Apuseni mountains: Bihor-Vlădeasa

The Transylvanian-mountains form part of the middle of Western Carpathians in Romania. The carstic character gives the main attraction to this region. Several tourists go to visit these limestones, as the springlets and passes are so many here as nowehere else in the country. It is said that there are 7000 caves within these mountains. It is a fact though that the longest, deepest cave of the country is to be found here, as well as the biggest underneath ice and the largest carstic area. More than 100 year old marked pathes await for the tourists. The first blazed roads were built by Gyula Czaran, and he was the one who published a book about it, too. He knew this mountain the most, and spent a considerable part of his heritage to create these pathes. In 2004 was created the the nature preservation teritory of the Western Charpatians on 75784 hectare. The edge of the teritory is well visible, and the notice boards are set to be followed the instructions on them. It is highly advised to follow the instructions as rangers do not sleep. From a touristic point of view this region has three main points: Pádis-Glavoj, Stana de Vale and Vigyazo, but the blazes are confusing, thus we made a proper map of them. On this you can see the marked roads and the forester's pathes, thus we can easily chose the one suiting most our appetize. We should pay attention though: we are going into the mountains, where the rules of mountains are to be followed! Rain and cold comes unexpectedly. So let us take warm clothes and raincoat, not umbrellas! Nights are very cold too!

These caves are dark and very muddy. There are many springs and streamlets in the region, but for some tours without water we shall take a bottle with us filled with water. If it gets empty we shall not leave it there but take with ourselves! The tours are 30-40km long sometimes. We shall take a comfortable pair of boots or brogue which protects our ankle. So let us follow the signs! If someone likes adventurous tours shall take map and compass with. If needed we shall call 112 or type in our mobile phone: 0SALVAMONT. Brogues are also good to wear, but for those who prefer not wearing them, we shall tell that there are several forester's pathes in these mountains. For adventure seekers we can tell that they have opportunities for rafting, canyon climbing, mountain bike, hanggliding, paragliding. As for accomodation there are many older and newer ones, so it is a personal decision which one to chose. Anyway a good tent and a sleeping bag in the close surrounding of a springlet is the best choice! So let us see the marked roads !

We also thank Vasile Coancă and Hám Péter, as well as the Oradea rescue workers, for their help with the presentation of the Apuseni Mountains.

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