Kudsir combines outdoor activities with industrial and archaeological history. A marked hiking route, the CugiRace mountain running event and traces of historic buildings and settlements offer different starting points for planning your excursions.
Hiking Trails and CugiRace
A yellow triangle marks a hiking route from Cugir via Valea Grușerii, Călene, Vîrful Grușerița, Dealul Piatra Pleșii and Valea Ghișag to Poiana Pochia. Check the markings and trail conditions before setting out.
CugiRace follows a different format: The mountain race starts and finishes in Poiana cu Goruni, with routes through the Șureanu Mountains. CugiRace includes five competitions, among them a 69.4-kilometer main race with 2,730 meters of elevation gain and a race for children. The format and schedule may vary from one edition to another.
In Cugir, family hikes and cycling tours are also offered as leisure activities. Another point of reference is the Wasserlinner water pipeline: It runs for five kilometers from the reservoir at Râul Mic, then called Taul lui Nila, to the Cugir water tower. Locals use it for walks in the forest; check the specific trail conditions in advance.
Landscape and Nature
Poiana cu Goruni near Vinerea is considered a centuries-old oak forest; it is home to a protected habitat for the stag beetle. A local regulation applies to picnics: Under the regulation approved on May 27, 2026, picnics are permitted only in designated areas or areas set aside by the local administration, daily from 08:00 to 22:00. Check the local regulation before your visit.
The forests around Cugir also offer a seasonal natural attraction: They are home to porcini mushrooms and chanterelles, among others.
Industrial History and Archaeology
Cugir's iron and steel factory was founded in 1799 and is now known as Uzina Mecanică Cugir. The Cugir water tower, also called Castelul de Apă, was built in 1909–1911 and renovated in 2011. These sites represent different periods in the area's industrial history.
Near Cugir, a fortification formed part of the Dacian defensive system protecting the center of power at Sarmizegetusa Regia. Settlement traces at the fortress date from the 5th to 4th centuries BC; the fortification itself was built in the 3rd to 2nd centuries BC. It is probably identified with Singidava, which Ptolemy described as the largest and richest fortress in the MureÈ™ Valley.
The history of the folklore festival also has a clear timeline: It began in 2009. From 2012, it was held as the national festival of dances and folk traditions Cugir–Vinerea and continued annually until 2019.
Food and Planning
Restaurant Casa Cugireană serves traditional recipes dating from 1957 as well as contemporary recipes. The menu and business operations may change; check the current offerings and opening hours before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Vadu Moților, Blaj, Jidvei, Pleși, Sohodol, Ohaba, Pianu De Jos, Ampoița.
For the broader travel overview: Alba.
