Clay Castle upon the Valley of the Fairies

If you thought Transylvania was home only to vampires, you will be quite surprised to know that it also houses a Valley of the Fairies. The Clay Castle in Porumbacu, Romania, is one of the most magical places you can visit, that coexists with nature and surroundings.

As the name describes it, this Valley is home to some original castles, hand built with the help of locals, that preserve the culture and tradition of Romanian village life. But it’s not only the castles that make up the view, but also the amazing nature that’s hosting it: mountain peaks that guard the citadel, flowing rivers, green forests and fresh air!

It has an architecture that combines the classic Snow White story and the ridges of the mountains. The clay castle that stands there is pure relaxation for visitors that come wondering around and find themselves in a magical place.

Where is the Clay Castle

The location of the clay castle in Porumbacu de Sus is one of the key points of this tourist objective: the village, the gardens and especially the picturesque landscapes all outline a rustic setting, emerging from the traditional Romanian fairy tales.

Located in the picturesque area of Sibiu, this clay castle was built in Romania, Porumbacu de Sus by a couple who fled the Capital city of Bucharest. It’s made of only natural materials, 100% organic clay and straws and not an inch of paint!

Accessing the region is easy. Leaving Sibiu, drivers must head to Fagaras, on the European road E68. To the right of Porumbacu de Jos, turn right, the castle being another 9 kilometers.

From Bucharest, Valea Zanelor can be reached on two routes:

Bucharest – Pitesti – Ramnicu Valcea – Porumbacu de Sus, but it is 30 minutes longer.

Bucharest – Ploiesti – Brasov – Porumbacu de Sus.

The exact address is Porumbacu de Sus, Strada Principală Nr. 630

Guarded by the spectacular Carpathian Mountains and offering a stunning backdrop, this place will soon be opening its doors to accommodate guests. For now, you can enjoy visiting the rooms, having a drink on the sparking sides of the river that flows nearby and, why not, take a relaxing afternoon nap.

How much does it cost to visit the Clay Castle in Porumbacu

There is a small fee to be paid. By small I mean actually small. The entrance was 5Lei – that’s close to 1 EUR and you pay it at the entrance. That’s the price for the year 2020, but surely it can’t get too expensive to visit.

It’s open all week, from 10:30 to 17:30. The owners charge this fee as it helps them continue building this fine place. Soon, there will be a restaurant serving only organic food, supplied by locals.

It’s great to visit this place in the summer. Take your blanket and a couple of sandwiches and savor your picnic. You have wooden tables setup to have drinks and hay “chairs” to rest your feet. Loosen up, breathe easy and you will and up feeling like home.

Kudos to the couple for being brave enough to just cut off from the everyday life, quit their corporate jobs and shape this phenomenal place. Once you step foot in the Valley, you do find yourself living a fairytale!

What can you do at the Clay Castle in Porumbacu?

The castle, the garden, the river and especially the atmosphere are the main points for which all visitors choose this place. Relaxation and disconnection from the hustle and bustle attract people from all over Romania and even beyond its borders.

Valea Zanelor Castle has a wooden shingle roof, the plaster is based on hydraulic lime, and inside you will find two levels, ground floor and attic, 10 rooms, each with a rustic design, and also a souvenir shop.

At the Clay Castle guests can relax in different ways, but the most special activity is the green grass picnic in a unique, dreamy setting. The owners named the space in the castle courtyard the Magic Fairy Garden – an enchanting place, carefully decorated and arranged right on the banks of the Porumbacu River.

The garden has thus become the main place of activity for those who choose to visit the Clay Castle, here they can serve traditional dishes, picnic on the grass or enjoy the beauty of the place and the abundance of flora that surrounds the place.

And if you’re eager to see some more of the surroundings, be sure not to miss Transfagarasan – a unique highway in the mountains, and the stunning views that come with it!

Can you stay at the Clay Castle in Porumbacu?

Unfortunately, this clay castle has not yet opened its doors to visitors that want to sleep in, but it’s sure to be so in the near future. Until then, there are a few places where you can rest your head nearby.

Booking.com

Don’t forget to bring your camera! You can take as many pictures as you want, at no extra charge.

If you’re thinking of visiting Dracula’s castle, then be sure not to miss this adorable castle!
Official website: ValeaZanelor.ro and Facebook here
P.S.: 2 photos were taken from their website. I’m not such a good photographer 🙂