27 June 2026

The paradise of mountain rhododendrons and dwarf pine – Hike on Balindru Peak and Conțu Mare

Ani Drumetiei icon

Route

Sibiu - Sibiu
Ani Drumetiei icon

Difficulty

Medium

Dear hiker,

We invite you to a spectacular hike on the ridge of the Lotru Mountains, during one of the most beautiful periods of the year, when the mountain rhododendrons are in full bloom and colour the slopes in a true spectacle of nature.

We will cross endless stretches of dwarf pine and climb the highest peaks of the area, passing over Șteflești and Cristești Peaks, before reaching Conțu Mare and Balindru Peaks. These offer some of the most impressive panoramas in the Lotru Mountains, with wide views towards Lake Vidra and the great massifs of the Carpathians: Făgăraș, Cindrel, Șureanu, Retezat, Parâng, Căpățânii and Latoriței.

On clear days, the view can reach as far as Sibiu and even towards the Apuseni Mountains. It will be a ridge hike that will take us through a wild and spectacular landscape, where nature shows its beauty at the highest level.

WHERE AND WHEN DO WE MEET?

Departure will be on Saturday, 27.06.2026, at 07:00, from the Kaufland parking lot (Calea Șurii Mari), from where we will leave by personal cars towards the starting point of the route.

ROUTE INFORMATION

Distance: 15 km
Elevation gain: 900–1000 m
Route difficulty: medium ++
Hiking duration: 8–9 hours
Experience duration: approximately 12–13 hours

Route: Valea Frumoasei – Șaua Șteflești – Vf. Cristești – Vf. Șteflești – Vf. Conțu Mare – Vf. Balindru

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

Spare T-shirts, trousers and socks, mountain boots, rain poncho, waterproof jacket and trousers, trekking poles (recommended), flashlight, cap, sunscreen, whistle, water bottle (minimum 2 litres), protein bars, magnesium, calcium, snacks and fruit.

We recommend dressing in layers, as temperatures can be low in the morning and much higher at noon. It is also recommended to have spare water in the car.

COSTS

80 lei/adult for participation in the hike
50 lei/minor for participation in the hike

Transportation is arranged by personal cars. The road takes approximately 2.5 hours, and the last 15 km are on a forest road, which is why cars with higher ground clearance are recommended. Transportation costs will be shared among the participants in each car.

The recommended minimum age is 12 years. There may be exceptions, assessed individually.

GUIDE

Nicoleta Ocneriu – mountain guide
Contact: 0742 667 196

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.

The date of the hike

27 June 2026

Starting point

Kaufland parking lot (Calea Șurii Mari)

Departure time

07:00

Duration of the hike

12-13 ore

Difficulty

Medium

Cost / person

80 lei