Detunata Peaks in the Apuseni Mountains

The Detunata Peaks of the Metaliferi Mountains, Detunata Goală and Detunata Flocoasă, are two spectacular nature reserves in the Apuseni Mountains.

Known for their impressive basalt column formations, they look like giant hexagonal and pentagonal pillars.

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The name detunată (“thundered”) comes from the deafening, thunder-like noise made when pieces of basalt break off and roll down. The sound is amplified by the echo in the area.

Location and access

The Detunata Peaks of Bucium are rock formations of volcanic origin, known for their spectacular basalt formations. This nature reserve in Alba County makes the Apuseni Mountains unique.

Detunata Goală

Detunata Goală: image posted on Flickr by paleo_bear

It is a geological nature reserve located in Alba County, near Bucium-Șasa, about 16 km from Abrud. Detunata Goală covers an area of 24 hectares, and its curved, bent columns stretch for about 600 meters, with heights ranging from 70 to 100 meters.

Detunata Flocoasă

It is the “sister” of Detunata Goală and owes its name to the spruce forest that covers it. It lies about 2 km from Detunata Goală and can be included in a sightseeing loop. Geologists have not been able to study it because access is blocked by vegetation and by its stone cover.

Road access to the Detunata Peaks is possible via several routes:

• via Turda – Câmpeni on DN75, through the Arieș Valley, then on DN74A to Bucium

• via Alba Iulia on DN74 – Zlatna – Bucium Pass – Bucium-Șasa

• via DJ107I, the Transapuseana, which links Aiud and Abrud (Alba County) and passes through villages in the communes of Râmeț, Ponor, Mogoș and Bucium

The trail starts in the center of Bucium-Șasa village. The signpost shows 2.8 km to the site. You can drive on a recently paved road almost all the way to Detunata Goală, where there is room to park a few cars. The trail is marked with a red stripe.

You can also take the older version of the path, which leads through mossy forests and picturesque meadows (40-50 minutes). Once at the foot of the Detunata, you can climb up to the viewpoints.

The legend of the Detunata Peaks in the Metaliferi Mountains

The legend, famous in these parts, says that in ancient times, when giants and fairies still walked the land of Transylvania, a band of giants lived near the village of Buciumani.

Their leader was a sworn enemy of the fairies and killed every fairy that fell into his hands. But the giant's son had a different heart. He was handsome and brave, and during his adventures in the Buciumani forest he had an unexpected encounter.

One evening, while wandering through the forest, the giant's son noticed a light. He followed it and came to a small clearing, where he saw a fairy. She was singing sweetly beside a fire of dry twigs. She was one of his father's enemies, but his heart could not hate her. They spent the night talking and joking, and the young giant fell in love with the fairy. Their meetings continued in secret.

The young giant's father, sensing something was amiss, secretly followed them. He found his son in the fairy's arms, right where Detunata Goală rises today. In a fit of rage, the giant pierced the fairy with a spear, and his son stabbed him with a dagger.

At that moment, the earth opened up, flames burst from the depths and swallowed both the giants and the bodies of the lovers. The flames turned to stone, and the Detunata remained as a testament to this tragic love and to the curse that fell upon them.

The Detunata Peaks in the Apuseni Mountains: Geological and Botanical Features

The Detunata Peaks – photo from 1921 on display in the Union Hall in Alba Iulia

1. Detunata Goală:

Detunata Goală – photo from 1921 on display in the Union Hall in Alba Iulia

• Basalt: Detunata Goală is made mainly of basalt, a solidified volcanic rock. These “basalt giants” are typical of the area and formed through the rapid cooling of volcanic lava, which caused the rock to contract and crack in regular patterns.

• The basalt columns: They are impressive and make up a significant part of the landscape. Arranged in a geometric network, they create a spectacular sight. Their shapes are curved and bent, and their height ranges from 70 to 100 meters.

• Sparse vegetation: Detunata Goală is a treeless area. The basalt rock dominates the landscape and vegetation is limited. Here you can find species adapted to harsh conditions, such as mosses and lichens.

• Typical flora: Despite the harsh conditions, some plants have managed to adapt. You can find species such as Sempervivum tectorum (common houseleek) and Saxifraga paniculata (livelong saxifrage).

• In the southeastern part of the Detunata Goală massif, in a fir forest, there is a tiny spring. This spring has an interesting feature: it freezes in summer and thaws when winter comes.

• Elevation: Detunata Goală reaches a maximum elevation of 1,158 meters above sea level.

2. Detunata Flocoasă:

• Basalt and columns: Detunata Flocoasă also features basalt structures, though they may differ from those of Detunata Goală. The basalt columns can vary in shape and size.

