Discover Şelimbăr: History, River and Cycle Route

Şelimbăr combines history, religious heritage, river landscapes and a regional cycle route.

Battle History of Şelimbăr

The Battle of Şelimbăr, known as Schellenberg in German, took place on 28 October 1599 between the Wallachian army led by Mihai Viteazul and the Transylvanian army led by Andrei Báthory. Those who get to know the place through its history encounter an precisely dated event with two clearly distinguishable sides. The Monumentul lui Mihai Viteazul, a monument, is also located in the immediate vicinity of Şelimbăr. For a day focused on cultural history, the battle site and the monument can be considered as two historical points of interest.

Religious Heritage and Memorial Site

The Old Believer Orthodox skete in Şelimbăr was built around 1787 and belongs to the Metropolia of Old Rite Christianity. The skete complements the historical focus with a sacred site within Şelimbăr. Those who do not want to limit their cultural interests to the battle can plan the skete as a separate focus.

The memorial cross commemorating the Battle of Şelimbăr is accessible via a road approximately 1.5 kilometres long from the DN1. When planning a historical visit, access from the DN1 can be treated as a separate section without equating it with the cycle route circuit.

Cibin, Peaks and Regional Landscape

The Cibin River enters the Şelimbăr commune at the village of Şelimbăr and leaves it at Veştem. The Cibin thus contributes its own stretch of river to the landscape of Şelimbăr.

Padinele is a peak in the wider regional surroundings of Şelimbăr. La Lăcuţ is a peak in the vicinity of Şelimbăr. Dealul Făgetului is a peak in the vicinity of Şelimbăr. Hula Bradului is a peak in the vicinity of Şelimbăr. This provides four specific peak references for orientation in the surrounding area, from Padinele in the wider surroundings to the three peaks in the vicinity.

Brukenthal–Țara Oltului Cycle Route

The Brukenthal–Țara Oltului cycle route follows a circuit through Sibiu, Şelimbăr and other places, connecting Sibiu with Avrig. When planning the route, Sibiu, Avrig and other places along the same route can therefore be considered alongside Şelimbăr. The cycle route passes through the Hârtibaci Plateau and Olt Country; two European special protection areas for birds are located there: ASPA Podișul Hârtibaciului and ASPA Piemontul Făgăraș. For cycle tourists, the route connects Şelimbăr with the Hârtibaci Plateau, Olt Country and the two protected areas. The route thus incorporates both the locality and the wider landscape into the same regional cycling plan.

Churches in the Immediate Vicinity

Biserica Sfânta Maria, Biserica Ortodoxă Sibiu and Biserica Sfântul Nicolae are located in the immediate vicinity of Şelimbăr; all three are churches. Together with the skete, this selection expands the religious aspect of a trip beyond a single place. Culture enthusiasts therefore have several specific sacred destinations available in Şelimbăr and its immediate surroundings.

Discover More Destinations

More destinations for planning your own trip: Cârţişoara, Sadu, Mohu, Altana, Tilischen, Städterdorf, Mediasch and Rusciori.

For the overarching travel overview: Hermannstadt.