Discover Blidari: Moorland, Rocks and Tours

Blidari combines natural landscapes with a variety of tours: the range extends from the moorland and its valleys to rock formations, viewpoints and cycling routes. For planning, it helps to consider the hikes and cycling route separately. Route descriptions give different distances, timings, surfaces and modes of transport—useful points of reference when deciding which themes you want to shape your stay.

Moorland, valleys and rocks

Tăul lui Dumitru is an active oligotrophic moor on a plateau of pyroxene andesite, between the Sturului Valley and the Brazilor Valley. Oligotrophic means nutrient-poor; the term describes a particular ecological feature of the moor. Tăul lui Dumitru is designated a Category III natural monument. The protected area was established under Law 5/2000, is located in Blidari within the administrative area of the city of Baia Mare, and covers three hectares.

Piatra Bulzului offers a different landscape: the rock formation consists of volcanic megaliths, and Bulzului Peak reaches 1,051 metres. In good weather, the panoramic view from Piatra Bulzului extends over Blidari, Firiza and the Firiza Reservoir to the north-western slopes of Igniș Peak. The two natural attractions are clearly distinct: the moor is defined by its wetland and valley surroundings, while Piatra Bulzului is defined by its rocks, elevation and views.

The waterfalls are also in different locations. Sturului Waterfall is reached by descending into the valley. The Blidarului Valley Waterfall lies a few dozen metres before the Blidarului Valley meets the Sturului Valley. If you plan to visit Sturului Waterfall, check access locally.

Hiking: distinguish the timing from the views

The Blidari–Poiana lui Dumitru–Pleşca itinerary gives a distance of 9 to 10 kilometres and an approximate duration of four to five hours for the out-and-back section from Poiana lui Dumitru to Pleșca Peak. The time is a guide for this section. If you choose a tour based on the time required, this is a different point of reference from the elevation and view description for Piatra Bulzului; the two details refer to different destinations.

At Piatra Bulzului, the peak’s elevation and panoramic view are the defining features. In good weather, the view takes in Blidari, Firiza and the Firiza Reservoir, as well as the north-western slopes of Igniș Peak. This lets you distinguish between a described summit hike with an approximate timeframe and a destination with a stated elevation and views, without combining the details into a single route.

Cycling route: roads and forest tracks

The cycling route through Blidari combines different surfaces: the Baia Mare–Blidari and Șuior–Baia Mare sections use paved roads; the rest of the route follows forest tracks. A hardtail mountain bike is specified as the minimum equipment. Consider the surface information and minimum requirement together when including the cycling route in your plans.

Along the way, the cycling route passes the Stur quarry. Sturului Waterfall is reached by descending into the valley; check access locally. The quarry and the waterfall are therefore associated with different parts of the route: the quarry lies on the cycling route, while the path to the waterfall descends into the valley. The description of the Blidarului Valley Waterfall refers to yet another location, near the confluence of the two valleys.

Getting to the routes described

The 2014 description of the Munții Igniș: Blidari–Piatra Bulzului itinerary specifies a 25-kilometre paved approach from Baia Mare via Firiza and Blidari to Păstrăvăria Pistruia. As road conditions can change, check the road conditions before setting out.

A 2015 route description for the Piatra Lupului route goes from Baia Mare via Firiza and Blidari. It lists buses on the Baia Mare–Firiza–Blidari route, a private car and a mountain bike as means of transport. If you plan to take the bus, check the current timetable in advance. This access description is for the Piatra Lupului route and should not be confused with the approach to Păstrăvăria Pistruia.

Wooden houses along the way

A 2014 description recounts traditional wooden houses along the route from Firiza to Blidari. It mentions houses with blue or green painted façades and white floral bands. This architecture adds a glimpse of local building styles along this route to the nature and tour themes.

For the wider travel overview: Municipality of Baia Mare.