Bucegi Sphinx
FAQFrequently asked questions
What is this Sphinx and why is it called that?
This is a natural rock in the Romanian mountains of Buceđi, which was carved by wind, rain and frost in such a way that at a certain angle it resembles a head. The nickname "Sphinx" stuck as early as 1936 - due to the similarity with the Egyptian counterpart from Giza, although the first photo was taken around 1900.
At what height does it stand and what are its dimensions?
The rock sits at an altitude of 2,216 meters, part of the Babele rock complex. The "head" itself is about 8 meters high and 12 meters wide - quite a small stone.
When is the profile best viewed?
The clearest silhouette is caught on November 21 at sunset, when the light falls at the right angle. On any other day, everything is also not bad, just without this ideal effect.
What else to see nearby?
A few steps away - the rocks of Babele ("Babs"), whimsical stone mushrooms, which, together with the Sphinx, are part of the Seven Natural Wonders of Romania. It is logical to examine everything in one step.
Where did this rock come from?
This is the remnant of a once solid layer of sandstone and conglomerate that covered the Bucheji Plateau. For hundreds of thousands of years, glacial cycles, freeze-thaw cycles, and wind eroded the rock until this head-shaped core remained.
