A 4 km mountain hiking trail rated easy and a challenging cycling loop of about 41 km represent two very different scales of tours in Romuli. There is also a nature reserve with two mineral springs and the Romanesque Biserica Sf. Ioan Botezătorul.
Mountain trails and a challenging cycling loop
The Romuli–Zăvoaiele Borcutului–Șaua Tomnatec route is designated as an officially approved mountain hiking trail. It is 4 km long, listed as taking 1.5 hours and rated easy. It was officially approved in 2009; references to trail repairs date from 2011. Check the current trail conditions before setting out.
Another route is the TR hiking trail: it runs from Romuli via Valea Strâmbă and Obcina Strâmbă to the ridge of the Munții Rodnei. The Pietrosul Rodnei tourist trail is also one of Romuli’s attractions. In good weather, the Romuli–Șaua Bătrânei trail offers views of Pietrosu, Buhăescu Mare, Buhăescu Mic and Rebra.
For cyclists, there is a challenging loop that starts in Romuli, follows the western ridge of the Munții Rodnei and passes Zăvoaiele Borcutului and Izvorul Albastru al Izei. The Romuli–Izvorul Albastru al Izei loop is about 41 km long, has more than 1,500 metres of elevation gain and reaches its highest point of 1,189 m at Pasul Pietrii. Compared with the easy 4 km hike, this is a considerably longer and more challenging option. The differing figures help you gauge the scale of each tour.
Springs and rules in the national park
The Zăvoaiele Borcutului nature reserve is one of Romuli’s attractions. Two mineral springs lie on a travertine cone; their water contains iron, sodium and calcium, as well as bicarbonates and carbon dioxide. The Munții Rodnei National Park is also one of Romuli’s attractions.
The 2019 park regulations permit educational and tourist activities, provided visitors follow the rules; current park notices may supplement them. Only marked tourist trails may be used for a park visit. Climbing routes must also be marked, equipped with belay points and designated as accessible. Take these requirements into account when choosing your route, and check current park notices before your trip. The park regulations list Zăvoaiele Borcutului as the location of a Salvamont patrol post.
Church architecture and local history
The present-day Biserica Sf. Ioan Botezătorul was built between 1904 and 1908 from stone and bricks in the Romanesque style, as a single-nave church. Single-nave describes a church with one nave and refers to its basic layout. Octavian Smighelschi of Blaj painted the icons. The former name is also part of the area’s history: Romuli was once known as Strâmba.
Discover more destinations: Uriu, Crainimăt, Şieu-Măgheruş, Zagra, Valea Borcutului, Piatra Fântânele, Sângeorz-Băi, Ragla.
For the regional travel overview: Bistrita-Nasaud.
