Dear hikers,
On Saturday, May 16, together with Mihai Proca, nature observation guide, we will set off with both young and old on a new adventure to observe the bee-eaters nesting in the earthen banks on Gușteriței Hill.
The bee-eater, also known as the European bee-eater, is a small but beautifully colored bird, known as one of the most beautiful birds in Romania and even in Europe. It is a special opportunity for us to observe it toward the end of spring, so close to Sibiu.
We will begin our program by visiting, together with the artists, the “Good Grass, Bad Grass” exhibition inside the Evangelical Church (30–45 minutes). You will discover installations about biodiversity, species extinction, ecosystems, language, and imagination.
Then we will begin walking along the country road that leads us toward the old farm on Gușteriței Hill. Our first stop will be right here, where we will observe, with the help of binoculars and a spotting scope, the bee-eaters that have returned to their old nests after traveling thousands of kilometers from Africa to lay their eggs in the holes dug into the clay wall behind the farm.
We continue through the increasingly wide pasture, where we will be able to observe birds feeding abundantly on insects, also brought back to life by the warmth of spring. Before entering the forest, we will have the chance to admire the panorama of the Lotru Mountains to the southwest. In the mixed forest of oak, hornbeam, and linden, we will be delighted by the song of forest birds searching for a mate as they begin the nesting season. Here you will receive more information about identifying songbirds with the help of specialized mobile phone apps. We exit the forest above the village of Hamba, where we will take a short lunch break.
After a few stories and nature discovery games with the little ones, in which the adults are also invited to take part, we continue onward. We enter the forest again, and after about half an hour we will come out into a meadow with wide views toward the Cindrel and Lotru Mountains. From here, a long descent will lead us back to the old farm, and then, following the same country road we came on in the morning, we return to the Evangelical Church in Gușterița, where we end our hike.
WHERE AND WHEN DO WE MEET?
Date: 16.05.2026
Meeting time: 9:30
Meeting point: in front of the Evangelical Church in the Gușterița neighborhood.
ROUTE INFORMATION
Distance: 10 km
Elevation gain: 200 meters
Trail difficulty: easy
Hike duration: approximately 4–5 hours.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Water/tea bottle, minimum 1 l.;
Snack for a break halfway along the route;
Cap and sunscreen;
Tick repellent spray.
COSTS
80 RON/adult participant.
20 RON – children/youth between 8 and 16 years old
The hike will take place with a minimum of 10 paying adult participants. Children will participate 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.
———————————————
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.
———————————————
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.
