Brătilești Bouldering Festival

A few words about Bratilesti

Where is Bratilesti?

Brătilești is located in Buzău County, in the commune of Chiliile, at the foot of the Ivănețu Mountains, part of the Curvature Subcarpathians. The area is located approximately 20 km from Pătârlagele and an hour's drive from Buzău. The road climbs through small villages, among hills with meadows and oak forests, to the clearings where sandstone boulders rise.

The place is part of the UNESCO Geopark Ţinutul Buzăului, an area with a unique natural heritage, where rocks, forests, waters and traditional villages intertwine in a landscape with a special energy.

How was the area formed?

The boulders of Brătilești are formed from fine sandstone from a prehistoric sea that covered these places millions of years ago. Over time, water, wind and frost have carved spectacular shapes – faces, waves, stairs and edges perfect for climbing. Each block has a different texture and a story, and when the sun sets over the clearing, the sandstone takes on a warm, golden color.

How did it all start?

The idea of a meeting in Brătilești came naturally, from the desire to gather for climbing during a good time of the year, when many of us celebrate our birthdays. Autumn, with sunshine, light wind and cool but comfortable air, is perfect for bouldering – and the colors of the forest make the place unforgettable.

The meeting was scheduled for the first weekend of October, with a reserve for rainy weather. That is how the idea of a festival was born that would bring people together, develop the area and make the routes here known.

About bouldering

Bouldering is a simple and free form of climbing – without a rope, at a low height, but with protective mats. It is a serious game, suitable for children of any age and for anyone who wants to discover the joy of movement on the rock. The word "boulder" means "boulder", and "bouldering" is, simply, climbing on boulders.

About grades

Some routes still need to be confirmed, others may need to be adjusted. As more climbers attempt them, the grades will naturally settle and the area will take on a clear character.

How was the area discovered?

The Brătilești area was discovered in 2010 by Ștefan Bogdan from Buzău, an experienced climber. That's how the Vartic brothers found out about it, and among the first to explore it were Mosloc Andrei, George Mariș, Robert Cohn, Cristi Cocuz, Rodica Ciobanu and Ruxi Bărbulescu.

The first area worked on was "La corturi", where the classic blocks appeared: "Enola Gay", "Ipoteza de nul" and "Piciorul de dreata", first climbed by Silviu Corciovei and Victor Drăgoi.

Later, George Mariș discovered Ivănețu and "Bolovanul lui Georgel", and the area gradually expanded with new places: "La Frați", "La Portage", "La Cascada" and "La Fâneață".

Bratilesti Sports Club Association

The Brătilești Sports Club Association was born from the desire to protect and develop the Brătilești area and to encourage bouldering in Romania. The association organizes the annual Brătilești Bouldering Festival, supports the cleaning, mapping and maintenance of climbing areas, publishes updated topos and collaborates with the local community.

The main goal is to keep the place clean, accessible and alive – a space where nature and exercise enthusiasts feel welcome. All projects are based on volunteerism, donations and the support of the climbing community.