Racoș Basalt Columns
About Racoș Basalt Columns
The Racoș basalt columns (Coloanele de bazalt de la Racoș) are a wall of solidified lava split into vertical prismatic columns, about 10–12 m high. They lie on the eastern edge of Racoș commune, in the south of the Perșani Mountains, and came to light in a quarry: the basalt was formed from the lava of the volcano here, which was active more than a million years ago. The column area, 1.10 ha, is a geological reserve of national interest, classed as a natural monument (IUCN category III) under Law 5/2000.
The columns are part of the Racoș geological complex, which brings together three neighbouring sites within a few square kilometres: the crater of the extinct volcano, opened up as a volcanic scoria quarry, the Emerald Lake, which appeared in a former basalt quarry, and the columns themselves. One ticket, bought at the entrance to the complex, covers them all.
What you can see
At the foot of the wall lie fallen blocks, and above it is a zone of broken basalt where the columns split into smaller pieces. The prisms are a few tens of centimetres wide and are best seen from the base of the wall, where you can also photograph the details of the cracks.
A circuit of about 6 km, with roughly 160 m of total climb, leads to the columns: from the car park you climb to the crater, then go round the lake and reach the columns a few minutes beyond it, before heading back to the entrance. The lake, about a hectare in size, has blue-green water set between basalt walls, and the crater shows the black, red and orange layers of the volcanic scoria.
Good to know
Swimming in the Emerald Lake is forbidden. The circuit follows field tracks and paths with no shade, so bring water and suitable footwear; the slope of the crater is slippery in the rain.
Information verified on 24 October 2026.
- The wall of prismatic basalt columns, 10–12 m high, seen from its foot.
- The crater of the extinct volcano, with its layers of black, red and orange scoria.
- The Emerald Lake, with blue-green water enclosed between basalt walls, a few minutes from the columns.
- The circuit of about 6 km that links the crater, the lake and the columns in a single walk.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: from Brașov drive towards Sighișoara on the DN13 (E60), turn off for Racoș after about 70 km and follow the county road for more than 10 km to the entrance of the complex; the last stretches of asphalt are warped, so drive carefully.
Public transport: trains on the Brașov – Sighișoara line stop at Rupea, from where you need a taxi or a hire car for the rest of the way.
- Where to park
Leave the car in the car park at the entrance to the complex, where the ticket is also paid; there is also a small car park by the lake for a short stop.
- Fees & discounts
The ticket costs 25 lei for adults and 15 lei for children and is valid across the whole complex: columns, crater and lake. Prices may change.
- Rules
Swimming in the Emerald Lake is forbidden, for safety reasons. Stay on the paths and do not climb the basalt walls: pieces of rock can come loose. Do not take stones or fragments of basalt from the reserve.
- Facilities
Car park at the entrance · ticket office · marked walking circuit · no pushchair access on the field sections
Frequently asked questions about Racoș Basalt Columns
- How much is a ticket to Racoș Basalt Columns?
- A ticket to Racoș Basalt Columns costs 25 lei (children 15 lei, whole complex). The ticket costs 25 lei for adults and 15 lei for children and is valid across the whole complex: columns, crater and lake. Prices may change.
- How long does a visit to Racoș Basalt Columns take?
- A visit to Racoș Basalt Columns takes about 2 – 2½ hours (full circuit, ~2 hours).
- Can you visit Racoș Basalt Columns with kids?
- Yes, Racoș Basalt Columns is suitable for children (easy circuit, no access to the water).
- How do I get to Racoș Basalt Columns?
- Racoș Basalt Columns is located at Racoș geological complex, by county road DJ131C towards Augustin, Racoș, Brașov County. By car: from Brașov drive towards Sighișoara on the DN13 (E60), turn off for Racoș after about 70 km and follow the county road for more than 10 km to the entrance of the complex; the last stretches of asphalt are warped, so drive carefully. Public transport: trains on the Brașov – Sighișoara line stop at Rupea, from where you need a taxi or a hire car for the rest of the way.
- When is the best time to visit Racoș Basalt Columns?
- The best season for Racoș Basalt Columns: April – October (come in dry weather).
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