DESCRIPTION
The thematic trail “The Butcher’s Broom Reserve – Nature and Historical Legends” is located in the heart of Comana Natural Park, just one hour from Bucharest, on the banks of the Neajlov River. It is an accessible route, ideal for hiking, that connects nature, myths, and the history of Wallachia into one single storyline.
The trail passes through a forest that shelters centuries-old trees and traces of the legend of Vlad Țepeș. The trail is named after Ruscus aculeatus – butcher’s broom, a rare Mediterranean shrub with spines, evergreen leaves, and red berries, protected by law. Legend has it that the plant appeared after Vlad Țepeș’s death, near the “Walnut Spring”.
Along the trail, visitors will find information panels about:
- The life of Vlad Țepeș and local legends
- Plant species such as: lizard orchid, downy oak, silver lime, wild cherry
- Birds: grey-headed woodpecker, great tit, grey heron
- Mammals and reptiles: hazel dormouse, wood mouse, grass snake, lizards
Visitors can explore the main thematic route and then choose among several return options, depending on available time and energy.
DETAILS
Location: Comana Natural Park, Giurgiu County – Oloaga-Grădinari Forest area, near the Neajlov River
Starting point: entrance to the thematic trail in the Butcher’s Broom Reserve area – accessible near Comana
Trail type: linear, with optional return via alternative trails (partial loop)
Trail 1: 5.4 km | 2h 40min
Trail 2: 6.7 km | 3h
Trail 3: 5 km | 2h 30min (forest road – shortest return route)
Difficulty: easy
