The Apuseni Mountains

The Apuseni Mountains: A Tranquil Oasis

The relief of our country is the equivalent of complete balance – an oasis of tranquility and joy for the eyes of onlookers. This balance includes the Apuseni Mountains, young mountains formed from a mix of rocks and limestone, which is why there is a high number of caves in this region.

Geographical Location

Geospatially, the Apuseni Mountains are located in the southeast of the country, forming part of the Carpathian Chain within Romania. More precisely, they are found in Transylvania, with the cornerstone being the Bihor Peak (a proud representative, with an altitude of up to 1849 meters). Colloquially, it is also known as *Curcubăta Mare*.

Mountain Divisions

The Apuseni Mountains are divided into four mountain divisions, among which we mention:

• Crișului Mountains (which include the Crișene Hills, the Pădurea Craiului Mountains, and the Codru-Moma Mountains)
• Șeș-Meseșului Mountains (with subdivisions formed by the Meseșului Mountains, Muntele Ses, the Șimleu Depression, and the Șimleu Mountains)
• Bihor Massif (including the Bihorului Mountains, the Vladeasa Mountains, Muntele Mare, the Gilăului Mountains, Muntele Găina, and the Brad and Huedin depressions)
• Mureșului Mountains (with the well-known Zarandului Mountains, the Metaliferi Mountains, and the Trascăului Mountains)

Hydrographic Features

From a hydrographic perspective, the Apuseni Mountains are no exception – in this category, we mention the series of rivers that flow nearby. In this regard, we outline:

• Râul Șomeșului Mic
• Crișul Repede
• Crișul Alb
• Crișul Negru
• Barcău
• Arieș
• Ampoi rivers
• The karstic lakes: Vărăscoaia, Ighiu, Fântânele, and Tarnița

Population Insights

The aspect of real interest that distinguishes the Apuseni Mountains is their population – despite the low density and the apparent trend of decline, the Apuseni remain the most populated. Throughout Romania, there is no area with a greater number of people living in a mountainous region.

Tourist Attractions

If you are planning a weekend or a holiday in the Apuseni Mountains, remember three words: go visit – a series of tourist attractions that you must not miss, under any circumstances! The wonders of nature, such as the Iadolina, Evantai, and Moara Dracului waterfalls, as well as the Ponorului and Radesei fortresses, will make you, on one hand, venture into nature and through nature, and on the other hand, delight your eyes with the beauty of our country’s relief – which, in reality, is hard to find anywhere else in the world.

If you are tempted, you can even visit the peak of Bihor, right at the top – with a bit of physical condition, some friends by your side, and plenty of good cheer, both your mind and body will feel the joy and indulgence!