Hiking

Want to discover the area around Nocrich? We have put together a few routes you can do in a day, from easy walks through the villages of the Hârtibaciu Valley to hikes in the Făgăraș Mountains. For some of them you need to drive to the starting point.

1. Nocrich – Hosman – Fofeldea

🚗 Driving: ~10 min to the starting point
🥾 Route: 14.3 km
⏱️ Walking: ~4 hours
⛰️ Difficulty: moderate

A route through the rural landscape of the Hârtibaciu Valley, linking the villages of Hosman, Glâmboaca and Fofeldea. It suits anyone who wants to explore around Nocrich without climbing into the mountains. Along the way you get hills, hayfields and Saxon villages.

What you will see: Hosman, Glâmboaca, Fofeldea, landscapes of the Hârtibaciu Valley.

2. Bâlea Lac – Vânătoarea lui Buteanu

🚗 Driving: ~1 h 45 min to Bâlea Lac
🥾 Route: ~7 km
⏱️ Walking: ~4 hours
⛰️ Difficulty: moderate

A hike in the Făgăraș Mountains that starts at Bâlea Lac, at over 2,000 m altitude, and climbs to the Vânătoarea lui Buteanu peak (2,507 m). The route is fairly short, but it has steep, rocky sections towards the top.

What you will see: Bâlea Lake, Șaua Caprei, Lacul Capra (Capra Lake) and panoramas over the Făgăraș Mountains.

3. Bâlea Lac – Lacul Capra

🚗 Driving: ~1 h 45 min to Bâlea Lac
🥾 Route: ~4–6 km
⏱️ Walking: ~2–3 hours
⛰️ Difficulty: easy–moderate

A shorter option for a day in the Făgăraș. From the Bâlea Lac area, the route climbs towards Lacul Capra (Capra Lake) and Șaua Caprei, with views over the glacial cirques and the surrounding ridges.

What you will see: Bâlea Lake, Șaua Caprei, Lacul Capra (Capra Lake) and the alpine landscape.

You can find more routes in Sibiu county on aniidrumetiei.ro, and for the Bâlea Lac area on balealac.ro.

Before you set off

Times and difficulty are approximate and can vary with the weather, your group's pace and the state of the trail. For hikes in the Făgăraș, always check the weather and the trail conditions before leaving. In the cold season or in bad weather, some routes can become much harder.

If you meet wild animals

In short, following the advice of Salvamont România:

• On the trail: do not leave the marked path, do not walk alone in the mountains, and make some noise now and then (talk, shout or use a whistle). Keep dogs on a lead and avoid walking late in the evening or at night, when animals are more active. Pepper spray within reach can help — mind the wind direction.
• At your tent: camp only in designated areas, do not keep food in your tent and do not eat in it or next to it. Hang food up high, away from the tent — animals can smell even unopened tins.
• Before the hike: call the Salvamont National Dispatch and say where you plan to go; they will put you in touch with the local team, who know what dangers there are on the route.
• If you see a bear: do not approach the cubs — the mother is almost always nearby. Change direction and move away. If the bear follows you, gradually drop clothes or food behind you to distract it.
• Sheepdogs: do not run from them; protect your legs with your rucksack and offer them some food.
• Snakes: go around them and never try to chase or catch them.

The full recommendations are on salvamontromania.ro.