COLINELE TRANSILVANIEI – THE BEAUTY OF NATURE
The ecotourism destination Colinele Transilvaniei, stretches around the valleys of Târnava Mare, Hârtibaci and Olt, between Sibiu, Sighișoara and Brașov. Colinele Transilvaniei is a fairytale area and represent “the last truly medieval landscape in Europe” (Dr. Andrew Jones), an area with a unique natural and cultural heritage in Europe.
The wonders of nature can be admired and felt at every step. The song of the birds, the scent of the plants, the beauty of nature and the presence of animals, give charm and life to this wonderful place.
The surface of Colinele Transilvaniei includes protected areas of national interest and protected areas that, since 2007, are part of the European Natura 2000 network. This is the largest ecological network in the world, with over 25,000 sites, including 531 in Romania – 7 of them in this beautiful area. The large number of protected areas makes this area the second largest area in the country with protection status, after the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve.
The protected areas of this region are also home to some of the last wolf and brown bear populations in depressed Europe. The wild boar, the Carpathian deer and the wild cat live in all forested areas. The animals most often encountered by hikers, are deer, rabbits, foxes, big cats, common hamsters and badgers. Harder to see, but just as spectacular are the 12 species of bat, two of which are protected in Europe.
A beautiful place, full of perfume and life, is known as the “Land of Tuberose”, just 16 km from Sighisoara, in the commune of Hoghilag. These plants were brought here, since the Middle Ages, by the first community of cultivators in Romania, the Saxons. The tuberose plantations can be admired between July and August. The inhabitants of Hoghilag, Sibiu County, organize an annual festival dedicated to tuberculosis, which takes place in the first weekend of August.
The natural meadow with flowering species, almost extinct in other parts of Europe, is found in the beautiful region of Coline. A delight to watch the whole explosion of colors and to know so many species of plants in the middle of nature. In May, species such as wild orchids or spring beetle can be admired in all their splendor.
The pastures with trees in the Coline, complete even more this puzzle of biodiversity and nature in the Transylvanian lands. Old trees are iconic components of tree pastures. The age of old trees can exceed half a millennium, being the oldest organisms in large regions, and are also popular tourist attractions in many areas, making a significant contribution to the knowledge of the area and last but not least, to the local economy.
Another beautiful place in Coline is in Brădeni. The lakes from Brădeni are considered the favorite place of migratory birds that come to this area and here, regularly, are housed over 20.000 migratory waterfowl. The red and gray heron (Ardea cinerea), the big corcodel (Podiceps cristatus), the red duck – a globally threatened species – the black stork or the summer swan can be observed in Brădeni. Few know that Colinele Transilvaniei is home to the largest population of the “acvila țipătoare mică“ (Clanga pomarina) and the “viespar“ (Pernis apivorus) in Romania. Colinele Transilvaniei also organize birdwatching tours in order to be able to admire the beautiful creatures more closely.
Until next time, enjoy your journey!