Dâmbovicioara Gorge
About Dâmbovicioara Gorge
The Dâmbovicioara Gorge was cut by the Dâmbovicioara stream into the southern edge of the Piatra Craiului massif, just above the village of Podu Dâmboviței, where the stream flows into the Dâmbovița. It is 2.4 km long and the best-known stretch of the valley, with vertical walls leaving barely enough room for the stream and the road. At the confluence at its lower end, at 735 m, lies the lowest point of Piatra Craiului National Park.
The gorge was formed by surface water and underground water working together. Compared with the Zărnești Gorge, in the north-east of the park, it evolved faster, because faults in the rock drew the water underground. The limestone was dissolved and worn away, and around 50 caves have formed in the area.
What you can see
The county road that climbs from Podu Dâmboviței towards the villages of Dâmbovicioara and Ciocanu enters the gorge a short way from the main road and runs between the limestone walls, with the stream rushing alongside. On the walls, stretches of limestone and conglomerate follow one another, and higher up the rocks end in ridges and towers covered with spruce and beech. The gorge is best seen on foot, along the edge of the road. Further up the valley, beyond the village of Dâmbovicioara, is Dâmbovicioara Cave, and the Rucăr–Bran Corridor passes the lower end of the gorge.
Information verified on 2 November 2026.
- The entrance to the gorge from Podu Dâmboviței, where the road passes between two vertical limestone walls.
- The alternating stretches of limestone and conglomerate on the walls of the gorge.
- The Dâmbovicioara stream, with its rapids, running beside the road along the whole gorge.
- Dâmbovicioara Cave, ~4 km further up the valley, beyond the village of Dâmbovicioara.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the gorge lies ~2 km from the DN73 (the Rucăr–Bran Corridor): in the village of Podu Dâmboviței, turn onto the DJ730 towards Dâmbovicioara. From Brașov it is ~60 km (~1 hr 15) on the DN73, via Râșnov and Bran; from Câmpulung ~29 km (~40 min), via Rucăr; from Pitești ~83 km (~2 hours); from Bucharest ~200 km (~3 hrs 10). The DJ730 is paved.
On foot: from Podu Dâmboviței, at the junction with the DN73, you can walk up through the gorge along the edge of the road.
- Fees & discounts
The road through the gorge is public and free. The gorge lies in Piatra Craiului National Park, whose visitor fee is 10 lei per person, valid for 7 days (season pass 40 lei); children under 14 do not pay. Tickets are sold online, on the park's website, or at the machines in Zărnești and Plaiul Foii.
- Rules
The gorge is in the national park: do not pick flowers, leave no litter, light fires only in designated places and camp only in specially designated spots. On hiking routes, keep to the marked trails. Cars, motorbikes and ATVs are not allowed off the roads open to traffic.
- Facilities
Tourist information centre in Podu Dâmboviței · guesthouses in Podu Dâmboviței and Dâmbovicioara · no toilets or other facilities in the gorge
Frequently asked questions about Dâmbovicioara Gorge
What are the opening hours of Dâmbovicioara Gorge?
Opening hours at Dâmbovicioara Gorge: daily open 24 hours. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Dâmbovicioara Gorge take?
A visit to Dâmbovicioara Gorge takes about 45 min (with a walk through the gorge).
Can you visit Dâmbovicioara Gorge with kids?
Yes, Dâmbovicioara Gorge is suitable for children (watch out for cars on the road).
How do I get to Dâmbovicioara Gorge?
Dâmbovicioara Gorge is located at DJ730, between the villages of Podu Dâmboviței and Dâmbovicioara, Dâmbovicioara, Argeș County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Dâmbovicioara Gorge?
The best season for Dâmbovicioara Gorge: All year round (the road is open all year).
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