Saltwater pits - Ocna Sibiului - photos
Coming into Sibiu the mountains to the south (Cindrel Mountains, southern Carpathians) were beautifully green, many of the valleys running up into the heights were without roadways but had small streams coming down into the valleys. The area I was to be visiting (Sibiu, Brasov, Miercurea Ciuc) is located in the southeast section of the county Transylvania which makes up the large central section of Romania.
A smooth landing at Sibiu International Airport, a bus ride from the plane to the small terminal, passport check and customs check went smoothly. But my 2 hiking poles and my slippers weren't with my bags; they did appear shortly thereafter and I had everything I had started with. The small terminal was hot and stuffy so I waited outside in front for Peter to arrive, knowing that he was coming from a caving outing and would not be there when I arrived.
People were gathered in clusters outside the terminal, waiting for arriving guests; and cars and busses were driving up to the terminal entry to either unload or pick up passengers. Then I spotted the red Subaru Forester entering the area and Peter drove right up to where I was standing. Peter is tall, very slender, and quite recognizable from the hiking photo he had emailed me before.
We greeted each other like old friends, and loaded my small case, backpack and poles in the Subaru; then it was off to the center of the city, Sibiu, a couple kilometers eastward from the airport. We parked in an open lot, and walked northward into the old, walled city. The main east-west street is a pedestrian walkway, cobblestone, and bustling with people; some of the shops were open as were many outdoor cafes.
We walked the length of the street and returned; on the public square (Piata Mare) paid a visit to the huge Catholic church; viewed the art museum housed in the Brukenthal Palace (quite warm inside, no apparent temperature or humidity control); found an open pharmacy (but no dental floss there); and returned to the car.
Adjacent to the parking lot was a small grocery store where we bought a few items (Ed had to have his Fanta soda) for our travels. We drove back towards the airport, found a gas station with a car wash, filled the tank with gas, and ran the car thru the wash.
At the wash entry was an attendant who by hand power-sprayed the tires, wheelwells, etc., then moved the car into the wash area (large rotating brushes, one on each side, one overhead) where it was thoroughly washed and dried before being moved outside where we were waiting.
Then we were off on our adventure. We drove north on an unnumbered highway to the salt-water pits (Ocna Sibiului spa). This area consists of several rather deep pits with salt water at the bottom;
wooded stairs down provide access to the salty water below. People bathe in these waters for health benefits. Some of the pits were mud pits and
people covered various parts of their bodies, usually their joints (elbows, knees, ankles, etc.) with mud from this pit.
The grassy field which surrounded the pits were full of groups of people, laying on blankets. At the main area of the spa were concessions stands selling food and drink.
Peter had me try a local Romanian specialty, mici. It looked like a long hotdog with the ends cut off but the meat was much redder inside;
served on a paper plate with mustard and a piece of bread. Quite tasty!
We walked around the entire complex of buildings and lakes, taking pictures, before returning to the car. Days are long in Romania, sunlight lasting until 9-9:30 at night and still some light at 11pm. We continued northward,
merging into Highway 14, passing thru the city of Medias and on to the village of Danes, where we spent the night in the delightful pension, B&B called
the Dracula Inn.
Off the highway, entry into a small courtyard, a restaurant patio, very quiet and beautiful. A nice double room with full shower so Peter could wash up from his caving event earlier that day; then down to dinner. A nice restaurant, many guests, white table cloths, etc.
A nice broiled trout and tomato salad for dinner. A proper end to the first day's travel.
Photos of nearby places
Videos of nearby places
The Fagarasi Mountains can be easily approached from the north, mainly by using the Transfagarasan Road. This road is only accessible during the summer months (throughout its entire length), but from the Balea Waterfall station (Statia Balea Cascada) you can also reach the Balea Lake by cable car.
[De] Die Transfogarascher Hochstraße und das Balea-Tal im Winter. Siebenbürgen, Rumänien.
The Stan Valley is a picturesque canyon, even in winter. In fact, when the stream is frozen and covered with a layer of snow, exploring the canyon becomes much quicker and easier. During this time, we can also access areas that were unreachable in the summer, due to high water levels.
The Stan Valley is located near Lake Vidraru, southwest of it, in the Fruntii Mountains. Those who have visited the Seven Ladders Waterfall will appreciate this canyon, outfitted with infrastructure for tourist accessibility.
The Poenari citadel is located on the southern slope of the Fagaras Mountains, on the western side of the Transfagaras road, in the Arges Valley, about 4 km from the Vidraru Lake dam. Along a steep incline, a concrete staircase leads up to the castle, which is built atop a mountain. It is said that one must climb 1,480 steps, though we didn't count. :-)
in Miercurea Ciuc.