Where is the village where the sun rises twice? |
Rimetea is a small village situated inside the Alba County, within Romania, specifically within the Transylvania region. The village has received international recognition over the years for a unique phenomenon involving the sun appearing to rise twice within the same day. This occurrence is not based on folklore or symbolic interpretation but is the result of specific geographical and topographical conditions that affect how sunlight reaches the village at dawn.The phenomenon can be observed from within Rimetea itself and has been documented by travellers, photographers, and geographers. It is widely regarded as one of the clearest examples of a “double sunrise” …caused purely by terrain.
Geographic setting of Rimetea
Rimetea is situated at the foot of the Piatra Secuiului massif, a steep limestone mountain that dominates the eastern side of the village. The mountain rises sharply to an elevation of over 1,100 metres, while the village lies much lower in a narrow valley. This proximity between settlement and mountain is central to the sunrise phenomenon.The village forms part of the Trascău Mountains. Unlike rolling hills, the limestone formations in this region are abrupt and vertical, which allows them to block sunlight in a very defined manner during early morning hours.Because Rimetea sits almost directly west of Piatra Secuiului, the mountain stands between the village and the rising sun for a short period each day, depending on the season.
Early morning in Rimetea in Romania
How the double sunrise occurs
On clear weather days, at dawn, the sun rises above the horizon in the eastern side and can be seen briefly in the village. During the first stage, the angle at which the sun shines down upon the valley produces what seems to be a normal sunrise.The sun, as it rises, positions itself right behind the limestone wall of Piatra Secuiului. It is here that the mountain casts a shadow over the sun, preventing it from reaching Rimetea. Rimetea, once again, is cast into shadow, despite the sun having sufficiently increased its position.After several minutes, the sun climbs above the ridge line and reappears. When it does so, sunlight returns to the village for the second time, marking in effect a second sunrise. The sequence gives the impression of the sun’s rising, setting, and rising again in a relatively short period.
Seasonal visibility of the phenomenon
It does not occur every day of the year. During spring and autumn, when the sun’s rising angle is close to the shape and height of Piatra Secuiului, the double sunrise appears most clearly.During summer, sunrise occurs earlier and the sun’s trajectory is higher, which reduces the duration or clarity of the effect. In winter, the phenomenon can still occur, but fog, low cloud cover, or reduced visibility often obscure it. Clear skies are essential. Even slight cloud cover at the horizon can prevent the initial appearance of the sun, making the sequence less noticeable.
Rimetea village in Romania
Piatra Secuiului
The mountain is a popular hiking destination, and from its summit, the layout of the village and valley is clearly visible. From this elevated position, it becomes easy to understand how the mountain interrupts sunlight during early morning hours. Key factors in the effect being very distinct are the steepness and orientation of Piatra Secuiului.
Cultural and architecturally rich village
Traditional architecture is equally well preserved in Rimetea. The village has lines of whitewashed houses with green shutters, testimony to the traditional Székely-Hungarian culture. This architectural consistency has been carefully maintained over time.In fact, in 1999, Rimetea received the Europa Nostra Award, one of Europe’s most significant recognitions for cultural heritage conservation. The award acknowledged the village’s efforts to preserve its historical character while remaining a living, functioning community.
Daily life and tourism
Residents of Rimetea have lived with the double sunrise for generations. It is a normal part of their environment, not an event in their lifecycle. There are no formal markers or rituals associated with this transition in their society. Tourists interested in viewing this process arrive in the village before dawn and congregate there as the sun rises over the village. Then they can hike through the nearby mountains or walk through the village.Rimetea’s fame as the village where the sun rises twice a day has a geographical explanation. Rimetea lies at the foot of a limestone cliff which rises very steeply. This ensures that when the sun rises in Rimetea, it dips below the cliff face and then seems to rise again. This phenomenon has made Rimetea a popular destination with tourists.
