Bușteni
Bușteni (Romanian pronunciation: [buʃˈtenʲ]) is a small mountain town in the north of Prahova County, Muntenia, Romania. It is located in the Prahova Valley, at the bottom of the Bucegi Mountains, that have a maximum altitude of 2,505 m (8,219 ft). Its name literally means tree-logs in Romanian. One village, Poiana Țapului, is administratively part of the town, formerly a separate commune prior to 1950. According to the 2021 census, it has 8,368 inhabitants.
Bușteni | |
|---|---|
Town | |
Hotel Caraiman Bușteni | |
|
Coat of arms | |
Location in Prahova County | |
Bușteni Location in Romania | |
| Coordinates: 45°24′42″N 25°32′14″E | |
| Country | Romania |
| County | Prahova |
| Government | |
| • Mayor (2020–2024) | Laurențiu-Mircea Corbu (PNL) |
| Area | 75.28 km2 (29.07 sq mi) |
| Elevation | 875 m (2,871 ft) |
| Population (2021-12-01) | 8,368 |
| • Density | 110/km2 (290/sq mi) |
| Time zone | EET/EEST (UTC+2/+3) |
| Postal code | 105500 |
| Vehicle reg. | PH |
| Website | www |
Bușteni's average altitude is 875 m (2,871 ft). It is one of the most popular mountain resorts in Romania, with year-round tourism opportunities, including skiing and mountain climbing.
The town and the surrounding mountains were the site of military confrontations in 1916, during World War I (see Romania during World War I). A large commemorative monument (about 25 m (82 ft) high), Heroes' Cross (Crucea Eroilor) lies atop nearby Caraiman Peak, at nearly 2,260 m (7,410 ft). The monument is lighted at night and is visible from virtually everywhere in Bușteni.
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
|---|---|---|
| 1948 | 4,552 | — |
| 1956 | 8,591 | +88.7% |
| 1966 | 10,781 | +25.5% |
| 1977 | 12,223 | +13.4% |
| 1992 | 12,486 | +2.2% |
| 2002 | 11,787 | −5.6% |
| 2011 | 8,894 | −24.5% |
| 2021 | 8,368 | −5.9% |
| Source: Census data | ||
The main local industries are wood industry and tourism. Many holiday houses have been built in the town since the 2000s.
Also a new Information Tourism Center was set up near the City Hall.