High pastures of Bichigiu

Reach Bichigiu via the road leading from Nàsàud to Maramures, in northern Romania. Between Cosbuc and Telciu, take the track on the left (the access road to the village was not yet tarmac-surfaced in 2017) for just under three kilometres. Walk through the village, staying on the main road. It is tarmac-surfaced from the entrance to the village exit. Following it into the valley for just over six kilometres past Bichigiu church, you will see a farm on the left, along the river. There is space to park a few cars, just before a right-hand bend.

It is also possible to reach Bichigiu from Suplai and the Sfânta Treime Monastery. This route should only be used if you have been hiking on a Visorando route in Zagra, Alunis, Suplai or the Tibles Massif. From Suplai, head towards the Sfânta Treime Monastery. The road is tarmac but some sections have collapsed. Only half the width of the road remains. You must drive at walking pace and only during daylight hours as there are no road signs. Drive straight past the monastery. At point 9, turn left and follow the track for three and a half kilometres.

(S/E) From the parking area, walk back down the track for a few dozen metres, heading south. Take the track on the left and enter the copse. The track leaves the woods and begins to climb steeply up through the meadows.

(1) The path becomes impassable near a small cluster of trees. Go round this area to the right and find a level path leading to the copse running along the right-hand side of the meadow. Cross this copse.

Then continue climbing to the left, heading east. Pass a lovely path on your right. Continue climbing, veering very slightly to the right. Aim for the edge of the copse at the top of the hill.

(2) At the top, take the small path on the left which enters the far end of the copse and leads to a meadow. Then head northwards as you climb. The meadow then turns to the right, heading east. The ground slopes downwards again. You will reach a small cottage.

(3) Go through the gate in front of the cottage, taking care to close it properly behind you. The path descends through the meadow to another gate. Continue along the main path, which heads east.

(4) Continue to the right, into a valley. The path can be very muddy. If necessary, take the track to the left through the meadows.

(5) Do not stay on the path; rejoin the track before a right-hand bend. Follow it, heading generally south.

(6) At the entrance to the village, ignore a path on the right. Continue straight on (south-east). Reach the DN17: Drum National 17 – Chemin National 17. It is tarmac-surfaced until you leave the village.

(7) Follow the DN17 to the right. About a hundred metres further on, ignore a track on the left.

(8) In a wide right-hand bend, pass a second dirt track on the left and continue right on the DN17, along the river, until you reach the junction with the track leading to Sfânta Treime Monastery.

(9) Leave this on your left. Continue straight ahead along the river to return to the starting car park (S/E).

High-top walking boots are essential. Walking poles are highly recommended.

The first half of the route is home to bears. It is essential to make your presence known regularly (by singing, ringing a bell, etc.), especially on uphill terrain when visibility is poor. Indeed, if a bear appears within thirty metres of you, it will attack if it has no space to flee to the sides. Trying to climb back up to escape would be too strenuous on a steep slope. Making noise is the best form of prevention. In summer, bears rarely come out during the hottest part of the day. By setting off before 1 pm, you reduce the risk of encountering bears. Please note: in early May 2026, a woman from the village of Bichigiu died following a bear attack. These guidelines should therefore not be taken lightly! Particularly in spring, bears that have not encountered any humans since the previous summer are more easily stressed by an encounter and therefore more aggressive.

Wolves are also quite numerous but do not pose a danger. Their keen hearing and sense of smell keep them away from humans.

There are no places to buy food during the hike, except in Bichigiu.

(9) If you turn left, you can reach the Monastery of the Holy Trinity (Mănăstirea Sfânta Treime). Its chapel is richly decorated. To visit it, you must ask the priest at the farmhouse to the right of the path after the monastery. He speaks a few words of French. On foot, it takes just under an hour for the round trip. Allow at least thirty minutes for the visit.