Porumbacu de Jos: Nature, Culture and Hiking Trails

Nature and Landscape

Porumbacu de Jos lies at the northern foot of the Făgăraș Mountains and extends along both banks of the Olt.

The Piemontul Făgăraș SPA partially includes the built-up area of the village of Porumbacu de Jos.

The commune’s territory also includes areas in the “Golul alpin al Munților Făgăraș între Suru und Podragu” nature reserve.

The landscape near Porumbacu de Jos known as the “Mini Delta” is a semi-natural ecosystem and is suitable for camping and fishing.

Culture and History

House No. 309 in Porumbacu de Jos is listed as immovable cultural heritage and dates from 1899.

The former post transit office, “Fostul Oficiu Poştal Tranzit”, is now used as a residence.

Wood processing has a documented tradition in Porumbacu de Jos dating back to the 17th century.

For the period from 1640 to 1680, rural household crafts involving sheepskin and leather processing are documented in Porumbacu de Jos.

The Orthodox Church of “Adormirea Maicii Domnului” is a historic monument and was built between 1850 and 1854.

The Greek Catholic Church of “Sfântul Nicolae” is also a historic monument; it was built between 1845 and 1851.

On Christmas Eve, the young men of the village form the “Ceata de feciori” and go from house to house singing.

In Sărata, 4 kilometres southeast of Porumbacu de Jos, stands the Church of “Nașterea Domnului”, which was built between 1800 and 1806.

Hiking and Water

The marked trail to Șaua Cleopatrei leads south from Porumbacu de Jos via Porumbacu de Sus; as far as there, it follows a paved county road.

From Porumbacu de Sus, the route continues for 16 kilometres along a forest road to the marble limestone quarry, before the actual mountain trail begins. On the route from Porumbacu de Jos to Cabana Negoiu, a path to Cascada Șerbotei branches off to the right at an altitude of 1,410 metres.

The route from Porumbacu de Jos to Cabana Negoiu takes 6 to 6½ hours and covers 20 kilometres on an unpaved road, followed by another 1½ hours on a hiking trail.

It runs along the right bank of the Râul Mare al Porumbacului and passes a marble limestone quarry 15 kilometres from Porumbacu de Jos.

A continuation of the route to Cabana Negoiu leads towards Piatra Prânzului and Vârful Negoiu.

The route in the Valea Porumbacului area can be reached via Porumbacu de Jos railway station by Regio train on the Sibiu–Brașov line.

Kayaking excursions are offered on the Porumbacu River in the Valea Porumbacului area.

Other places in this selection: Șura Mare, Gura Raului, Rusciori, Sadu, Tălmaciu, Cărtțișoara, Arpaşu De Sus, Mohu.

To the higher-level travel overview: Hermannstadt.