Babele ('the old women') are mushroom-shaped rocks standing at around 2,200 metres, shaped over time by wind, rain and frost. A short walk away, the Sphinx is a large rock whose profile, seen from the right angle, looks like a human face.
Many legends and theories have grown up around them, but the explanation is geological: softer layers of rock have worn away faster than the harder ones above. The plateau around them offers wide views over the Carpathians on clear days. Marked trails lead from Babele across the plateau to the Sphinx and on towards Omu Peak, the highest point of the Bucegi.
The area is usually reached by cable car from Bușteni, near Sinaia. The weather at this altitude can change quickly, so warm layers are useful even in summer.
