Dear hikers,
We’ll meet Sunday morning at 10:00 AM in the parking lot of Jacobs restaurant at the entrance to the Sibiu Zoo. By 10:15 AM, we’ll organize transportation and head to Păltiniș. For those who wish to join but don’t have personal cars, we’ll arrange to find spots in the cars of other participants heading to Păltiniș. As this hike is dedicated to families with children, the pace will be moderate.
Trail Details
The hike starts in Păltiniș, following the red cross-marked trail to Poiana Găujoara, the entrance to the Frumoasa protected area. After about an hour, we’ll take a short break in Poiana Găujoara. From here, we’ll follow the red cross trail, which ascends to the sheepfold in Poiana Găujoara and then circles around Vârful Bătrâna (Bătrâna Peak). We’ll reach Șaua Bătrâna (Bătrâna Saddle), where we’ll stop for hydration, a snack, and the first stories about the European-protected Frumoasa Area.
From the saddle, we’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Cindrel and Lotru Mountains, part of this protected area, and then ascend towards the rocky summit of Vârful Bătrâna (1,911 m). Here, surrounded by dwarf pine and juniper bushes, we’ll emerge into the alpine meadows leading to the peak. From the top, we’ll admire mountain landscapes stretching to Vârful Cindrel and Vârful Șteflești in the Lotru Mountains, making it the perfect spot for photos and learning more about the Frumoasa protected area.
Descending, we’ll take a different trail leading to a forest road that climbs toward Cantonul Muncel. After about an hour, we’ll return to Păltiniș, concluding our hike where we started in the morning.
Important Note:
Although the weather on Sunday, November 24th, is forecasted to be sunny, the first snowfall of the season is expected during the week, with up to 20 cm of fresh snow in the mountains!
WHERE AND WHEN DO WE MEET?
Sunday morning, 10:00 AM
Location: Parking lot of Jacobs Restaurant, entrance to Sibiu Zoo.
ROUTE INFORMATION
Distance: 10–12 km
Elevation gain: 450 m
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Duration: Approximately 5–6 hours
This hike is suitable for individuals of all ages with basic fitness levels and for children aged 6+. Given the snowy conditions, please ensure you are properly equipped for winter.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Winter clothing, including high boots and gaiters
Hiking backpack
Water/tea bottle, minimum 1 liter
Snack for the mid-hike break (we recommend a sandwich, fruit, and something sweet like chocolate or an energy bar)
Trekking poles (very helpful for the descent)
COSTS
70 RON per adult
20 RON per child (minimum age: 6)
The hike will take place with a minimum of 6 adults.
Children must be accompanied by an adult, who is responsible for evaluating the trail’s difficulty for them.
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.
