Malaia: Reservoirs, Waterfalls and Culture

Malaia lies on the Lotru River in the northern mountains of Vâlcea County. The Lotru and Căpățânii Mountains surround the village; the Transalpina runs at the foot of the Fratoșteanu Mountains. The river, mountain scenery and reservoirs shape the character of this destination. Malaia has at least three reservoirs, including Lacul Brădișor and the Malaia Reservoir.

Reservoirs and hydropower

Lacul Brădișor covers 230 hectares and is more than 40 meters deep. Fishing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming are possible on its shores. The Malaia Reservoir has different dimensions: it lies at an altitude of 480 meters, covers 46 hectares and is 22 meters deep. The Malaia hydroelectric power plant uses this reservoir; it began operating in 1978 with an installed capacity of 18 megawatts. The two bodies of water thus differ both in their dimensions and in their described uses. Barajul Brădișor is a concrete arch dam, 62 meters high and 220 meters long.

Waterfalls and trails

To reach Cascada Scoruș, turn off the DN7A in Malaia onto a forest road about level with the middle of the lake and before the first bridge. The route to the waterfall passes through the gorge of the Bucureasa Valley and is marked with two white and red circles. It is not recommended for children or inexperienced hikers. Check the trail markings and the condition of the forest road before setting out. A blue-marked trail also leads from Cascada Scoruș through the old Cocora shepherd’s hut and past Crucea Brătienilor into the Căpățânii Mountains.

Another short trail leads to Fântâna Brătienilor: from Valea Satului Road, follow the blue markings for about 15 to 20 minutes on foot through the forest. This estimate makes it easier to gauge the time needed for the walk, while the route to Cascada Scoruș, with its explicit warning, calls for different planning.

Culture and history in Malaia

Crucea Brătienilor was erected by Vintilă and Lia Brătianu in memory of their parents and is included on Romania’s list of historic monuments. The women’s monastery Sfânta Mănăstire Înălţarea Sfintei Cruci is also part of the area’s cultural history. The foundation stone for its new church was laid on June 12, 2012. The monastery complex includes a large church and a two-story Arhondaric with 25 cells.

In Săliștea, Malaia, the Museum of World Flutes displays almost 100 exhibits, including flutes from Vaideeni and Țara Loviștei, as well as wind instruments and other instruments from every continent. An interview dated July 23, 2026, described the exhibition as open to visitors and mentioned guided tours and workshops on world cultures and world music. Make arrangements for your visit in advance. Ciunget is also home to the wooden church “Sfinţii Împăraţi Constantin şi Elena,” built in 1861.

Places to visit in the wider commune

Some destinations lie outside the village of Malaia itself. In the village of Ciungetu is Peștera Laptelui, also known as Peștera cu Lapte. The cave lies on the right-hand slope of Rudăreasa and is of particular interest from a paleontological and historical perspective. The Muntinu nature reserve is also outside the village. It is located on the steep slope of a glacial cirque in the upper reaches of the Muntinu Valley, east of Mount Cărbunele. The area includes a glacial valley and two lakes at the upper end of the valley; the plants growing there are protected.

Lacul Petrimanu and Cheile Latoriței are also destinations outside the village of Malaia. The lake is known for trout fishing, and hiking routes from there lead toward the gorge between the Latoriței and Căpățânii Mountains. Cheile Latoriței stretches for 25 kilometers through a landscape of rocks, moss and numerous waterfalls. Near Iezerul Latoriței is the two-tiered Cascada Moara Dracilor, which is 20 to 25 meters high. The route there is difficult and is not recommended for beginners without a guide or good maps. Cascada Apa Spânzurată is a 35-meter-high waterfall on the Turcinu Mare stream, on the right-hand slope of the Latorița Valley.

Discover more destinations: Vaideeni, Băile Olăneşti, Pietrișu, Ocnele Mari, Costeşti, Voineasa, Perişani, Horezu.

See the regional travel overview: Vâlcea.