Poiana Mărului between the lake, waterfalls and mountain trails

Poiana Mărului derives its character from various specifically named landscape and cultural features. For visitors who wish to consider nature, trail routes and religious heritage side by side, the locality offers several thematic points of reference with a clear geographical and chronological context.

Nature and Water

The Poiana Mărului reservoir lies in a landscape characterized by coniferous and deciduous forests. Poiana Mărului is also home to Cascada Șucu, at an altitude of 700 meters between the Țarcu Mountains and Muntele Mic. The waterfall is located on the river of the same name, immediately before it flows into Lake Poiana Mărului. There are several waterfalls on the Șucu River, including Cascada Șucu.

Hiking Trails and Mountain Panorama

The Poiana Mărului–Piatra Scorilei–Muntele Mic Tourist Complex hiking trail begins at Poiana Mărului railway station. It initially follows the valley for about 1 kilometer before ascending the right slope of Scorilei. On the Poiana Mărului–Piatra Scorilei–Muntele Mic hiking trail, almost two hours of walking remain from Poiana Boboraței to the mountain hut complex on Muntele Mic. Another trail, the Poiana Mărului–Buza Nedeii–Poiana Nedeii Peak–Bistricioara Peak–Mătania (Nedeia) Peak route, connects Poiana Mărului with the main ridge of the Țarcu Mountains.

The hiking trail reaches Poiana Boboraței at the upper forest line. From there, the horizon opens to the north, east and southeast, offering views of the Țarcu Mountains. The differing information about the starting point, route, walking time and views can be read separately if you wish to place a hike in a chronological and thematic context.

Getting There

Access to the Poiana Mărului holiday resort is via the DN68 Caransebeș–Hațeg, with a turnoff near the municipality of Zăvoi. This provides a specific main road connection and the aforementioned turnoff for planning your journey.

Culture and Spirituality

The “Nativity of Saint John the Baptist” Monastery in Poiana Mărului is a convent in the Poiana Mărului holiday resort. The foundation stone for the monastery chapel was laid on June 24, 2013. The monastery is situated in a special natural setting with clean air and gives pilgrims a feeling of peace and spiritual elevation.

Since 2008, a pilgrimage with the miraculous icon of the Mother of God has been organized annually on the eve of the patronal feast of the Poiana Mărului skete. Pietrele lui Scorilo are considered a Dacian pagan altar at an altitude of 1,200 meters on the northern slope of the Muntele Mic massif.

The new cross on Muntele Mic consists of a steel structure dating from 2004. A cross on Muntele Mic is a monument erected in 1936 in memory of the heroes of Banat who fought for reunification. At night, the cross is illuminated by its own power-generating system.

Other Places

Other places for planning your trip include Franzdorf, Kohldorf, Reşiţa, Poneasca, Eftimie Murgu, Turnu Ruieni, Liubcova and Caransebeş.

For the higher-level travel overview: Caraş-Severin.