Ocna Sibiului: Salt Lakes, Churches and Spa Town

Nature and Salt Lakes

Twelve significant anthropogenic salt lakes characterize Ocna Sibiului. The spa town developed around these lakes. The unusual combination of salt, water and landscape is also reflected in the properties of individual lakes.

Helothermy occurs in the lakes of Ocna Sibiului. This involves a less saline layer of water at the surface overlying more saline water. The lake Lacul fără fund was formed at the site of a former salt mine that was abandoned in the mid-18th century. At a depth of 160 metres, Lacul Avram Iancu is Romania’s deepest anthropogenic salt lake. With a salinity of 400 g/l, Lacul Brâncoveanu is one of Romania’s most saline lakes. In salt lakes, water depth, salinity and the stratification of the water are distinct characteristics.

Saltwater and Treatments

The lakes’ highly concentrated salt waters are among Ocna Sibiului’s natural therapeutic factors. The salt lakes of Ocna Sibiului offer opportunities for swimming and mud treatments. Thus, alongside the distinctive properties of the water, specific activities around the lakes are also a focus. Current opening hours should be checked before visiting for swimming or mud treatments.

Churches and History

The Reformed Calvinist Church of Ocna Sibiului is a three-nave Romanesque basilica dating from 1240. Brâncoveanu de Sus Church was originally founded by Mihai Viteazul in 1600. The churchyard is located at the archaeological site of the church dedicated to “Sf. Ioan Botezătorul” in Ocna Sibiului; the Orthodox church was built at the beginning of the 19th century. Romanesque architecture, historical foundation and Orthodox dedication span several periods of sacred history. In historic churches, architectural form, dedication, year of foundation and period of construction represent distinct historical characteristics.

Geographical Setting

The Biserica Reformată Evanghelică Ocna Sibiului, Biserica Catolică Ocna Sibiului and Biserica Ortodoxă Schimbarea la Faţă are located in the immediate vicinity of Ocna Sibiului. Each of these three churches is located in the immediate vicinity of Ocna Sibiului.

The surrounding area of Ocna Sibiului also includes Biserica Greco-Catolică Alămor, Izvorul Ilenei, Gorganu, Chicera Ocnei and Dealul Gorganu Mândrei. Biserica Greco-Catolică Alămor is a church, while Izvorul Ilenei is a spring. Gorganu, Chicera Ocnei and Dealul Gorganu Mândrei are hills in the area surrounding Ocna Sibiului. The named destinations therefore range from churches and a spring to several elevations in the surrounding countryside.

Route

The Drumul sării route includes Ocna Sibiului in all three route variants. The name thus connects the town with a route that runs in three different variants. Current road conditions should be checked before setting out. This also applies before departing on any of the multiple route variants.

Other Places

The wider group of linked destinations includes Mediasch, Boiţa, Dealu Frumos, Sadu, Städterdorf, Grossau, Biertan and Tălmaciu.

For the overarching travel overview: Hermannstadt.