The southern area of the F\u0103g\u0103ra\u0219 Mountains is attracting an increasing number of tourists thanks to its spectacular landscapes and new initiatives to promote local heritage. The region\u2019s most ambitious project, \u201cVia Valahia,\u201d launched in 2020 by the Vidraru Mountain Association, has grown into a network of approximately 150 kilometers, connecting the Arge\u0219 Valley with the Land of Lovi\u0219tea. It is a journey designed to showcase history, nature and traditional landmarks. All the routes can be found at viavalahia.ro, where visitors can also explore detailed maps and video presentations.
\nThe idea emerged from a practical need, but also from a desire to revitalise local communities, explains Mihai R\u0103vescu, a founding member of the Vidraru Mountain Association.<\/p>\n
Mihai Ravescu: \u201cThe lack of hiking trails was one of the starting points for developing this project, while the second was the desire to connect various attractions across Arge\u0219 County. We therefore identified the main points of interest: Corbi, Nuc\u0219oara, Br\u0103det, Corbeni and others. That is how we began developing the project called Via Valahia, which consists of an easy hiking route designed for families and people of all ages. Alongside enjoying physical activity, tourists can discover the history of the Romanian people.The first completed section connects Corbi and Nuc\u0219oara, both communes with a rich history. In Corbi, visitors can find Corbii de Piatr\u0103 (the Stone Ravens), one of the oldest rock-hewn churches in Romania. Nuc\u0219oara is historically known for its anti-communist resistance; it is home to the memorial house of ElisabetaRizea. Geographically, the commune is also home to Lake \u00cenv\u00e2rtita, the largest lake in Romania formed in gypsum.\u201d<\/p>\n
The commune of Nuc\u0219oara has become a genuine tourist magnet. In addition to the lake, visitors are drawn to the Partisans\u2019 Altar and the unique \u201cForest of Immortal Stories\u201d project, where centuries-old beech trees can be \u201cheard\u201d by scanning QR codes. The human dimension plays a central role in the development of the area, adds Mihai R\u0103vescu.
\nMihai Ravescu: \u201cObviously, there is still much more to discover, including local traditions, producers and craftspeople, all of which we intend to promote along the way. Via Valahia is not just about hiking; it is also about people. On the project\u2019s website, we highlight local residents and the area\u2019s resources so that every tourist can get to know them better.\u201d
\nAttracting travel agencies and including the trail in the 2026 calendars of guided hikes have boosted the local economy and prompted improvements to access infrastructure. Visitors are invited to explore the Br\u0103det\u2013Nuc\u0219oara section, an easy route of approximately 10 kilometres. The trail has been designed to be accessible to everyone, emphasises Mihai R\u0103vescu, a representative of the Vidraru Mountain Association.<\/p>\n
Mihai Ravescu: \u201cAt Corbii de Piatr\u0103 Monastery, there are several local guides who, although they may not have official certification, tell fascinating stories that take visitors more than 800 years back in time. This monastery is a genuine \u2018miniature Meteora\u2019 of Romania.Afterwards, I would encourage tourists to follow Via Valahia to Nuc\u0219oara, where they can visit ElisabetaRizea\u2019s house and Lake \u00cenv\u00e2rtita. From there, they can climb a nearby, easily accessible peak, offering magnificent panoramic views of the V\u00e2lsan Valley and the Doamnei River.The route continues towards the V\u00e2lsan Valley, where visitors can learn about the asprete, a fish considered a relic of the Cretaceous period. Next comes the church in Br\u0103dule\u021b, regarded as the younger sister of Cozia Monastery, followed by the ethnographic museum in Gale\u0219u. All these attractions are easily accessible, both on foot and by car, and offer a pleasant way to spend an afternoon.\u201d
\nBeyond the villages steeped in history, Via Valahia also includes mountain landmarks that satisfy the appetite for adventure outside the warmer months. Dumitru Grecu, president of the Transf\u0103g\u0103r\u0103\u0219an Tourist Association and a promoter of tourism in the area, explains more about these attractions, which fit seamlessly into the region\u2019s cultural and tourist circuit.<\/p>\n
Dumitru Grecu: \u201cThere is a trail that becomes even more spectacular as the water freezes. It is the Valealui Stan trail, probably one of the three most spectacular hiking routes in Romania. Many hiking and adventure enthusiasts come here to explore it. Then, of course, there is the Transf\u0103g\u0103r\u0103\u0219an. Although the alpine section is closed during winter, visitors can still travel almost as far as the restricted section. When snow falls, large numbers of tourists arrive to enjoy the scenery and the small ski slopes set up on an ad hoc basis. In addition to these attractions, there are numerous experiences connected with folk traditions and local cuisine.\u201d
\nAnother key point along the itinerary is an impressive infrastructure project located near a historic monument with international renown. As travellers continue along the route, the natural landscape is complemented by an outstanding feat of engineering and a medieval fortress that has captured the curiosity of people around the world. Local legends intertwine with documented history, turning the area into a major attraction for enthusiasts of both mythology and historical fact. DumitruGrecu tells us more about these two important landmarks, which are an integral part of the tourist experience in southern Romania.<\/p>\n
DumitruGrecu: \u201cAmong the area\u2019s outstanding attractions are Lake Vidraru and the Vidraru Dam. The dam is an imposing structure dating from the 1960s, a spectacular sight that never fails to delight visitors.The lake itself is also an attraction during winter. Boat trips are organised, offering an even more impressive experience when the snow-covered mountain peaks can be seen in the distance.The Poenari Fortress is also located in this mountainous area and has already become part of the international tourist circuit. Many foreign visitors come to see it, as it is a famous destination associated with the legend of Dracula. It is the only truly original fortress reconstructed by Vlad the Impaler in 1462.\u201d
\nThus, the southern F\u0103g\u0103ra\u0219 Mountains demonstrate how unspoilt natural areas can become thriving tourist destinations. By exploring the different sections of Via Valahia, from guided hikes in Nuc\u0219oara to the magnificent landscapes of the Stan Valley and the Vidraru Dam, visitors can discover a sustainable tourism experience in Arge\u0219 County that directly supports rural communities.
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The southern area of the F\u0103g\u0103ra\u0219 Mountains is attracting an increasing number of tourists thanks to its spectacular landscapes and new initiatives to promote local heritage. The region\u2019s most ambitious project, \u201cVia Valahia,\u201d launched in 2020 by the Vidraru Mountain Association, has grown into a network of approximately 150 kilometers, connecting the Arge\u0219 Valley with […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":128,"featured_media":1070639,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[43423],"tags":[],"coauthors":[113280],"class_list":["post-1074248","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travellers-guide"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n