The active Tăul lui Dumitru Moor lies on a plateau of pyroxene andesite between the Sturului and Brazilor valleys. Together with the volcanic rocks of Piatra Bulzului, it shapes the landscape that visitors can explore during a stay in Blidari.

Moor and protected nature

Tăul lui Dumitru is an active, oligotrophic moor. It is classified as a Category III natural monument. The protected area was established by Law 5/2000, covers three hectares and lies in the locality of Blidari, within the administrative area of Municipiul Baia Mare. Here, a description of a distinctive habitat meets a clearly specified protected-area category.

Volcanic rocks and views

Piatra Bulzului consists of volcanic megaliths; the Bulzului summit reaches an elevation of 1,051 metres. In good weather, the panoramic view from Piatra Bulzului extends over Blidari, Firiza and the Firiza Reservoir to the northwestern slopes of Igniș Peak. Weather is key to visibility: if you plan to enjoy this view, adjust your expectations of how far you will be able to see accordingly.

Routes with different time and surface details

The Blidari–Poiana lui Dumitru–Pleşca itinerary includes a 9–10-kilometre round trip from Poiana lui Dumitru to Pleșca summit. It takes approximately four to five hours. You can plan this section as a half-day activity; the time estimate applies to this part of the itinerary only.

A hardtail mountain bike is specified as the minimum equipment for the cycling route through Blidari. The Baia Mare–Blidari and Șuior–Baia Mare sections follow paved roads; the rest of the route uses forest roads. As road surfaces can change after maintenance work or due to weather, check conditions before your ride.

The cycling route passes the Stur quarry. Sturului Waterfall can be reached by descending into the valley; check access locally. This is a different waterfall from the one in the Blidarului Valley: it lies a few dozen metres before the Blidarului Valley meets the Sturului Valley. Comparing the two waterfall descriptions helps you distinguish their locations when planning.

Wooden houses and getting there

A 2014 description highlights traditional wooden houses along the road from Firiza to Blidari, including houses with blue or green-painted façades and white floral bands. This adds an architectural perspective on the locality to the moor and mountain scenery.

For the Munții Igniș: Blidari–Piatra Bulzului itinerary, a 2014 route description specifies a 25-kilometre paved approach from Baia Mare via Firiza and Blidari to Păstrăvăria Pistruia. Check road conditions in advance. The access route to the Piatra-Lupului route also runs from Baia Mare via Firiza and Blidari. A 2015 route description mentions buses on the Baia Mare–Firiza–Blidari route, as well as a private car and a mountain bike as means of transport. In particular, check bus timetables before setting off.

Choose accommodation to suit your itinerary

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Blidari, first decide whether your stay will focus mainly on the moor, the rocks and viewpoints, or one of the routes mentioned. The hike to Pleșca summit has an estimated duration, while the cycling route and travel information provide their own details about surfaces and transport.

For the wider travel overview: Municipiul Baia Mare.