Tourists visiting Hunedoara County should definitely include a cruise on the Mureș River with the "Vaporașul de la Șoimuș," near the city of Deva, in their travel itinerary. It's a wonderful experience. Departures are scheduled every hour, and the journey takes place between the villages of Mintia and Hărău, starting from Șoimuș.
Photography enthusiasts have the opportunity to capture stunning landscapes and perhaps even encounter the beaver family that has settled in this area. The local stories are also a must, turning the journey into a true history lesson.
The cruises on the Mureș River with "Vaporașul de la Șoimuș" started in the summer of 2022, driven by the ambition of the mayor of the commune. This initiative was particularly significant because, in the past, until the devastating floods of 1975, boat cruises were still conducted in this area along the Mureș River. After that unfortunate period, they were never resumed.
„Ne-am dorit de multă vreme să reluăm acestă activitate, pe Mureș, în zona noastră. Până în 1975, când Mureșul a produs inundații devastatoare, la Șoimuș se făceau plimbări cu vaporașul. Însă, s-a renunțat la această activitate. Și, pentru că cererile turiștilor a fost tot mai mari, din vara acestui an am mai achiziționat un vaporaș, cu o capacitate mai mare, cu ajutorul căruia să putem transporta grupurile mai mari de turiști.
Furthermore, a parking area has been arranged, and we have an open terrace and a playground. We also plan to establish two more pontoons, one in Hărău and one in Bejan," said Gabriel Mihai Irimie, the mayor of the Șoimuș commune, in an interview with GO Hunedoara.
Starting from the summer of 2023, the original Stelar boat, with a capacity of 10 seats, has a larger sibling, Stelar 2. The latter can accommodate up to 45 people. As a result, larger groups of tourists can travel together on a fascinating adventure along the ancient salt route.
Also, this year, on the banks of the Mureș River, near the pontoon in Șoimuș, a terrace has been opened, where tourists can enjoy a variety of dishes. This is another investment by the municipality, creating new job opportunities in the process.
Tourists who visit this place will have the opportunity to purchase traditional products directly from the local producers in the area. Bee products, fruits, vegetables, as well as a variety of other delights, will surely catch their eye.
Furthermore, in the near future, this section of the Mureș River could also see the introduction of water bikes and boats. The mayor mentioned that a few individuals have already expressed interest in bringing such watercraft to the area.
The pontoon is located on the bank of the Mureș River in Șoimuș, near the former campsite in the town, close to the highway. It can be seen from the bridge connecting DN 7 to DN 76.
A boat cruise with "Vaporașul de la Șoimuș" costs 30 lei for adults and 15 lei for students, seniors, and persons with disabilities. Children between the ages of 0 and 7 travel for free.
Departures are scheduled daily, every hour, starting from 10:00 AM until 8:00 PM. The cruise takes place between the villages of Mintia and Hărău, departing from Șoimuș.
Starting from September 1st, the ticket prices have been adjusted. As a result, children up to 14 years of age and individuals with disabilities are required to pay 10 lei for a boat cruise, while the cost of a ticket for adults is 20 lei.
Both the price and the schedule can be subject to changes depending on the season.
Usually, the Stelar boat persists in continuing its cruises until the brink of winter, being only pulled ashore in the month of November.
So, if you find yourself in Hunedoara County, make sure to add a boat cruise with "Vaporașul de la Șoimuș" to your list. It awaits you for a charming journey!
Don't miss out on the local products available near the pontoon; they are sure to delight your taste buds!