BUCEGI MASSIF

Romanian Muntii Bucegi mountain massif, one of the four forming the Transylvanian Alps (Southern Carpathians), south central Romania, rising to 8,225 ft (2,507 m) in Mt. Omu. The group includes the Leaota Massif and Piatra Craiului, both structurally part of the Bucegi Massif but separated from it by the Bran Pass and often considered to be part of the eastern Fagaras Mountains (q.v.). Leaota is a rounded profile of crystalline rocks, but Bucegi and Piatra Craiului are overlain by calcareous conglomerates and have sharper landforms. These include the Sphinx and Babele (Old Women), the latter shaped like giant toadstools. The mountains are a centre for hiking, climbing, and winter sports.