Olt River Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Olt River
River
The Avrig reservoir on the Olt River
Country	Romania
Counties	Harghita, Covasna, Braşov, Sibiu, Vâlcea, Olt, Teleorman

Tributaries
- left	Râul Negru, Bârsa, Topolog
- right	Cormoş, Cibin, Lotru
Cities	Sfântu Gheorghe, Râmnicu Vâlcea, Slatina, Romania


Source	Hăsmaş Mountains
- location	Bălan, Harghita
- elevation	1,440 m (4,724 ft)
Mouth	Danube

Length	615 km (382 mi)
Basin	24,050 km² (9,286 sq mi)
Discharge
- average	174 m³/s (6,145 cu ft/s)

Official River Code	VIII.1

The Olt River is a major river in Romania. It is known by different names, including Alutus or Aluta in Latin. The river flows through many parts of Romania. It passes through several counties, including Harghita and Olt.

The Mighty Olt River
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The Mighty Olt River

The Olt River is one of Romania's most important rivers. It plays a big role in the lives of people living along its banks. The river has been important for trade and travel for a very long time. It also provides water for farming and electricity.

Journey of the Olt River

The Olt River starts high up in the Hăsmaş Mountains. This is in Harghita County, Romania. Its source is at an elevation of 1,440 meters (4,720 feet). From there, it flows for about 615 kilometers (382 miles). This makes it one of the longest rivers in Romania.

The Olt River travels south through the country. It collects water from a large area called its watershed. This area covers about 24,050 square kilometers (9,290 square miles). Finally, the Olt River flows into the mighty Danube River. The Danube is one of Europe's largest rivers.

Cities Along the Olt

Many towns and cities are located along the Olt River. These places have grown thanks to the river's resources. Some of the important cities include Sfântu Gheorghe and Râmnicu Vâlcea. Further downstream, the river passes through Slatina. These cities use the river for various purposes.

Here is a list of some towns and villages along the Olt River:

Bălan
Miercurea-Ciuc
Sfântu Gheorghe
Făgăraş
Râmnicu Vâlcea
Slatina
Drăgăneşti-Olt

Rivers Joining the Olt

Many smaller rivers flow into the Olt River. These are called tributaries. They add water to the Olt as it makes its long journey. Some of the notable tributaries joining the Olt from the left side include:

Râul Negru
Bârsa
Topolog

From the right side, important tributaries include:

Cormoş
Cibin
Lotru

These rivers help to create the large flow of the Olt.

History of the Olt

The Olt River has a long and interesting history. In ancient times, during the Roman period, it was known as Alutus or Aluta. The Romans built forts and settlements along its banks. The river was an important natural border and a route for trade. It helped connect different parts of the Roman province of Dacia.