Cycling Transylvanian Countryside


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M o u n t a i n e e r i n g

TRANSYLVANIAN
HIGHLIGHTS
CYCLING
CIRCUIT

	What to take		SCHEDULE MADE BY IRINA CERNEA
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	Extras		Area: The Fagaras Mountains - The Persani Mountains, Bodoc Mountains, Intorsurii Mountains, Buzau County Level rate: Difficult Dates of departure: Stick around, you'll be notified asap. Nr. of team members: 5 - 10 Trip duration (days): 8 Required gear: Backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, tent, food, spot light, good boots, waterproof and warm changing cloths, water can, sweets, first-aid kit.
			1^ST DAY SATURDAY Transfer by car: Bucharest Airport OTOPENI - Feldioara area. Welcoming you at the International Airport Bucuresti Otopeni. Introduction, short presentation of the trip and leaving the airport. Transfer by car from the Bucharest Otopeni airport to Feldioara area (~165 km; 102,5 miles). Have lunch in Brasov. Visit the Feldioara fortress. The fortress was built on the top of a hill by the Teutonic knights who had been present in the Barsa Land between 1211 and 1225, then transformed into peasant fortress in 1457 (today only ruins). Accommodation in a guesthouse in Feldioara.
			2^ND DAY SUNDAY Cycling in Persani Mts. Feldioara - Rotbav - Maierus - Pasul Bogata - Hoghiz - Racos - Defileul Oltului - Augustin - Ormenis - Apata It'a a difficult cycling day Cycling time: 6 - 7 (six to seven) hours Cycling trip length: 81 km Height difference: 100 m Sightseeing objectives: the fortified evanghelic church and the archaeological village museum in Rotbav Village; the fortified evanghelic church (historical monument), orthodox chuch (monument of arhitecture) in Maierus Village; the Bogatii forest reservation; the castles: Kalnoky, Haller, Valenta, the lutheran chuch (attested from year 1749) in Hoghiz; the orthodox church (monument of arhitecture) and the village museum in Mateias Village; the Bethlen Castle (historical monument), "Masa lui Mihai Viteazu" (Mihai Viteazu's Table, The Racos Basalts in Racos Village; ruins of "Cetatea de Apa" in Apata Village. DAY PROPOSED SCHEDULE: 7.00: wake up 7.30: breakfast 8.30: leaving Feldioara village. 8.30 - 20:00: cycling throught Persani Mts. Area Visit Rotbav village (500m): the fortified evanghelic church, the archaeological village museum; here were founded vestiges from epoch of bronze. Visit Maierus village(480 m): the fortified evanghelic church (historical monument), orthodox chuch (monument of arhitecture) Visit The Bogatii Forest (forest preserve, consisting mainly in beech trees and a rich fauna, but it is also a hunting preserve). Visit Hoghiz; near Hoghiz were found vestiges of roman camp Ponce Vetus, in the middle of some natural park of secular oaks were build 3 castle: Kalnoky (cen. XI-XII), Haller (cen. XVI) and Valenta (cen. XVI), the lutheran chuch (1749) 13.00: stop for a quick backpack lunch Visit Mateias Village (470 m): the orthodox church (monument of arhitecture) and the village museum; Visit Racos Village (480 m): the Bethlen Castle (historical monument), "Masa lui Mihai Viteazu" (Mihai Viteazu's Table) digging in stone. The Racos Basalts-geological preserve with spectacular volcanic basalt structures. Visit Ormenis: the Ormenis Fossil Point-palaeontological preserve, the fossils belong to the Superior Cretaceous period. Visit Apata Village (475 m): ruins of "Cetatea de Apa" (Fortress of Water or Black Fortress) 20:00 arrive in Maierus Village. 21.00: having dinner & accommodation in Apata Village
			3^RD DAY MONDAY Cycling in Persani Mts. Apata - Aita Mare - Miclosoara - Capeni - Baraolt - Vârghis -Hoghimas Gorge - Jimbor - Homorod Level rate: It's an rather medium cycling trip; Hiking time: 4 - 4 ½ (four and a half) hours Cycling trip length: 60 km Sightseeing objectives: the fortified church in Aita Mare; the church in Baraolt (historical monument); the Daniel Castle, rustic houses, village church and wood chuch (monument of arhitecture), museum of folk art in Varghis Village; landscape over the Hoghimas area; the church (monument of arhitecture) in Ocland; the fortified churches in Jimbor and Mercheasa; the fortified churches in Homorod. PROPOSED SCHEDULE OF THE DAY: 8.00: wake up . 8.30: Breakfast at the guesthouse in Apata Village. 10.00: packing and leaving Apata Village. 10.00 - 20:00: cycling in Persani Mts. Visit the Rural Fortress (16th century) in Aita Mare. Visit the fortified church in Baraolt (historical monument). 13:30 stop for a quick backpack lunch Visit Vârghis: the Daniel Castle, rustic houses, village church and wood chuch (monument of arhitecture), museum of folk art. Visit Ocland Village: the church (monument of arhitecture) Visit Jimbor Village and Mercheasa Village where we can admire the fortified churches. Visit Homorod Village: the fortified chuch. 20.00: arrival in Homorod Village. 21.00: having dinner in Homorod Village. Accomodation in guesthouse in Homorod Village.
