Omu Peak, the roof of the Bucegi: trails and tips from Dracula Land

For mountain lovers, the ultimate excursion in the area is Omu Peak, the highest peak of the Bucegi mountains, at 2,505 metres. Up on the ridge an old hut, a weather station and a view that takes in half the country on clear days await you. The most convenient starting point, Busteni, is about 106 kilometres from Gherghita.

A short history

Omu Peak has always been a landmark for shepherds and hikers in the Bucegi. A shelter for hikers was built on the summit as early as the end of the 19th century, and today's Omu Hut is one of the highest mountain huts in Romania.

The Omu weather station, one of the highest in the country, also operates here. For decades it has measured the harsh weather on the ridge: strong winds, snow for many months of the year and low temperatures even in summer.

Routes to the top

The peak is climbed on foot, on marked trails. These are the best known:

From Babele: take the cable car from Busteni up to Babele, then walk across the Bucegi plateau for about 2–3 hours to the summit. This is the most accessible option, suitable for hikers of average fitness.
From Busteni via Valea Cerbului: a long and beautiful trail of several hours, climbing through glacial valleys to just below the summit. It takes a full day and requires hiking experience.
From Bran via Valea Malaiestilor: a classic route from the northern side of the massif, with a stop at the Malaiesti Hut.

Walking times are approximate; check the trail markings and up-to-date maps before you set off.

What you see from up there

A panorama of the Bucegi, with the surrounding peaks and valleys
On clear days, Piatra Craiului, the Fagaras mountains and the Barsa Depression
Babele and the Sphinx, if you come up from the cable car

Safety tips

Climb only in the warm season and in good weather. In winter the Bucegi are dangerous: avalanches, fog and blizzards.
Set off early in the morning, so you have time to get down before the afternoon storms that are common in summer.
Take water, food, warm clothes, a waterproof jacket and mountain boots.
Tell someone which trail you are taking. In an emergency call 112.

How to get there from Dracula Land

From Gherghita to Busteni it is about 106 km, around an hour and 45 minutes: the A3 to Ploiesti, then the DN1 up the Prahova Valley. If you want to climb Omu in a single day, leave very early: the drive to Busteni, the cable car and the trail take a whole day.

When to go

The best time to climb Omu is usually July to September, when the snow has melted from the trails and the days are long. Even then the weather can change within hours: clear mornings can be followed by thick fog or afternoon storms. June and October can still bring snow and ice on shaded sections. In winter the climb is only for experienced mountaineers with full equipment.

One-day itinerary: Babele – Omu

07:00 – leave Gherghita for Busteni
08:45 – cable car up to Babele
09:15 – set off on the marked trail to Omu Peak
11:30–12:00 – arrive at the summit, break at the hut
13:00 – walk back down to Babele on the same trail
15:30 – cable car down and a late lunch in Busteni
18:00 – back to your accommodation

Times are approximate and depend on your pace. Decide in advance on a time to turn back, even if you have not reached the summit.

What to pack

at least two litres of water per person and substantial food
layers: a technical T-shirt, a fleece, a wind and rain jacket, a hat and gloves
broken-in mountain boots, not trainers
a trail map, a charged phone and a power bank
a small first-aid kit and sun protection

Omu Hut

The hut on the summit is a simple mountain shelter, not a hotel. It usually offers a warm place, hot drinks and simple food, and in season you can stay the night. Conditions and opening periods can change from year to year, so ask in advance if you want to stay overnight.

Babele and the Sphinx, on the way to Omu

If you come up from the cable car, the first landmarks on the trail are Babele and the Sphinx, two of the best-known rock formations in Romania. They were sculpted over time by wind, rain and frost, which eroded the rock layers unevenly. Seen from a certain angle, the Sphinx looks like a human face, and many legends surround it. It is worth a short photo stop, either on the way up or on the way back, when the afternoon light brings out the shapes of the rocks.

Where to stay

A trip up Omu is a long day. In the evening, rest in quiet accommodation in the Dracula Land area: see accommodation in and around Gherghita.