• The spruce forest: The name “Flocoasă” (“shaggy”) comes from the spruce forest covering this peak. The vegetation here is richer than at Detunata Goală.

• Typical flora: In the spruce forest, you can find species such as Picea abies (Norway spruce) and Abies alba (silver spruce).

• Elevation: Detunata Flocoasă reaches 1,265 meters at its highest point and is also a tourist attraction.

Both Detunata peaks are unique in Țara Moților (the Land of the Moți) for their impressive views over the Metaliferi Mountains. Exploring them is a memorable experience for visitors and nature lovers, and from the top you can see:

• The Metaliferi and Bihor Mountains: You can admire parts of these mountain ranges, with peaks and ridges stretching to the horizon (Bihor Peak).

• Muntele Mare to the north: From here you can see Muntele Mare as well as other heights.

• The white limestone wall of Vulcan Mountain: To the west, your gaze wanders far beyond the town of Abrud, toward the white limestone wall of Vulcan Mountain. It rises above the Buceș-Vulcan Pass, between Brad and Abrud.

• The Roșia Poieni waste dumps: You can also make out the waste dumps left by mining at Roșia Poieni.

Weather in Bucium

Before you set off, check today's weather and the 7-day forecast for Bucium, Alba County.

Accommodation

In Bucium commune in Alba County, near the Detunata Peaks, you can choose from a variety of accommodation options, perfect for relaxing and enjoying nature.

If you're looking for an authentic Romanian experience, the traditional guesthouses in Bucium are an excellent choice. Housed in old, lovingly restored homes, they offer a welcoming, homey atmosphere.

Casa Moților Guesthouse is a traditional guesthouse in Bucium-Șasa, at the foot of the Detunata. It offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant serving local cuisine and a garden with a terrace.

Mountain cabins await you if you prefer a more rustic and adventurous experience. Located at the foot of the Detunata Peaks, the cabins offer stunning mountain views and easy access to hiking trails and other outdoor activities.

Popasul Fefeleaga is three kilometers from Bucium-Șasa, along a country road lined with towering fir trees. The great-grandson of Agârbiceanu's heroine will welcome you with traditional hospitality and a very friendly atmosphere.

If you want a closer connection with nature, camping and glamping are excellent options. Apuseni Glamping Retreat in Bucium offers a unique experience in the heart of the Apuseni Mountains.

Why visit the Detunata Peaks?

1. Geological value: The Detunata Peaks are made of basalt, a volcanic rock that solidified over time. The basalt columns found here are unique and attract many tourists and geologists.

2. Tourist attraction: The rock wall of Detunata Goală, rising to an impressive height of about 75 meters, offers a spectacular, one-of-a-kind sight. The local legend and the distinctive flora add a special charm.

3. Exploration and adventure: The Detunata Peaks are an ideal destination for hiking and nature lovers. Here you can discover unique landscapes and enjoy the peace and beauty of these places.

What other attractions are in the area?

If you're in Bucium, a commune on the Transapuseana route, don't miss the sights here and nearby.

The Negrileasa Narcissus Meadow

Located in the Metaliferi Mountains near Roșia Montană, the Negrileasa Narcissus Meadow nature reserve is a popular destination in season. Covering 5 hectares, the meadow is surrounded by valleys and wooded peaks, and in May, when the narcissi bloom, it becomes a truly special sight.

Casa Fefeleaga

Inspired by Ion Agârbiceanu's novella, Casa Fefeleaga is dedicated to the character Sofia Danciu. The house has been restored, and you can stop here during your adventure in Țara Moților.

The Roșia Montană Gold Museum

Set in an impressive natural setting, the museum presents the history of mining in the area. You'll see mining equipment and photographs capturing the miners' lives, as well as unique underground galleries dating back to Roman times.

Tăul Brazi

Located nearby, it is a recreational lake. In the past, its water was used to separate the gold found in the mountains.

In Bucium commune you can also visit historic churches and memorial plaques honoring the personalities who shaped the lives of the people of Bucium: the writer Ion Agârbiceanu, the historian Gheorghe Șincai, the folklorist Ion Pop Reteganul and the champion of the rights of the Apuseni people, Ecaterina Varga.

Conclusions

The Detunata Peaks of Bucium, in the heart of the Apuseni Mountains, are a spectacular geological phenomenon and a nature reserve of unique beauty. Their tall, imposing basalt columns offer a fascinating picture of the forces of nature that have shaped the landscape over millennia.

We invite you to visit them on your way to the Transapuseana! Don't miss the Vânătările Ponorului Reserve!