			4^TH DAY TUESDAY Cycling arround Persani Mts. Cycling route: Homorod - Hoghiz - Cuciulata - Comana de Jos - Venetia de Jos - Sercaia - Sinca Veche - Persani - Codlea A rather difficult cycling day Cycling time: 6 ½ (six and a half) hours Cycling trip length: 60 km Sightseeing objectives to choose from: The Kalnoky (12th century), Haller (16th century) and Valenta (16th century) castles; the lutheran chuch (1749) from Hoghiz; the orthodox church and the wood church (monuments of arhitecture); the village museum from Cuciulata Village; : the village museum of etnographiy from Comana de Jos Village; the orthodox church (monument of arhitecture) from Venetia de Jos Village; near the Sercaia village we can admire "Poiana Narciselor" (The Daffodils Glade) - floristic reservation; the orthodox church (monument of ahitecture) in Persani Village; the lutheran fortified church (historical monument), the village houses (monument of arhitecture) in Codlea City PROPOSED SCHEDULE OF THE DAY: 8.00: wake up. 8.30: breakfast; 10.00: leaving Homorod Village; 10.00-20.30: cycling in Persani Mountains: Visit Hoghiz; near Hoghiz were found vestiges of Roman Camp Ponce Vetus (today ruins), in the middle of some natural park of secular oaks were build 3 castle: Kalnoky (12th century), Haller (16th century) and Valenta (16th century), the lutheran chuch (1749) Visit Cuciulata Village: the orthodox church and the wood church (monuments of arhitecture); the village museum Passing throught Comana de Jos Village: the village museum of etnography. Passing throught Venetia de Jos Village: the orthodox church (monument of arhitecture) Passing throught Sercaia Village: near the Sercaia village we can admire "Poiana Narciselor" (The Daffodils Glade) - floristic preserve with large daffodilas glades. These glades covered with a huge daffodils carpet (400 hectares, blossoming at the end of May) represent one of the Romania's unique beauties, attracting numerous lovers of nature beauty). This glade is located in a forest of over 100 years old oaks. Visit Sinca Veche: the 18th church built in solid rock 13.30 - 14.30: stop for a quick backpack lunch Visit Persani Village: the orthodox church from 1793 (ahitecturonical monument) Visit Codlea City: the lutheran fortified church (historical monument) - builed in Romanic style (13th century) and then rebuilded in gothic style (16th century), the village houses (monument of arhitecture), the Black Fortress (built by the Teuton Knights in the 13th century) 20.00: Having dinner in Codlea City. Accommodation in guesthouse in Codlea City.
			5^TH DAY WEDNESDAY Cycling in Baraolt Mts. Cycling route amoung Baraolt Massif: Codlea - Halchiu - Sfântu Gheorghe - Bodoc - Olteni - Tusnad Spa A rather difficult cycling tour Cycling time: 6 ½ (six and a half) hours Cycling trip length: 83 km Sightseeing objectives: the 13 th century fortified church in Halchiu; the reformed church (14th-15th century) in Sfantu Gheorghe; the Roman Camp (2nd century), only ruins; "The Herecz" Fortress (13th century), only ruins now. Bodoc - the fortifief church dated from 15th century PROPOSED SCHEDULE OF THE DAY: 8.00: wake up. 8.30: breakfast at the guesthouse in Codlea City 10.00: leaving Codlea City 10.00 - 20.30: cycling in Baraolt Mts. Visit the Halchiu Village: the fortified church (13 th century) Visit Sfantu Gheorghe: the reformed church (14th-15th century) Visit Bodoc village: permanent spa, (at an altitude of 550 m); the Roman Camp (2nd century), only ruins; "The Herecz" Fortress (13th century), only ruins; In Olteni village we can visit the fortifief church (15th century). 13:30 stop for a quick backpack lunch 20. 30 arrive in Baile Tusnad City. 21.00 having dinner in Baile Tusnad Accommodationin guesthouse in Baile Tusnad.
