• This Rock Resembles The Bucegi Sphinx

    This Rock Resembles The Bucegi Sphinx

    On the outskirts of Crivina de Sus, as you drive towards the village from Pietroasa, you will see an interesting rock formation on the left side of the road, sitting on a small hill. This formation is called the Sphinx and it looks a lot like the famous Sphinx in the Bucegi Mountains .

    Unfortunately, the entire area around the rock is fenced off, so you can’t climb up the hill directly from the main road. Just before the sign that points to the Sphinx, there is a small spot where you can park your car. From there, you can enjoy a nice view of this unusual and beautiful rock formation without leaving the road.

    If you look towards the taller hill closest to the village, you will notice a swing at the top. It’s a lovely place to relax and take in the scenery.

    Also, if you keep driving on the road past this spot, you will reach another beautiful destination: the Sopot Waterfall. This waterfall is a great place to visit if you want to continue your adventure. The distance from Crivina de Sus to the Sopot Waterfall is about 14 kilometers, making it an easy trip if you have some extra time.

    So if you’re in the area, make sure to stop and admire the rock formation that looks like the Sphinx, and don’t miss the chance to visit the nearby waterfall for an even more memorable experience.

    The Sphynx.
    The Sphynx near the Romanian village of Crivina de Sus.
    Rock formations.
    Rock formations on the hill.
    Large hills near the village of Crivina de Sus.
    Large hill next to the village.
    A swing located on the top of the large hill overlooking the village.
    A swing located on the top of the large hill overlooking the village.
    The village of Crivina de Sus.
    The outskirts of the village of Crivina de Sus.

    Other places that I’ve visited in the area:

    Old Wooden Church In Romanesti – a beautiful recently renovated wooden church located in the village of Romanesti.

    The Romanesti Cave – located in a forest, not very far from the village of Romanesti.

    Transluncani Road – a popular winding road located close to Luncanii de Jos.

    The village of Batrana – a small remote village with some old traditional wooden houses.

    Lake Surduc – a popular lake located not far from the small town of Faget.

  • Visiting Bătrâna in Ținutul Pădurenilor

    Visiting Bătrâna in Ținutul Pădurenilor

    Starting from my hometown of Timișoara, I drove for almost two hours before reaching the small village of Bătrâna. The journey was peaceful and pleasant, and I enjoyed watching the scenery change as I got closer to the mountains.

    Bătrâna is a quiet village in Hunedoara County, nestled in a region called Ținutul Pădurenilor, which lies in the beautiful Poiana Ruscă Mountains. It is located about 30 kilometers from the commune of Dobra. If you are planning to visit Bătrâna, you’ll first need to drive to Dobra. Once you reach Dobra, take a right turn and continue toward the next village, which is called Roscani. After passing through Roscani, the paved road comes to an end, and from there, you’ll need to continue your journey on a dirt road until you reach Bătrâna.

    When I visited, the dirt road was in surprisingly good condition. You don’t need a special off-road or 4×4 vehicle to get there — a regular car will do just fine. The drive up to Bătrâna is quite scenic, as the road follows a small mountain stream and winds its way through a forest. I found the drive very beautiful and relaxing, especially because of the peaceful forest surroundings.

    Towards the remote village

    made a short stop just before reaching the village because the landscape was absolutely stunning. Let me share a few photos of the nearby mountains and the tall hills surrounding the area.

    Dirt road.
    Dirt road up to Bătrâna.
    The landscape near the village of Bătrâna.
    The landscape near the village.
    Small houses on the hill.
    Small houses on a hill.
    The scenery in the Poiana Ruscă Mountains.
    The scenery in the Poiana Ruscă Mountains.

    The village

    The village itself is small and charming, with a few narrow streets that are lined with traditional wooden houses. These old homes give you a glimpse into the past and the way people used to live in this part of Romania. Near the center of the village, there is also an old wooden church that is worth visiting. It’s simple and it adds to the quiet charm of Bătrâna.

    This remote village sits on top of a high hill, at an altitude of around 900 meters. From there, you can enjoy amazing views in every direction. The village of Bătrâna is completely surrounded by nature, making it a perfect place to take in the peaceful and beautiful scenery.

