Howling Waterfall (Cascada Urlatoarea)

The Basics

The Howling Waterfall takes its name from the loud sound of the water crashing on the rocks—and a local story of a woman who cried endlessly, or, in one version of the story, died on the rocks here. The waterfall’s close proximity to Brașov makes it a great choice for a day trip.

Some tours include a visit to the falls along with stops at other nearby highlights, such as Peleș Castle or Harman and Prejmer’s fortified churches. If you’re after a more intensive work out, continue on to Urlatoarea Mare and Urlatoarea Mica, situated a little higher up on the mountainside, or the Babele rock formations, which include the impressive Bucegi Sphinx.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Howling Waterfall hike takes about 1.5 hours to complete.

• Depending on conditions, the trails can be easy to moderately challenging.

• Don’t forget walking shoes, water, and a warm jacket.

• Be aware that wild bears live in this part of Romania, though encounters are rare.

• Picnic tables can be found near the waterfall.

How to Get There

The waterfall is only reachable by hiking up to its base from Bușteni or Poiana Tapului; the route is well marked from both towns. You can reach either town from Brașov by train, though it is much quicker to drive or book a tour that includes transportation.

When to Get There

Avoid visiting the waterfall during wet weather, as the steep trail can become unstable. Summer is the most popular time to visit, but if you’re an experienced hiker, you can enjoy a very different perspective on a winter walk—though be aware that the well-trodden path tends to be slippery at this time of year.

Bucegi Natural Park

The Howling Waterfall is located on the outer edge of Bucegi Natural Park, a roughly 81-acre (33-hectare) area that contains several protected reserves. Home to ski resorts, monasteries, memorials, and more, the park is well worth exploring at any time of year. Book a multi-day hiking tour or see all of the park’s best sights.