Bistrița-Năsăud

Bistrița-Năsăud County, known in Hungarian as Beszterce-Naszód megye, is located in northern Transylvania, Romania. The county seat is Bistrița (Beszterce). It shares borders with Maramureș County to the north, Suceava County to the east, Mureș County to the south, and Cluj County to the west. Bistrița-Năsăud County covers an area of 5,355 km², with roughly one-third of its surface occupied by the Eastern Carpathians. Major mountain ranges within the county include the Țibleș Mountains, Rodna Mountains, Călimani Mountains, Bârgău Mountains, and Călimani-Harghita volcanic range. The remaining area belongs to the Transylvanian Plateau, characterized by rolling hills and fertile valleys. The county is traversed by the Someșul Mare River, while the Bistrița River is its most significant tributary. The highest peak in the county is Pietrosu (2,303 m) in the Rodna Mountains, part of the Rodna National Park, a protected area rich in alpine flora and fauna. The county is also home to the Bârgău Pass, historically an important route connecting Transylvania to Bukovina. Bistrița-Năsăud County is steeped in history, having been part of the Saxon colonization of Transylvania in the Middle Ages. Bistrița, its capital, was one of the Seven Saxon Citadels (Siebenbürgen) and retains much of its medieval character, including the Evangelical Church, a Gothic-style monument with a 75-meter tower. Other important historical sites include Năsăud, a former border town known for its role in the Austrian military frontier, and the Bistrița Citadel ruins, a reminder of the county’s defensive importance in past centuries. The county is renowned for its wooden churches, some of which date back to the 17th and 18th centuries, showcasing traditional Romanian and Hungarian architecture. The monastery of Piatra Fântânele, situated in the Bârgău Mountains, is another notable spiritual landmark, attracting visitors and pilgrims. Tourism and natural beauty play a vital role in the county’s identity. The Rodna Mountains National Park is a popular hiking destination, featuring glacial lakes, waterfalls, and rich biodiversity. The Tihuța Pass (Bârgău Pass), famously mentioned in Bram Stoker’s "Dracula," is located in Bistrița-Năsăud, further adding to the region’s mystique. Other attractions include Colibița Lake, often referred to as the "Sea of the Mountains," a growing eco-tourism destination. Traditionally, Bistrița-Năsăud County’s economy has been based on agriculture, forestry, and light industry, though in recent years, tourism and eco-friendly businesses have started to develop. The county is known for fruit orchards, dairy farming, and woodcraft traditions, while Bistrița city has become a growing commercial and cultural hub. Bistrița-Năsăud County is a captivating blend of medieval history, natural wonders, and rich cultural traditions, making it an essential stop for those exploring the heart of Transylvania.