Attraction
Căldările Zăbalei
Căldările Zăbalei is a mixed-type nature reserve of 388.5 hectares located in the Munții Vrancei, on the upper course of the Zăbala river, at an average altitude of 1,100 m, on the territory of Nereju commune. The central feature of the reserve consists of evorsion potholes — almost perfectly circular hollows carved by water whirlpools into compact layers of massive sandstone, considered among the most spectacular formations of this type in Romania. The site also serves as an ecological corridor for large carnivores in Vrancea county: brown bear, wolf and lynx.
Căldările Zăbalei is a mixed-type nature reserve located in the Munții Vrancei, in the westernmost part of Vrancea county, near the border with Buzău county, within the administrative territory of Nereju commune. The reserve covers 388.5 hectares, along the upper course of the Zăbala river near its confluence with Pârâul Zârna, at an average altitude of 1,100 m. It has been designated a Natura 2000 site of community importance since 2007 and a protected area since 2000. The central geological phenomenon that gives the reserve its name is the evorsion potholes — nearly circular excavations formed by the whirlpools of flowing water, carved into compact layers of massive sandstone over thousands of years. The result is a series of stone "cauldrons" finished with a precision almost indistinguishable from the work of a sculptor, set into the riverbed and the sandstone walls of the valley. The route through the potholes is classified by specialists as extremely arduous, practically impossible to complete in its entirety in a single day, which has shielded the area from mass tourism and contributed to its preservation intact. The reserve is designated as an ecological corridor within the protection network for large carnivores in Vrancea — brown bear, wolf and lynx — and also shelters chamois, pine marten, trout in the waters of the Zăbala, as well as the wallcreeper. The flora includes edelweiss, wild linden, black burdock, various species of fir, pine and ferns. According to local legends recorded by Simion Hârnea of Năruja in the book "Locuri și legende vrâncene", the area was used as a refuge and bathing spot by outlaws fleeing pursuit — its difficult accessibility made it a perfect natural hiding place. Access is via DJ 205A Focșani–Nereju, then along the forest road that follows the bed of the Zăbala for approximately 15 km, followed by the trail marked with a blue dot towards Muntele Furu. A four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended for the forest road, and a minimum of two days is advised for a complete exploration of the reserve.
Valea Zăbalei, comuna Nereju, județul Vrancea