Hartibaciu Valley - protected area

There is a lesser known natural area in Romania... nestled right under the Carpathian Fagaras mountain arch, in the heart of Transylvania, alongside the Hartibaciu river valley. It is a "Natura 2000" protected natural site for bird conservation and for habitat types (e.g. particular types of forest, grasslands, wetlands, etc.) The Natura 2000 sites are selected by member states and the European Commission following strictly scientific criteria. 

This region was declared a protected area since 2007 and it stretches in the regions of Brasov county and Sibiu county. It is a great place for birdwatching enthusiasts, as it is one of the most diverse and rich landscapes in Europe. 

There is also another interesting gem waiting for tourists here: the "Mocanita" train track which lies between the villages of Cornatel and Hosman, really close to Sibiu. It's an old train locomotive with a few wagons that travels slowly for an hour through the plains surrounded by hills, where nature unfolds and travellers can take a deep breath and really enjoy nature. This is available in the summer over the weekends, when you can take a ticket to the usual train tours, or even book a private tour just for your group to discover at your own pace. This experience is possible thanks to locals and volunteers who try to keep the train and the tracks in the best shape, since they have been unused for many years and now try to gain more popularity. 

Hartibaciu nature tours are a great way to discover natural and lesser known habitats in Romania. And on a clear summer night, there are also events for astronomical observations along the valley.

Are you curious? We can take you there!