Castelul de Lut Valea Zânelor — Attraction in Porumbacu de Jos

Disappointing Experience – Poor Service and Unwelcoming Attitude

We recently visited Castelul de Lut, hoping to recreate a wonderful experience we had a couple of years ago — this time with a group of American friends. Sadly, what we encountered was completely different and incredibly disappointing.

When we arrived, the doors were locked, and there was no staff in sight. All communication happened through the intercom — no face-to-face interaction, no warm welcome, just a cold, impersonal conversation. We were told bluntly that unless we planned to eat, we would not be allowed to enter. There were no signs or prior notices explaining this policy.

We were even instructed to scan a QR code on the large doors to check the menu — and only then, if we chose to eat, would someone consider opening the doors for us. It was an unwelcoming and humiliating experience, especially after driving 5 hours to visit a place we had genuinely loved before.

This kind of treatment toward tourists is deeply disappointing. We had every intention of dining there, just as we did two years ago, and had brought a generous group to experience the site. Instead, we were rejected without empathy or understanding. The shift in hospitality and attitude is shocking.

We won’t be returning — and unfortunately, we can no longer recommend Castelul de Lut to others. Tourists deserve better communication, respect, and at the very least, a human interaction.

Minus 10 stars if we could! Incredible, wrong approach , no one...

This is an absolutely disgusting place, Google says closing at 18:00 and the door does so. When we arrived at 5:40pm, they insisted that they were closed. We drove 5 hours from Bucharest for our child just wanted to take the photo and they weren’t letting us in even if we were agreed to pay (in fact we arrived before the official closing time). The disgusting door man almost starting to push us outside of the place when we were argue with him that the place isn’t officially closed since everywhere stating it is closing at 18:00. If they are really closing at 18:00, post it on Google and change the door tag to prove it, otherwise it is not closed on 17:40. Single photo would only take about 2 minutes but he wanted to spend 10+ mins arguing with us about it. Really disgusting experience. As for your reply, I believe you do not understand what business hour means, if it shows you are open until 18:00 then you are open until 18:00 despite of what you are “saying” by word of mouth at the door. No one will hear your word of mouth before traveling hours to your establish. We are only going by the business hour you listed on the site, period. What you are saying is contradicted with your sign and your hour listed on Google. By what you’re saying, your establishment is closing at 17:30 not 18:00. It’s not that hard to admit your mistake and the fact that you are wrong with the definition of opening hours. Change to 17:30 to not confuse any further. Your response does not and cannot...

I recently visited Castelul de Lut Valea Zanelor and while I have mixed feelings about the admission fee, there is no doubt that the surroundings are absolutely stunning. When I arrived, I was a bit taken aback by the admission fee of 15 RON just to take some photos of the houses. However, once I started exploring the area, I quickly realized that the natural beauty of the surroundings more than made up for the cost. The view of the mountains from the area surrounding the houses is truly breathtaking, and being near the river is both relaxing and calming. Watching the river flow by and listening to the sounds of nature is a wonderful way to disconnect from the stresses of everyday life. While I do think that the admission fee is a bit steep for what is essentially a photo opportunity, I can understand why it may be necessary to maintain and upkeep the area. However, I do believe that the beauty of the surrounding natural environment is the real highlight of the visit, and that alone makes it worth the trip. Overall, I would recommend a visit to Castelul de Lut Valea Zanelor for anyone looking for a peaceful and picturesque retreat. The admission fee may be a bit high, but the stunning surroundings more than make up for it. The view of the mountains and the calming presence of the river make for a truly unforgettable experience. PS: don't pay for parking, you can find free parking at the entrance...