Dear hikers,
On Sunday, September 7th, we will set off on a new adventure in the rich nature of Sibiu County. This time we’ll stay close to the city, in the Gușterița forest, where together with young and adult explorers we will search for raptor nests. The chicks are already grown, have completed their flying lessons, and are about to begin their autumn migration, which starts in mid-September. In this area, we can spot several important species of raptors such as the lesser spotted eagle, the common buzzard, the short-toed snake eagle, the kestrel, or the hobby. All raptor species in Romania, both diurnal and nocturnal, are legally protected. They play a key role in nature, especially in controlling agricultural pests like rodents. Some raptors are considered “indicators of habitat health.” A great example is the lesser spotted eagle, an emblematic species for Sibiu County, with one of the largest concentrations worldwide found here. Globally, there are around 20,000 breeding pairs, while Romania hosts about 2,000 pairs, mostly in central regions including Sibiu, Brașov, and Mureș.
We will meet at 9:30 AM in front of the Evangelical Church in Gușterița. After a short introduction, we’ll begin our hike along the country road leading to the old farm on Gușterița Hill. Our first stop will be here, where we’ll use binoculars to observe the bee-eater nests dug into the clay wall behind the farm. The bee-eaters have already started their long migration to Africa, where they will spend the winter. Moving further through open pastures, we will likely see many bird species feeding abundantly before migration. Entering the mixed oak, hornbeam, and linden forest, we’ll line up and begin searching for raptor nests. Whoever spots one will call out “nest,” and the group will gather to identify the species.
We’ll exit the forest above Hamba village, where we’ll take a lunch break and observe raptors soaring on thermal currents. After games and stories about raptors, we’ll re-enter the forest, then emerge onto a meadow with panoramic views of the Cindrel and Lotru Mountains. From here, we’ll descend back to the old farm and follow the same country road to finish our hike at the Evangelical Church in Gușterița.
WHERE AND WHEN DO WE MEET?
We will meet on 07.09.2025, at 9:30 AM, in front of the Evangelical Church in Gușterița.
ROUTE INFORMATION
Distance: 10 km
Elevation gain: 200 m
Trail difficulty: easy
Duration: approximately 4 – 5 hours
The hike is easy, suitable for all ages, and for children aged 6 and above.
No technical mountain equipment is required for this hike!
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Water/tea bottle, at least 1 l
Snack for the mid-hike break
Binoculars of any size are welcome!
COSTS
80 lei/adult. Children between 6 and 14 years old: 20 lei.
The hike will take place with at least 10 paying adult participants.
Children must be accompanied by an adult.
GUIDE
Proca Mihai – local and national tourism guide
Contact: 0720-003.332
Note:
– The route configuration and length will be adjusted according to weather conditions and the homogeneity/heterogeneity of the group.
– The organizer (guide) reserves the right to refuse participants who are not appropriately equipped or who have inadequate physical condition.
– Tours are conducted under safe conditions and with a minimum number of participants. The organizer reserves the right to reschedule or cancel tours without prior notice if these conditions are not met.
– Ticket refunds are only provided in case the organizer (guide) cancels the hike.
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By participating in this event, I consent to being photographed. I acknowledge that the photos may be used for promotional purposes, both online and in printed materials, within the “Anii Drumeției” Program to promote it. I declare under my own responsibility that, to the best of my knowledge, I am physically capable of sustained physical effort during hiking events without jeopardizing my health in any way. My participation in this event is entirely voluntary, understanding the associated risks to which I expose myself.
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The “Anii Drumeției” Program is initiated and funded by the Sibiu County Council in collaboration with the Sibiu County Tourism Association. Its main purpose is to improve hiking infrastructure in the county and promote activities specific to ecotourism.
