Malaia lies on the Lotru River in the northern mountainous region of Vâlcea County. The Lotru and Căpățânii Mountains surround the area, and the Transalpina runs along the foot of the Fratoșteanu Mountains. At least three reservoirs are part of the landscape. Water, mountain scenery and the use of the waters for hydroelectric power give Malaia its distinctive character.
Reservoirs and Hydroelectric Power
The lakes differ considerably in size. Lacul Brădișor covers 230 hectares and is more than 40 metres deep. Malaia Reservoir lies at an altitude of 480 metres, covers 46 hectares and is 22 metres deep. Fishing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming are possible at Lacul Brădișor. This comparison provides a practical guide if you want to include water activities in your trip.
The technical use of the waters is also part of their history: Malaia Reservoir is used by the Malaia hydroelectric power plant. It was commissioned in 1978 with an installed capacity of 18 MW. The Brădișor fishery complex has breeding facilities for Lostriță, a fish species that is endangered in Romania and considered a natural monument.
Routes and Planning Around Cascada Scoruș
The access route to Cascada Scoruș leaves the DN7A in Malaia, approximately halfway along the lake and before the first bridge, and continues onto a forest road. The route to Cascada Scoruș passes through the gorge of the Bucureasa Valley and follows markers consisting of two white and red circles. The trail is not recommended for children or inexperienced hikers. Forest-road conditions, terrain and trail markers may change, so check current trail conditions in advance.
Another trail, marked with a blue triangle, leads from Cascada Scoruș via the old Cocora shepherd’s hut and past Crucea Brătienilor into the Căpățânii Mountains. Crucea Brătienilor was erected by Vintilă and Lia Brătianu in memory of their parents and is included in Romania’s list of historic monuments. A separate blue-marked footpath leads from Valea Satului road through the forest to Fântâna Brătienilor; the stated walking time is approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
Culture and History in Malaia
The Malaia monastery complex comprises a large church and a two-storey Arhondaric with 25 cells. The foundation stone for the new church of the Sfânta Mănăstire Înălţarea Sfintei Cruci nunnery was laid on 12 June 2012. The combination of architectural history and an established mountain landscape adds a cultural focus to the area’s nature-based attractions.
The Museum of World Flutes also expands the cultural offering. A report dated 21 February 2026 lists almost 100 exhibits, including flutes from Vaideeni and Țara Loviștei, as well as wind instruments and other instruments from all continents. An interview dated 23 July 2026 describes the museum as open and mentions tours and workshops on world cultures and world music. As visitor arrangements may change, check the current options before visiting.
When choosing Malaia as a travel destination, different points of interest can help you plan: water activities are the main focus at Lacul Brădișor, while the trail to Cascada Scoruș has a more restrictive hiking recommendation. The monastery complex, Crucea Brătienilor and the museum add cultural highlights.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Măldăresti, Banesti, Costeşti, Lazaret, Marița, Ocnele Mari, Gura Văii, Râmnicu Vâlcea.
For the broader travel overview: Vâlcea.