    Beautiful wooden house.
    A very interesting and beautiful wooden house.
    Cat resting on the roof.
    Cat resting on the roof.
    The wooden church's tower in the valley.
    The church tower visible from the village.
    The church with the forested hills in the background.
    The small church with the forested hills in the background.
    The wooden church in Bătrâna.
    Next to the church in Bătrâna
    Green trees on the top of a smaller hill.
    Many green trees on the top of a smaller hill.
    Hills and mountains seen from the village.
    Tall hill with the mountains in the background.
    Narrow street.
    A narrow street in the village.
    Narrow asphalted street with an old traditional barn.
    Narrow asphalted street with an old traditional barn.
    Traditional barn with a roof made out of straw.
    A traditional barn with a roof made out of straw.
    Another beautiful hose in the village.
    Another beautiful hose in the village.
    Traditional wooden house with blue windows.
    Traditional wooden house with blue windows.
    Wooden house with green windows and door.
    Another example of a traditional house in Bătrâna.
    The landscape near the outskirts of Bătrâna.
    The landscape near the outskirts of Bătrâna.
    Cross next to the entrance into the village.
    Cross next to the entrance into the village.

    Pârâul Alunului

    Just before reaching the village, at the bottom of the hill where Bătrâna is located, there’s a nice little resting place called Pârâul Alunului. Here, you’ll find a bench by the side of the road where you can stop, take a break, and admire the beautiful natural scenery all around you. It’s a peaceful spot where you can enjoy the fresh air and the calm atmosphere of the mountains.

    Pârâul Alunului near Bătrâna.
    Pârâul Alunului.
    Bench next to the road.
    Bench next to the road.
    The road to Bătrâna.
    The road to Bătrâna.

    Other objectives to visit in Poiana Ruscă Mountains

    Șopot Waterfall – This is a smaller waterfall located in the forest not far from the village of Poieni

    Transluncani road – explore the small version of the Transfăgărășan road located near the village on Luncanii de Jos.

    The Românești Cave – not far from the village of Românești you will find a cave which can be explored.

    The old wooden church in Românești – in the village of Românești, located on in the cemetery you will find an old but beautiful wooden church.

  • Geoagiu Bai’s Best Attractions – What to See and Do

    Geoagiu Bai’s Best Attractions – What to See and Do

    Geoagiu Bai is a small but charming spa resort in the Apuseni Mountains, close to the city of Orastie. While it’s best known for its thermal spas, there are also several interesting attractions to explore in and around the resort.

    When you arrive, you’ll notice a sign that points to all the attractions within the resort. This makes it easy to find your way around and decide which places you’d like to explore first.

    Must-Visit Attractions in Geoagiu Bai:

    The Outlaws’ Grotto

    Just a 10-minute walk from the abandoned swimming pool located on the outskirts of the resort, a dirt road leads to the Outlaws’ Grotto or Groata Haiducilor in Romanian, a hidden cave with a fascinating history. According to a legend, a treasure was buried inside the cave during the interwar period, adding to its mystery.

    Path leading to the Outlaws Grotto.
    Path in the forest leading to the Outlaws Grotto
    The Outlaws Grotto.
    The Outlaws Grotto.

    The Roman Baths – Germisara

    The Old Roman Baths can be found right next to much larger swimming pools located in the heart of the resort so it’s easy to visit and explore the old ruins built by the Romans.

    Next to entrance to the Roman Baths.
    The scenery next to the main entrance to the Roman Baths.
    The Roman Baths in Geoagiu Bai seen from above.
    The Roman Baths.
    Inside the Roman Baths.
    Inside the Roman Baths.
    The swimming pool.
    The swimming pool.

    The Clocota Waterfall

    At the end of Taberei Street, you’ll find the stunning Clocota Waterfall. The last part of the path is quite steep, so it’s best explored on foot for a safer and more enjoyable visit.

    The Clocota Waterfall.
    A portrait photo of the Clocota Waterfall.
    Close-up shot of the waterfall.
    Close-up shot of the waterfall.
    Tourists arrive to visit the waterfall.
    Tourists arrive to visit the waterfall

    More Places to Visit Nearby

    If you have extra time, there are several amazing sites worth visiting:

    Deva Fortress – Located on a high hill overlooking the city of Deva, this fortress offers great views and a rich history.

    Sarmizegetusa Regia – The ancient capital of Dacia, a must-visit for history lovers, not far from Orăștie.

    Corvin Castle – One of Romania’s most famous and breathtaking castles, located in Hunedoara, about 17 km from Deva.

    Final thoughts

    Geoagiu Bai is a destination that offers something for everyone—whether you seek relaxation, history, or adventure. The blend of ancient traditions and natural beauty makes it a place worth visiting.