Are you visiting Bistrița-Năsăud County?
Are you looking for interesting places, with historical importance or where you can relax?
Then this article is right for you. We will present you some beautiful, instagrammable places that are worth seeing and taking pictures of.

1. The Evangelical Church of Bistrița

Situated in the centre of Bistrița, the church is one of the most impressive monuments in Transylvania and a symbol of the city. It has the highest medieval tower in Romania where you can enjoy a delightful view of Bistrița. From there, the people can see the entire city, the depression, and even the mountains surrounding the city.

Occasionally, there are numerous symphonic concerts and evangelical services held in the church. Due to its large size and capacity, the Evangelical Church of Bistrița is one of the most impressive places of worship in Transylvania. 

The architectural monument is representative of the transition from the Gothic to the Renaissance style was built in several stages. The construction began in the 14th century and continued throughout the following centuries. The church was completed in the 15th century, and its 75-meter tall tower was added in the 17th century.

Over the centuries, the Evangelical Church of Bistrița has been damaged by fires, earthquakes, and wars. However, it has been restored and renovated repeatedly.

This church played an important role in the life of the Saxon community in Bistrița, playing a central role in the religious, social, and cultural life of the Saxon population.

The Evangelical Church of Bistrița. Image: Urzică Andreea.

The legend of the Evangelical Church tower

The people of Bistrița managed to build the tallest stone tower in Transylvania and this made the other 6 fortified towns envious. Sibiu, being the main one, decided not to be left behind and to build a much bigger tower.

The legend has it that in order to ensure that their tower would be much taller than that of the Bistrița people, the Sibiu people sent their craftsmen to Bistrița to secretly measure the height of the tower. In the middle of the night, the craftsmen measured the tower of the Evangelical Church using a rope. After finishing their work, they took the rope used for the measurement and headed home. On their way home, the Sibiu people stopped at an inn near Bistrița. The wine served at the inn made the craftsmen reveal their plan to their hosts. Upon hearing this plan, while the craftsmen were sleeping, the hosts of the inn cut two meters of the rope with which the tower was measured. This is how the church tower in Sibiu is 73 meters high, and the one in Bistrița is 75 meters high. However, historical documents contradict this legend of Eugen Miloș. The church tower in Sibiu was completed in 1499, while that of the church in the heart of Bistrița only in 1513.

2. The Dendrological Park of Unirea

Located on the outskirts of the city, near TeraPlast Arena, it is a recently opened park. It is perfect for a relaxing walk in nature, away from the stressful bustle of the city. It provides a playground for children, a route for those who love cycling, a fitness area for sport lovers and an outdoor amphitheater perfect for various events. There are many alleys and relaxation areas with benches, where you can admire the nature, read or have a picnic with friends or family. The numerous trees and plants make it a great learning place for people who like or want to learn more about botany.

The Dendrological Park of Unirea. Image: Urzică Andreea.

Even if it is little known, you should take advantage of this opportunity to visit it. You will feel like a real local and you will be able to enjoy the tranquility it offers because it is an ideal place for relaxation and reconnection with nature. It is a must-see for everyone whether you're from the area or just passing through. Bring a snack or a book and enjoy this delightful place! You won't regret seeing it and you will recommend it to other people!

3. The Colibița Lake

It is an artificial reservoir situated between the Călimani Mountains and the Bârgău Mountains, in the Bistrița-Năsăud County. The lake stretches over a distance of 5 kilometers and is also called the "Sea from the mountain". It has small islands on its surface that complement the magnificent landscape of the area. The natural setting gives it a special charm, giving tourists the perfect space for hiking and mountain trips, fishing, swimming, kayaking, cycling and last but not least, sleigh rides in winter. If you are eager for new experiences, you can try the adventure park "Aventuri" or you can rent an ATV or a buggy. You will have fun no matter what activity you choose!

Colibița is the village that disappeared from the map of Romania in 1980. It all started when the authorities decided to build a reservoir to ensure the water supply of the city of Bistrița. This is how hundreds of families who lived there were forced to leave. Those who lived very close to the dam immediately demolished their homes and left for neighboring towns. Others, however, waited until the water took everything away.

The legend of the lake

The legends of the place say that on the bottom of the current lake from Colibița there is the old church of the village and some sunken houses. Besides, the elders of the place say that the lake is cursed and takes a yearly tribute, paid by human lives. Some people say that in Colibița Lake there are large fish and those who drown can never be found again.

The Colibița Lake. Image: Urzică Andreea.

Whether you want to visit Colibița for just one day or want to stay more, there are wonderful accommodation options at one of the beautiful hotels, guesthouses or holiday homes: Hotel Roser Boutique, Montana Resort&Spa, Panoramic, Fisherman's.

4. The Palace of Culture

It is located in the heart of "Regele Mihai I" Park. It is a building with a large hall where you can enjoy various performances: theater plays, orchestral concerts, movies, documentaries and stand-up comedy moments. Sometimes, in the basement of the palace there are exhibitions where you can admire local artists and discover new talents. Buy tickets in advance and you will enjoy many artistic performances. Moreover, you can bring your family or your friends to spend quality time together while watching something interesting. After that, you can share your thoughts and impressions about what you saw.

In the building, there was "Bistritzer Gewerbeverein" which was the most select restaurant of the city, also mentioned in the famous novel „Ion” by Liviu Rebreanu.

In the past, the building housed the Association of German craftsmen, but also the city library which later received its own space. 

The Palace of Culture. Image: Urzică Andreea.

After a performance, you have the possibility to go for a walk through the Municipal Park where you can admire the fish in the pond or look for the squirrels that come out sometimes in front of people. You will be lucky to spot one. There you will also identify a part of the medieval fortress of Bistrița, the only tower that has survived to this day is the Coopers' Tower. Currently, the Coopers' Tower houses a unique gallery of dolls and masks including approximately 700 exhibits created by Baron Alexandru Misiuga.

5. The Bistrița-Năsăud Museum Complex

The Bistrița Museum was established under the title of the Rodna Regional Museum in one of the wings of the former Minorite monastery.

In 1976 the archaeology-history section moved to the Silversmith's House, a historical and architectural monument dating from the 16th century, built in the Renaissance style, and in 1984 the ethnography-folk art section moved to the old city hall. In 1986 all the collections were transferred to the current premises of the former barracks of the 63rd Infantry Regiment, the building dating from 1898. The Bistrița County Museum became the Bistrița-Năsăud Museum Complex in 2004. It includes sections of ethnography - folk art, natural sciences, fine arts, history and archaeology.

Every year, in May, the museum organizes the night of museums, where you can visit the museum for free, participate in various shows of the youth bands of the city and buy something to support the local producers. The children have the chance to have fun by participating in various activities specially prepared for them such as a treasure hunt and games with lego pieces.

The Bistrița-Năsăud Museum Complex. Image: Urzică Andreea.

Frequently, there are held various exhibitions: art, live reptiles, construction of lego pieces, but also fairs, a future fair is organized for graduating students in the terminal classes where they can learn more about the best universities in the country, the Easter fair where you can find interesting ornaments and another one with "mărțișoare", one of the numerous traditions of the country. On March 1st, the girls give one as a gift to the boys they know. Whatever your interests, you'll find an activity you'll love.

You will be pleased to see these places and be sure to tell others about your visit, recommending them to visit the county as well!