			6^TH DAY THURSDAY Visit Baile Tusnad. Cycling circuit: Baile Tusnad - The Sf. Ana Lake- Bixad - Baile Tusnad A rather medium cycling day Hiking time: 4 (four) hours Cycling trip length: 55 km Sightseeing objectives: Piatra Soimului Rocks, the Mohos peat-bog, the Benes Moors, the "Ciucas" Lake, the Moors from Valea Mijlocie, The Vapa fortress, The Saint Anna Lake, picturesque environs landscape over the Bicsad valley basin. PROPOSED SCHEDULE OF THE DAY: 9.00: wake up 9.30: breakfast Visit Baile Tusnad (Tusnad Spa): the roman catholic church, Piatra Soimului (The Falcon's Stone) and its surrounding at 40-50 minuts from Baile Tusnad, the Mohos peat-bog, the Benes Moors, the Lovers' clearing, the Ciucas Lake used for rowing in summer and skating in winter. Optional: We can visit the Moors from Valea Mijlocie - home of the small beech tree, Siberian species at its most southern location. Visit the Vapa fortress. At 3 hours from Baile Tusnad we can admire Saint Anna Lake. This lake is situated in the Ciomatu Mare massif in the Harghita Mountains, at an altitude of 950 m. It is the only lake in Central Europe formed in a volcano crater. It is the main point of attraction for thousands of visitors. The area surrounding the lake forms a complex geological and floristic preserve. 13.00: stop for having lunch 20.00: having dinner in a guesthouse in Baile Tusnad Accommodation in guesthouse in Baile Tusnad.
			7^TH DAY FRIDAY Cycling in Bodoc Mts Cycling circuit: Baile Tusnad - BaileBalvanyos - Targu Secuiesc It's an easy - medium cycling day Cycling time: 3 ½ - 4 hours. Height differenece: 100 m Cycling trip length: 55 km Sightseeing objectives: ruins of the Pagans' Fortress, 10th-13th centuries from Balvanyos, the "Birds Cemetery", Valea Iadului (The Hell's Valley) from Turia, the Roman-Catholic church and the lutheran church from Targu Secuiesc. Proposed day schedule: 8.30: wake up 9.00: breakfast 10.00: packing and leaving Baile Tusnad 10.00 - 14.00: cycling in Bodoc Mountains: Visit Balvanyos - permanent spa, situated on the eastern slope of the Bodoc mountains (775-800 m in altitude), ruins of the Pagans' Fortress, 10th-13th centuries, Near Balvanyos is the Puciosul Cave, in the Puciosu Massif, with strong emissions of hydrogen sulphide and carbon dioxide, as a result of the volcanic activity a million years ago. This gas is highly noxious for people and animals. Very close there is the place called "Birds Cemetery". Visit Valea Iadului (The Hell's Valley) from Turia, on the eastern side of the Bodoc Mountains, interesting natural preserve due to its mineral water springs and mofettes (emissions of carbon dioxide, sign of a post-volcanic activity in these mountains). Visit the Cave from Turia with sulphur emissions. 13.00: having lunch in Targu Secuiesc Visit Targu Secuiesc: The Roman - Catholic Church, the lutheran church 20.00 having dinner in Targu Secuiesc Accommodation in Targu Secuiesc (guesthouse)
			8^TH DAY Cycling in Intorsurii Mts. Cycling circuit: Targu Secuiesc - Covasna - Comandau - Intorsura Buzaului It's an medium cycling day Hiking time: 4 - 5 hours Cycling trip length: 60 km Sightseeing objectives: ruins of the Pagans' Fortress, 10th-13th centuries from Balvanyos, the "Birds Cemetery", Valea Iadului (The Hell's Valley) from Turia, the Roman-Catholic church and the lutheran church from Targu Secuiesc. Sightseeing objectives: visit the ruins of the Dacian fortress, the preserve "Balta Dracului" (Devil's Swamp), "mocanita" from Comandau, fortress from Zagon Proposed day schedule: 8.00: wake up 8.30: breakfast 9.30 - 14.00 cycling in Intorsurii Mts. Visit Covasna: is situated at an altitude of 550-600 m, we can visit the ruins of the Dacian fortress on the Dealul Zanelor (Fairies' Hill) and the strange geological preserve "Balta dracului"-"Devil's Swamp", declared monument of nature, being an emission of mofette gas which has intercepted a water layer. We can visit Comandau Village (1017m), is at 20 km from Covasna. Here there is "mocanita" (a forestry railway with narrow gauge) Visit the frotress from Zagon. 13.30: stop for lunch 20.00: Having dinner in Intosura Buzaului Accommodation at a guesthouse in Intorsura Buzaului.
