The Living Fires of Lopătari (Focul Viu din Lopătari ), sometimes also called the Eternal Flames of Lopătari are a natural phenomenon near the village of Terca, in the commune of Lopătari, Buzău County. Natural gases that come to the surface through cracks in the earth’s crust are ignited by sunlight, resulting in burning flames.
The Living Fires of Lopătari are a unique and somewhat mysterious phenomenon to observe, especially when it gets dark. The flames vary in height between 20 and 100 centimeters, based on the gas pressure, but burn continuously due to the constant flow of gas. In case a fire is extinguished, for example during heavy rain, you might see the water bubbling at the places where the gas comes out. The flames will eventually be reignited by the sun.
The area in which the living fires are located is part of the Buzău County Geopark, which also covers other natural heritage including the Living Fires of Andreiașu de Jos, the Berca Mud Volcanoes, salt mines, and prehistoric fossils.
The Legend Of The Living Fires
Apart from the scientific approach, there is also a local legend that explains the miraculous phenomenon of the living fires. According to the legend, there was a well with water that was so refreshing, that it could cure diseases with just one sip. There was however one problem because a dragon was roaming around the well. It had several heads with red eyes and was breathing out fire, scaring the villagers to death. One brave man decided to jump on his horse and fight the dragon. Their fight went on for two long days and nights until the man defeated the dragon by cutting off all its heads, but they continued to spit fire. So the explanation for the Living Fires is that the dragon’s heads are still breathing fire from underneath the ground.
How To Get To The Living Fires of Lopătari
The Living Fires of Lopătari are located on a hill next to the Slănic River, above the village of Terca. Due to the remote location, you’ll need your own transportation or book a guided tour to get there. Car rental is available in Buzău and other cities and airports in Romania.
To get there, the best road to follow is the county road DJ203K, which is paved until just after Lopătari. From there you need to continue for about 9 kilometers on a gravel road past the village of Terca until you see a wooden footbridge over the Slănic River. Do not attempt to get any further by car, as you need to cross the river! From the footbridge you can simply follow the signs ‘Focul Viu’ and after a 20-minute hike, you’ll reach the Living Fires.
