Orlat: Where the mountains meet the plain

Orlat lies where the mountains meet the plain. Historic buildings, a panoramic walk, a circular cycling route and seasonal customs give visitors different ways to shape their stay. If you are looking for a hotel in Orlat, consider which of these interests you would like to focus on during your stay.

Scenery, views and routes

County Route 003 connects Sibiu, Orlat and Gura Râului. Timetable information may change, so check the latest details before travelling. The “Porţile Transilvaniei” route also passes through Orlat. The “Drumul transhumanţei” route runs from Fântânele via Orlat to Cristian.

The “Orlat–Poiana Godea–Sibiel–Orlat” circular cycling route starts in the centre of Orlat. Heading southwest, it follows the Orlățel River for about 9 km, with the river running to the left of the forest path. The route is approximately 9 km long; conditions may change. Check the current route if you are planning to ride it. A walk on Dealul Platoul Cetăţii offers panoramic views of the entire commune and its surroundings. When choosing between the two, you can focus either on the cycling loop and its approximate distance or on the views from the walk.

Churches and local history

Today’s Orlat Community Museum is housed in the former school of the 1st Romanian Border Regiment (1764–1851). If a museum visit is part of your plans, check visiting arrangements in advance. The “Sfântul Nicolae” Church was built between 1792 and 1796; 1794 is given as its construction year. It is a historic monument in the Byzantine style, and Simion Zugravul painted its frescoes in 1800.

An earlier layer of local history can be found on the terrace of Cetatea Scurtă Hill: from the 9th to the 13th century, it was the site of an old wooden fortress fortified with earthworks and belonging to local knezes. The “Sf. Tereza de Avilla” Church was built for the Roman Catholic officers of the Border Regiment. The “Sf. Treime” Monastery was built between 1993 and 2000 in the Neo-Byzantine style. The historical sites thus range from a medieval fortification to a monastery built in the late 20th century.

Traditions and literature

The Junii tradition is kept alive in Orlat during the Christmas and New Year holidays. The Orlat Junii tradition, with its costumes, dances and Christmas carols, differs from that of neighbouring Gura Râului. If you would like to see a specific performance, check the dates in advance.

On Maundy Thursday (“Joia Verde”), eggs in Orlat are dyed red using onion skins rather than synthetic dyes. The two customs take place at different times of year: Junii is part of the Christmas and New Year season, while egg-dyeing takes place on Maundy Thursday.

Orlat also has literary connections: Liviu Rebreanu wrote “Ciuleandra” and “Crăişorul” here, as well as part of the novel “Ion”. Together with the churches and regional routes, this makes for a stay where scenery, history and local culture can each take centre stage in different ways.

Discover more destinations: Mohu, Hohe Rinne, Gunzendorf, Tilischen, Valea Viilor, Veştem, Slimnic, Heltau

For the main travel overview: Hermannstadt.