			9sup>TH DAY Cycling in Siriu Mts. Intorsura Buzaului - Lunca Priporului - Gura Teghii It's an medium cycling day Cycling time: 4 - 5 hours Cycling trip length: 55 km Sightseeing objectives: Lacul fara fund (Lacul Vulturilor); The living fire Proposed day schedule: 8.30: wake up 9.00: breakfast 10.00 - 14.30 cycling in Siriu Mts. 13.00: having lunch Viist the lakes from Siriu Mts.: the anthropic lake (dam lake), 360 ha from Gura Siriului; Lacul fara fund or Lacul Vulturilor ("The Lake witout Bottom" or "The Eagles' Lake") - periglacial lake situated at an altitude of 1,420 m in the Siriu Mountains, covering a surface of 0,5 hectares, being devoid of any plant; Near Lopatari Village we can admire "Focul Viu" ("The Living Fire") - a monument of nature, where one can see a 0,5 m high flame rising in the wind blow, a natural phenomenon produced by a continuous emission of gases from beyond the surface; 20:00 having dinner in Lopatari Accommodation at a ** guesthouse in Lopatari
			10sup>TH DAY Cycling in Buzau Mts. Lopatari Village - Buzau City It's an medium cycling day Cycling time: 3.5 hours Cycling trip length: 50 km Sightseeing objectives: Lacul fara fund (Lacul Vulturilor); The living fire Proposed day schedule: 8.30: wake up 9.00: breakfast 10.00 - 13.30: Cycling in Buzau County, in order to enjoy specific countryside in this part of Europe. 13.30: having lunch In Manzalesti we pass by a natural preserve "Padurea Gavana" (The Gavana Forest). Near Manzalesti we can see the Meledic Lake. Here there are 34 salt caves (between 25-200 m), the 6th cave beeing the second longer salt cave in the world (1337 m) On the Slanic Valley we stop by "The Muddy Volcanoes" from Paclele Mari and Paclele Mici (12 km away from Berca). The muddy volcanoes represent one of the most interesting mixed (geological and botanical) reservation in Romania. This spectacular natural phenomenon, moon-like, is rarely encountered in the world. The preserve covers an area of about 30 hectares. Tourists are impressed by the strange landscape formed by the miniature mud volcanoes, through their craters the gases from the depths carry to the surface mud under the form of a grayish-white or ashen-brown fluid paste. This viscous "lava" results from dissolving of diorite sands or of clay by the water carried to the surface by the pressure of gas. Specific vegetation adapted to the high salt concentration grows around the "volcanoes". 20.00: Having dinner in Buzau Accommodation at a guesthouse in Buzau
			11^TH DAY Cycling in Buzau Mts. Transfer by car to Otopeni Airport It's an medium cycling day Cycling time: 3.5 hours Cycling trip length: 50 km Sightseeing objectives: Lacul fara fund (Lacul Vulturilor); The living fire Proposed day schedule: 8.30: wake up 9.00: breakfast 10.00 - 13.30:If time allows Visit the Frasinu Forest - (7 km of Buzau), fluffy ash-tree forest preserve. 2 kms away from the Frasinu forest we can visit the Spataru Forest - forest preserve at the limit between the ash forests and the oak forests. 13.30: having lunch In Manzalesti we pass by a natural preserve "Padurea Gavana" (The Gavana Forest). Near Manzalesti we can see the Meledic Lake. Here there are 34 salt caves (between 25-200 m), the 6th cave beeing the second longer salt cave in the world (1337 m) On the Slanic Valley we stop by "The Muddy Volcanoes" from Paclele Mari and Paclele Mici (12 km away from Berca). The muddy volcanoes represent one of the most interesting mixed (geological and botanical) reservation in Europe. This spectacular natural phenomenon, moon-like, is rarely encountered in the world. The preserve covers an area of about 30 hectares. Tourists are impressed by the strange landscape formed by the miniature mud volcanoes, through their craters the gases from the depths carry to the surface mud under the form of a grayish-white or ashen-brown fluid paste. This viscous "lava" results from dissolving of diorite sands or of clay by the water carried to the surface by the pressure of gas. Specific vegetation adapted to the high salt concentration grows around the "volcanoes". 20.00: Having dinner in Buzau Accommodation at a guesthouse in Buzau