Dear hikers,
The hike I will guide on Saturday, 7.02.2026 will be very easy. We will walk only along the Olt River to observe waterbirds (and more) that winter on the reservoirs along the river. These are rare birds in Romania’s fauna because they are only winter guests in our country. These birds nest in colder areas of northern Europe, and in winter—when they can no longer find food because waters freeze—they migrate south to countries such as Romania.
Our hike will take place in the protected area dedicated to safeguarding waterbirds, known as the Natura 2000 Avrig – Scorei – Făgăraș site. The destination chosen for our hike is the reservoirs on the Olt River at Bradu and Săcădate. We will meet in the morning at 9:00 in the parking lot at Șelimbăr Mall, in front of the Hervis store. After a short presentation of the day’s program, we will set off by car toward the village of Bradu, where we will regroup and then follow the road along the dam embankment on the Olt River near this locality.
We will start walking along the embankment that follows the Olt River downstream. We will observe common waterbirds (mallards, coots, cormorants, egrets), birds typical of farmland (linnets, goldfinches), birds of prey (white-tailed eagle, western marsh harrier, kestrel), as well as some rare species that winter in this area (such as mergansers, divers, shelducks), both with the naked eye and with the help of binoculars and a spotting scope. Here we will also talk about two other protected areas visible from this spot: the Natura 2000 Piemontul Făgăraș site (for the protection of certain forest bird species) and the Natura 2000 Făgăraș Mountains site, dedicated to protecting forest habitats, alpine meadows, and many animal species, including large carnivores.
After about 2 hours we will head to the Săcădate Dam, where we will observe and talk about wild waterbirds that have nested on the reservoirs around Sibiu. The guide will share with participants interesting facts from the world of birds, both those that winter in our country and those that will start arriving from April onwards on the lakes along the Olt River to nest in this area.
At the end of the hike we will make a fire and roast, in the embers, delicacies brought by the guide. Participants are welcome to bring foods that can be prepared over a bundle-of-sticks fire!
𝐏𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐬 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐥𝐥𝐲
Tourists who would like to join the hike but cannot get to Săcădate by personal car can call the hike guide (Mihai Proca – 0720003332) to find out whether there are seats available in other participants’ cars.
The hike is very easy, suitable for people of any age, as well as children aged 6 and up.
WHERE AND WHEN DO WE MEET?
Date: 7.02.2026
Meeting time: 9:00
Meeting point: Parking lot at Șelimbăr Mall, in front of the Hervis store
ROUTE INFORMATION
Distance: 4–6 km
Elevation gain: no elevation gain
Trail difficulty: very easy
Hike duration: approximately 4–5 hours.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
Water/tea bottle, minimum 1 l.;
Snack for a break halfway along the route;
Clothes suitable for the autumn season;
Personal binoculars of any size are welcome!
COSTS
80 RON/adult participant.
20 RON – children/youth between 6 and 14 years old
The hike will take place with a minimum of 6 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.
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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.
