Dear hikers,
On November 9, we’ll set off with both young and old for a new adventure in the nature of Sibiu County. This time, our destination is a protected area near the village of Slimnic – Zackel Hill – Steppe Islands Șura Mică – Slimnic. This protected area has double status: a nationally protected area and a European protected site (Natura 2000 site). Zackel Hill is a natural area that hosts a diverse range of vegetation, made up of steppe-specific species, some protected at the European level, such as dictamnus, wild onion, sage, feather grass, and Jurinea tatarica.
We’ll meet in the morning at 9:30 in the parking lot of Kaufland Sibiu Veteranilor (at the exit from Sibiu towards Șura Mare). After a short presentation of the day’s program, we’ll group into cars and head toward Slimnic. We’ll park at the entrance of the village and hike about one kilometer up Zackel Hill, which rises above the settlement. From the top, we’ll enjoy a panoramic view toward the Cindrel and Făgăraș Mountains.
We’ll continue our hike along the hill’s ridge through meadows and orchards, then descend to the Slimnic Fortress, where we’ll talk about its fascinating history. Built in the 14th century on the northern edge of the royal land, the fortress served as an outpost for Sibiu and as a defense for the main road to Mediaș. The peasant fortress, abandoned in 1719 due to a plague epidemic, was later used in the 19th century as a source of construction materials for the local community.
After visiting the fortress, we’ll head to a local household where the little ones, helped by the grown-ups, will decorate pumpkins and enjoy a delicious pumpkin pie prepared by the host. This sweet experience will conclude our tour.
WHERE AND WHEN DO WE MEET?
We’ll meet in the morning, on 09.11.2025, at 9:30, in the parking lot of Kaufland Sibiu Veteranilor (at the exit from Sibiu toward Șura Mare).
ROUTE INFORMATION
Distance: 10 km
Elevation gain: 100 meters
Trail difficulty: easy
Hike duration: approximately 4–5 hours.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Water/tea bottle, minimum 1 L;
Snack for a break halfway through the trail;
Hiking boots;
Rain jacket.
COSTS
80 lei/adult participant. Children between 6 and 14 years old pay a participation fee of 40 lei!
The hike will take place with a minimum of 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.
