Azuga

Between Busteni and Predeal the Prahova Valley widens a little, and the Prahova river receives the waters of the Azuga stream. Here lies Azuga, a small, quiet town at the foot of the Bucegi and Baiu mountains. It is less crowded than its neighbours, but it has ski slopes that skiers love and a surprising industrial history. Azuga is about 112 kilometres from Gherghita.

A short history

Before it was called Azuga, the place was known as "Between the Prahovas". A document from 1815 mentions the Caciula Mare Inn here, also called the Inn Between the Prahovas, an important stop on the old road to Brasov. According to tradition, the inn was built around 1720 – 1725 and burned down several times. It was the first building in the area, on the site where the town's Orthodox church stands today.

Thanks to shepherding and the trade route, the settlement grew gradually. At the end of the 19th century, with the arrival of the railway, Azuga became a small industrial centre with factories known throughout the country: sparkling wines, beer and woollen broadcloth were produced here. The sparkling wine cellars of Azuga, founded at the end of the 19th century, are still one of the town's landmarks today.

What you can do here

• Ski on the Sorica and Cazacu slopes, shown in the photo above, with sections for different levels
• Visit the sparkling wine cellars, where you can learn about traditional production and do a tasting, usually by appointment
• Walk through the town, past old industrial buildings and period villas
• Hike on trails in the Baiu mountains, quieter than the Bucegi
• Cycle on the forest roads in the surrounding valleys

When to go and how much time to allow

Winter is the main season, when the slopes draw skiers from all over the country. In summer and autumn Azuga makes a pleasant stop for a walk, a tasting and an easy hike. For a visit outside the ski season allow a few hours; a ski day, of course, takes the whole day.

One-day itinerary (summer)

• 08:00 – leave Gherghita, via the A3 and DN1
• 09:45 – arrive in Azuga, a walk through the centre
• 10:30 – visit the sparkling wine cellars (by appointment)
• 12:00 – an easy hike on a marked trail in the Baiu mountains
• 14:00 – lunch in Azuga
• 15:30 – continue to Predeal or head back to Busteni for another stop
• 18:00 – drive back to Gherghita

With children

Azuga suits families who want to avoid the crowds of Sinaia or Busteni. In winter there are ski areas for beginners, and in summer children can enjoy short walks in nature. For the wine tasting, check whether visits are open to families with children.

At a glance

• Distance from Dracula Land: about 112 km, around an hour and 40 minutes
• How much time to allow: a few hours in summer, a full day for skiing
• Best time: winter for skiing; summer and autumn for hiking
• Suitable for: skiers, families, wine and history lovers
• What you will find: the Sorica and Cazacu slopes, sparkling wine cellars, a railway station

How to get there from Dracula Land

The distance from Gherghita to Azuga is about 112 km, around an hour and 40 minutes without traffic:

• the DJ100B and the A3 to Ploiesti
• then the DN1, through Campina, Comarnic, Sinaia and Busteni, to Azuga

Azuga has a station on the Ploiesti – Brasov line, with regular connections.

Practical tips

• In winter, check the road and slope conditions before you set off; the lift schedule depends on snow and weather.
• For tastings and cellar visits, call or write in advance: places may be limited.
• If you drink wine at the tasting, choose a driver who does not drink or go by train.

Combine the trip

Azuga is only a few kilometres from Busteni and Predeal, so you can easily include it in a day in the Prahova Valley. A good combination: Cantacuzino Castle in Busteni in the morning, lunch and a tasting in Azuga, then an evening walk in Predeal.

The Baiu mountains, the quiet neighbours of the Bucegi

On the eastern side of the Prahova Valley stretch the Baiu mountains, less well known than the Bucegi but very beautiful. They have rounded ridges covered in meadows and forests, and less crowded trails, good for long, quiet hikes. Several roads and paths lead from Azuga up to these ridges, which give you views of the Bucegi cliffs right opposite. Because they see fewer walkers, it is important to have a map and follow the trail markings.

Azuga in winter

In the cold season Azuga changes pace: the Sorica and Cazacu slopes fill with skiers, and the town becomes a lively winter resort. It is a good alternative to the busier slopes of Sinaia and Poiana Brasov, especially for families and intermediate skiers.

Where to stay

After a day in the Prahova Valley, rest in accommodation near Dracula Land, in and around Gherghita.