Băile Olănești: Mineral Springs, Gorges and Churches

Băile Olănești lies at the foot of the Căpățânii Mountains. The town has more than 35 hydromineral springs, including natural springs as well as springs from drilling and mining facilities such as wells and adits. 15 mineral springs are tapped for drinking cures. Two mineral springs and four mineral-water wells are used for external treatments (balneation). The mineral waters of Băile Olănești received a gold medal at the Vienna Exhibition in 1873.

Other destinations: Ocnele Mari, Banesti, Lazaret, Curăturile, Blidari, Câinenii Mici, Râmnicu Vâlcea, Marița

Nature and Trails

From the spa resort, access to the Cheile Olănești continues for 14 km along the Valea Olănești on a forest road. The Cheile Cheia are among the narrowest and wildest gorge sections in the country. Peştera Caprelor is a protected natural area covering 0.50 hectares in the administrative territory of Oraşul Băile Olăneşti. In Buila-Vânturarița National Park, visitors may use only marked hiking trails or approved, marked climbing routes.

Mountain biking is one of the recreational activities in Băile Olănești. Walks outdoors are possible in the central park of Băile Olănești. A local hiking route leads from Olănești to Tisa and Gurguiata. A red-marked hiking trail leads from Olănești through the Valea Olănești and over Muntele Stogu to Cantonul Cheia. A hiking trail marked with a red cross leads from Olănești via Schitul Iezer and Schitul Pahomie to Schitul Pătrunsa.

Getting There

Travel by train is via Râmnicu Vâlcea railway station; from there, continue by road for approximately 18 km to the spa resort.

Culture and History

The Sf. Pantelimon wooden church in Băile Olănești dates from 1746. It was the first wooden church in Romania to be saved as a historic monument. Bisericuța lui Horea din Albac is a wooden monument of Romanian folk architecture in Băile Olănești. Historically, it is associated with Vasile Nicula Ursu, known as Horea, who led the largest peasant uprising in Transylvania in 1784.

Bisericuța lui Horea din Albac was brought to Băile Olănești in 1954 and reconstructed there. It was consecrated on 12 October 1958. Schitul Iezer lies at the foot of the Cheia Mountains in a clearing surrounded by ancient forests. Schitul Iezer can be reached via the village of Cheia; from the last bus stop, a forest road leads there and is passable all year round, except in winters with heavy snowfall.

Schitul Iezer can be reached on foot from the central group of springs via the former village of Tisa. Schitul Iezer became a pilgrimage site; a monk was canonized in 1996. Schitul Bradu is located in Gurguiata and can be reached via Tisa, followed by approximately five kilometres on foot. The church of Schitul Bradu is dedicated to John the Baptist and was founded in 1784. According to an inscription from 1720, the monastery was completed in 1567–1568.

For the higher-level travel overview: Vâlcea.