Sibiu County Council (CJ) has approved the continuation of the ecotourism program “Hiking Years” in 2026, allocating a total budget of 600,000 lei, equivalent to approximately 117.9 thousand EUR. The decision was taken at an extraordinary meeting, ensuring funding for the initiative that has become a national benchmark in promoting mountain tourism and environmental education.
Launched in 2021 and run through the Sibiu County Tourism Association, the program has contributed to the rehabilitation, marking and extension of more than 800 kilometers of tourist trails in the Făgăraș, Lotru and Cindrel Mountains. During 2025, the project generated almost 260 hiking and educational activities, attracting over 6,000 participants. Of these, more than 2,000 were schoolchildren who participated in nature activities as part of the “Different School” and “Green Week” programs.
According to the President of Sibiu County Council, Daniela Cîmpean, the program is aligned with the County Development Strategy and highlights the rehabilitated infrastructure, specialized guides and local producers, with the aim of promoting an active and environmentally responsible lifestyle. Funding for 2026 will be directed towards the organization of guided hikes, educational outreach and other initiatives designed to connect the public with the natural environment.