Apuseni

Apuseni

This scenic hike through the Apuseni Mountains offers a mix of waterfalls, panoramic ridges, and forest trails. The route begins in the village of Răchițele, climbing steadily past the dramatic Vălul Miresei Waterfall (also known as “Bride’s Veil”), one of the most iconic natural sights in the region. From there, the trail continues up to the Pietrele Albe ridge, offering sweeping views across the Vlădeasa range and deep forested valleys below. After a rocky descent and short forest transition, the route climbs again to reach the summit of Vlădeasa Peak (1836 m) — the highest point on this trail and one of the tallest in the Apuseni. The day ends at Cabana Vlădeasa, a basic mountain hut located just below the summit. It’s a perfect overnight stop for hikers looking to split the route into two relaxed days. On the second day, the trail descends gradually through open meadows and pine forest, eventually reaching the village of Săcuieu, where the hike ends. Fit and experienced hikers can complete the full route in a single long day with an early start, but splitting it into two days gives you more time to enjoy the scenery and stay overnight in the mountains.

Hike Details

fitness_center Difficulty
Moderate
route Type
Point to Point
schedule Duration
2 days
straighten Total Distance
29.5 km (18.3 mi)
terrain Elevation Gain
trending_up 1249 m (4098 ft)

Location

Continent
Europe
Country
Romania
Region
Carpathians
Best Season
June, July, August, September, October

Photo Gallery

Highlights

  • star Vălul Miresei Waterfall (Cascada Vălul Miresei)
  • star Pietrele Albe ridge views
  • star Vlădeasa Peak (1836 m)
  • star Cabana Vlădeasa overnight stay
  • star Panoramic views of Apuseni Mountains
  • star Wildflower meadows in summer
  • star Quiet forest trails
  • star Open alpine ridgelines
  • star Dramatic rock formations

Requirements

  • check_circle Moderate to high fitness level
  • check_circle Comfortable with long ascents and descents
  • check_circle Proper hiking boots
  • check_circle Weather-appropriate clothing
  • check_circle Map or GPS navigation
  • check_circle Water and food for the day
  • check_circle Headlamp if starting early or splitting into 2 days
  • check_circle Trekking poles recommended
  • check_circle Optional overnight gear for Cabana Vlădeasa
  • check_circle Awareness of changing mountain weather.

Route Map

Day by Day

Day 1: Răchițele to Cabana Vlădeasa via Vălul Miresei and Pietrele Albe

Start in Răchițele village and hike past the famous Vălul Miresei Waterfall (Cascada Vălul Miresei). Climb steadily through forest and exposed ridgelines to reach Pietrele Albe for sweeping views. Continue with a final push to Vlădeasa Peak (1836 m), then descend to Cabana Vlădeasa for an overnight stay.

straighten Distance: 18.9 km (11.7 mi)
terrain Elevation Gain: 1117 m (3665 ft)
schedule Duration: 7–8 hours

Day 2: Cabana Vlădeasa to Săcuieu

Descend from Cabana Vlădeasa through gentle forest trails and open meadows. The trail is easier and mostly downhill, leading to the quiet village of Săcuieu. A great way to end the route with relaxed walking and scenic views.

straighten Distance: 10.6 km (6.6 mi)
terrain Elevation Gain: 133 m (436 ft)
schedule Duration: 3–4 hours

Sleeping Options

Cabana Vlădeasa

hotel Type: Mountain Hut
phone Phone: +40 743 062 378
place Address: 161A, Rogojel, Săcuieu, Cluj County, Romania

Cabana Vlădeasa is a rustic mountain hut situated at 1,430 meters altitude on the northern slope of the Vlădeasa Massif. It offers a total of 30 beds distributed across various room types, including a 13-bed room, an 8-bed room, and three 3-bed rooms. Each room is equipped with heating stoves, electricity, and shared sanitary facilities. The hut provides meal services for guests and serves as a base for ascents to Vlădeasa Peak (1,836 m). Access is typically via forest roads from Bologa or Săcuieu, followed by a hike from Rogojel village.

link Visit Website

How to Get There

To start this Apuseni hike, use Cluj-Napoca as your base. From Cluj, you can reach the trailhead village of Răchițele by car in about 2.5 hours, or take a bus or minibus to Huedin, then a local connection or taxi to Răchițele. The hike finishes in the village of Săcuieu, which is connected by regional buses running back toward Huedin or Cluj. If bus schedules are limited, a local taxi from Săcuieu to Huedin is a reliable option, where you can catch frequent trains or buses back to Cluj. Renting a car offers the most flexibility for point-to-point hiking in this area.
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Download GPX Track

Download the GPX track for this hike to use with your GPS device or hiking app.