High in the Carpathian Mountains, in the resort town of Bușteni in Romania’s Prahova Valley, a family adventure park offers one of the most fun rides in the region: the Bușteni mountain coaster. Combine it with cable cars, mountain trails and fairytale castles nearby, and you have a perfect day out on a trip to Romania.
Speed and adrenaline on the Bușteni mountain coaster
A mountain coaster is a cross between a roller coaster and a toboggan run: you ride a small sled on rails that winds down the mountainside through the forest. You control the speed with a simple brake lever, so it suits both thrill-seekers and more cautious riders. Along the way, you get sweeping views over the valley and the dramatic cliffs of the Bucegi Mountains. The sleds are designed with safety in mind, with seat belts and an automatic system that keeps a safe distance between riders.
What else is in the park?
Beyond the coaster, the adventure park offers rope courses, zip lines, walking trails and other activities for different ages, all set in beautiful mountain scenery. It is easy to spend half a day here with children.
More to do around Bușteni
- The Bucegi Mountains: take the cable car up to the plateau to see the famous Babele and Sphinx rock formations, shaped by wind and rain.
- Peleș Castle: in nearby Sinaia, one of the most beautiful castles in Europe, built as a summer residence for Romania’s kings.
- Hiking: the Prahova Valley has trails for all levels, with waterfalls and panoramic views.
- Bran Castle: the so-called “Dracula’s Castle” is about an hour’s drive away.
Tips for visiting
- Getting there: Bușteni is about two to two and a half hours’ drive north of Bucharest, and it is also reachable by train.
- When to go: summer and early autumn are best. Check opening times in advance, as rides may close in bad weather.
- Age and height limits: young children usually ride with an adult – check the rules at the ticket office.
- Dress for the mountains: it is cooler than in Bucharest, so bring a layer.
Responsible tourism
Parks like this support the local economy by bringing visitors to the region, and the area’s natural beauty depends on careful protection. Stick to marked trails and leave no trace.
If you are building a wider Romania trip, see our guides to the Transfăgărășan mountain road, things to do in Bucharest and our complete Bucharest guide. Flying in? See our TAROM profile.
