Adrenaline and relaxation in the Buzău Mountains

Buzău County is an important landmark on the map of active tourism, attracting visitors from both Romania and abroad.

Daniel Onea, 16.07.2026, 14:00

Beyond the beauty of its mountain landscapes, the Nehoiu–Siriu area offers excellent opportunities for water sports.  Florin Ionuț Albu, adventure tourism specialist and administrator of Rafting Club Nehoiu, presents the region’s leisure offer, focused on rafting, stand-up paddle, and kayaking. He begins by explaining the main characteristics of rafting and detailing the strict safety measures implemented along the route: “Rafting involves descending mountain rivers in inflatable boats. These are routes with a high degree of difficulty, with significant altitude differences between the starting and finishing points, and many natural obstacles such as rocks. This is the ideal environment for rafting, complemented, of course, by an adequate water flow. On the Buzău River, rafting can be done every day thanks to the Siriu dam. It releases water to produce electricity, and we schedule our tours exactly during these discharges. This way, the activity can take place daily. Each boat, whether it has a capacity of five, six, seven, or eight people, is guided by an instructor. No one goes on the river without one. The activity is suitable for everyone, including beginners, people who cannot swim, children, or seniors. The procedure is clear: after gearing up, participants receive detailed instructions on land, followed by practical exercises on the water. During the descent, the guide coordinates the boat, and the tourists help by applying the commands learned during the briefing.”

Flexibility is a major advantage of these tourist programs, as the tours are constantly adapted to hydrological conditions. Although water sports are often associated with risk, the routes are intelligently adjusted to allow safe participation even for families with children, says Florin Ionuț Albu: “The schedule is set the evening before. Around 8 p.m., we contact the dam control center to find out the next day’s release schedule, and our tours are planned within those intervals. Departures can be in the morning or afternoon. There is one exception: if it rains, the natural flow increases, we no longer depend on the dam, and we can go rafting at any time. For example, today we had an ideal schedule, with one tour at 8 a.m. and another at 2 p.m. We recommend participation from the age of seven and up, but we’ve had younger children as well. For instance, the youngest participant was my son, at one year and six months old, who completed almost the entire tour. There is, however, a section rated grade 3 difficulty, called ‘The Washing Machine’. For safety reasons, children under 12 do not go through that part. In that area, we pick them up by car, descend with the boat only with adults, and then re-embark the children afterward.”

For tourists who prefer calmer activities, the still waters of Lake Siriu become the ideal place to test their balance on a Stand Up Paddle (SUP) board, a sport increasingly popular worldwide: “Stand Up Paddle involves using a large board, similar to a surfboard, on which you stand upright. You move using a paddle, alternating strokes on the left and right. The secret is finding your balance. At first, you can stay on your knees, and then gradually stand up. It’s normal to fall into the water during the first attempts – it’s like learning to ride a bicycle. A tour lasts up to three hours, enough time for anyone with minimal physical condition to learn to stand up. It’s an excellent way to exercise and discover new places. SUP and kayaking activities take place on Lake Siriu, from where you have a superb view of the mountains. Those who are more hesitant can simply splash around at first. All participants wear life jackets, so you are safe even if you cannot swim. In addition, the SUP board is attached to your leg with a special leash. If you fall, the board stays next to you. You pull the cord, climb back on, and continue. Falls happen only at the beginning, until you get used to balancing.”

In addition to the boards, the leisure base also offers classic navigation options, with modular choices perfect for group outings: “The kayaking schedule is just as flexible as the SUP one. Since we’re on the lake, we can organize outings at any time, as long as the weather is nice. We avoid rain or strong winds to ensure the tourists’ comfort. SUP and kayak outings can take place simultaneously. We have single, double, and triple kayaks, ideal for families. Participants can switch between them along the route, alternating between the kayak and the SUP board.”

Beyond the water facilities, the region hides numerous spectacular natural and cultural attractions meant to complete an active stay, emphasizes Florin Ionuț Albu, administrator of Rafting Club Nehoiu: “The Buzău area has a lot to offer. I recommend Lake Siriu, the Eagles’ Lake, Penteleu Peak for mountain hikes, the Mud Volcanoes, the Living Fire, the Măgura sculpture camp, and the rock settlements of Bozioru. Of all these, I would recommend the Eagles’ Lake without hesitation. It’s an approximately eight-hour round-trip hike on foot, although you can also reach it with an off-road vehicle or ATV if you have experience. The place is spectacular: alpine meadows, a lake, unique landscapes, pine and deciduous forests. It’s the kind of destination that truly represents us. Tourists are impressed, return year after year, and bring friends.”

To maintain tourist interest and diversify the experience, the administrators of the Nehoiu base are already preparing new attractions for the near future. The offer will be expanded with unique activities such as bubble soccer. This is an extremely safe and fun football game in which participants play inside inflatable spheres. A modern paintball field will also be set up. These constant investments confirm the growth potential of the Buzău mountain area, strengthening its status as a complete destination where the adrenaline of team sports blends perfectly with relaxation in the heart of nature. (EE)