Bihor

Bihor County (Hungarian: Bihar megye) is located in the northwestern part of Romania, within the historical region of Partium. Its capital city is Oradea (Hungarian: Nagyvárad), which, with approximately 200,000 inhabitants, serves as the cultural and economic center of the county. Bihor County borders Satu Mare County to the north, Sălaj, Cluj, and Alba counties to the east, Arad County to the south, and Hungary to the west. Covering an area of 7,544 km², Bihor is the sixth largest county in Romania. The eastern part of the county is dominated by the Apuseni Mountains, with the highest peak being Cucurbăta Mare (Bihor Peak) at 1,849 meters. Moving westward, the terrain transitions through hills and plains, eventually merging into the Pannonian Plain. The main rivers traversing the county include the Crișul Repede, Crișul Negru, and the Barcău. Bihor County boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage. During the Roman era, it was part of the Dacia province, and numerous archaeological sites attest to this history. In the Middle Ages, the area was the center of the Duchy of Bihor, with remnants of the fortress near the village of Biharia preserving its legacy. Oradea, the county seat, is renowned for its Art Nouveau architecture and vibrant cultural scene. Notable landmarks include the Black Eagle Palace, the Moon Church, and the Ady Endre Memorial Museum, dedicated to the famous Hungarian poet. The county's economy is diverse, with significant contributions from industry, agriculture, and tourism. The thermal resorts of Băile Felix and Băile 1 Mai are popular destinations, attracting visitors with their therapeutic waters.