The Eternal Flame and the Muddy Volcanoes

The Eternal Flame and the Muddy Volcanoes is a short, guided and vehicle-supported cycling break in the hills of Buzău county in Wallachia, built around two of Romania's rarest natural phenomena. Based in the village of Berca for all three nights, you unpack once and ride out each day on quiet asphalt roads, with Bike in Time's guides, support vehicles and full board taking care of everything else.

The first riding day heads to the muddy volcanoes near Beciu, a strange, almost lunar landscape where mud bubbles up through cones of grey clay as underground gases escape to the surface. The route visits both volcano areas and returns by a different road, with the option of an extra 25 km for those keen to ride further. The second day leads to the eternal flame, where natural gas seeping from the ground burns in a constant open fire. The route is short but climbs around 1,000 m, so good cycling fitness is needed, and riders can choose to ride the 45 km back or take the support vehicle.

The tour is designed with families in mind: children and non-cyclists can join the group at both sites using the assistance vehicles, making it a rare multi-generational cycling trip. Road or hybrid bikes and helmets are included, or you can bring your own. Days finish back in Berca with hearty local food, a farewell dinner on the final night and a transfer to Bucharest on departure day.

Highlights

• The bubbling muddy volcanoes near Beciu
• The eternal flame, fed by natural gas escaping from the ground
• A ~1,000 m climb through the Buzău hills
• Flexible distances with vehicle support and transfer options
• Family-friendly: children and non-riders join by support vehicle
• A single base in Berca with full board

Surface and terrain
Asphalt roads throughout. Rolling hills on Day 2, and around 1,000 m of climbing on the shorter but steeper Day 3 ride to the eternal flame.

Weather
The Buzău hills have hot summers (often 28-32°C), mild and pleasant spring and autumn, and cold winters. Spring and early autumn are the most comfortable times to ride.

Suitable for
Average to good cyclists comfortable on asphalt, with one day of around 1,000 m of climbing. Flexible distances (35-85 km a day) and vehicle support suit mixed-ability groups and families with children. The operator rates it Easy.