’ll not only see the historical ruins up close but also enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes.

DeȘirnea Experience – Equestrian and Leisure Center

If you’re planning a trip to the area, you might want to set aside a few hours or even days for the activities organized by DeȘirnea Experience.

The center offers a wide range of services, which we’ve grouped into different categories based on interests.

For horse lovers:

• Horseback riding lessons and other equestrian activities
• Horseback, cart, or horse-drawn sleigh rides
• Hippotherapy

For sports and adventure enthusiasts:

• Hiking on trails of various lengths and difficulty levels
• Cycling routes (the center offers rentals for classic and electric bikes, mountain bikes, and e-mountain bikes)
• Archery
• Off-road excursions in 4×4 vehicles
• Slacklining

For nature and outdoor lovers:

• Birdwatching (from a specially built observatory or while hiking)
• Visiting trout whirlpools
• Photography and wilderness camps
• Kite flying

For those interested in local traditions, including culinary heritage:

• Guided tours of local households and sheepfolds, including tastings of authentic products
• Participation in village activities and community events.

Where to Stay? Choose Transylvanian Inn for Fairytale Scenery, Complete Comfort, and Unforgettable Culinary Experiences!

If you and your friends want to visit Brusturet Gorges and/or the stunning sights in the area, Transylvanian Inn in Predeluț (Bran commune) is the perfect place to set up your base camp.

Its location is a major advantage—from here, it’s about 31 km to the entrance of Brusturet Gorges via the Moieciu – Fundata – Podu Dâmboviței – Dâmbovicioara – Dâmbovicioara Cave route. You can also drive further to Brusturet Chalet, at the end of the gorges. Along the way, you can stop to admire the natural wonders, and if you’d like a picnic, just let the villa staff know in advance—they’ll prepare a delicious meal pack for you!

The beautifully decorated rooms are warm and welcoming, each with a balcony offering breathtaking views of Bran Castle, Râșnov Fortress, and the Bucegi and Piatra Craiului Mountains. The comfortable beds, fresh air, and peaceful countryside atmosphere will give you the kind of restful sleep you rarely experience.

At Transylvanian Inn, breakfast is included. After enjoying a varied selection of homemade treats and fresh coffee, you’ll be ready to set out on your adventures full of energy.

The restaurant is renowned for its delicious meals made with local ingredients and features a terrace with spectacular views. If you prefer a vegetarian, gluten-free, or sugar-free menu, or have any other dietary requests, just let the staff know in advance.

Take time to soak in the incredible views from the villa. Unwind on the restaurant terrace, in the garden, or in The Elevated Library, where panoramic views complete the experience.

For details and reservations, visit https://transylvanianinn.ro/en/.