About the route

The route will be presented in 3 parts, from which the 1st one is the main route, and the others are additional routes, which can be chosen based on the endurance of the tourist.

Part 1: The first part of the route starts either from the Tușnad Wellness/football field, either from the train station. Both of the starting points leads to forrest road, which then will be the main road to the peak. First, the route is marked with a blue cross, than from a information panel, with a blue line. Very visible and wide road to the refuge. If you don’t want to go back on the same road, you can follow the description for Part 2. and Part 3.
Part 2: This part is optional, there are no marks. This part more complicated, because the road less visible in a forest.
Part 3: This is also optional. From the Pilișca refuge take the road going a bit downhill, and in the opposite direction as the arrival direction. Without marks, this road doesn’t ask a very good sense of direction. Just follow this main road. You will join the first main road shortly (Part 1.).

 

Feelings and description. Personal experiences by Loic Mary (French volunteer) and his enthusiastic group:

Very beautiful stroll in general, some lookout points are very interesting and unique. However, the temperature is always a bit colder on the top and around the refuge. Good to take extra clothes just in case.
Part 1:

In Băile Tușnad go to a open place next to the football field after you crossed the bridge over the Olt River. You will see there some information board about touris routes. At this point you start the route with a slight ascent until the forest road and then turn on the right side. Continue on this road, which will be a good worm-up, because this part is very flat and very large. And if you start in the early morning you will maybe have the chance to meet wild animals too. When you will meet the marking, go upward using the forest road on your left side. This part has a very nice atmosphere. You will follow the Minei (Miner) creek. Sometimes the road crosses this creek, that is why waterproof boots might be useful. The atmosphere is created by the sound of the water, the birds and the light. This will fill you with an relaxing feeling. However, take care because this road is used by a big cars for wood exploitation. Probably you will not meet one car, but they are an impact on the road. Combined with the creek, which crosses the road at some sections, the road is a bit destroyed, but enough large and visible for not beeing a real problem. In some parts the ascending will be difficult. Especially the last one. Short, indeed, but intense. This ascending will be the complicate part of the route.
After this, the route becomes very flat until the refuge. Don’t forget on the top of this climb, you will have more ways, take the right way with a blue line mark. Beetween this point and Pilișca refuge you will meet a water spring. You can drink this water, it is very pure. Enjoy your rest at the refuge, the place is very confortable for eating or taking a good rest.

Part 2 (aditional/optional):
At this point if you are not tired, you can decide to take a new route to make a little aditional walk to have a look at the other side of the montain and to visit two nice lookout points. For this, take the second way on the same side of the route which you used coming to the refuge. It is flat and large and after a few minutes you will leave the forest and you will enjoy the beautiful view of a pasture. Continue to walk on this route until the next entry in the forest. At this point take the left side and start a short but intense ascent. Before this, on your right side will be another lookout point. When you start the ascent, keep on your mind, at this point the route is not very visible. The choice to continue must be made based on your competence.
If you continue, go to the top crossing the forest. At one moment the forest will have less trees. You are close. After crossing a pine tree line you will discover the old wood tower, which is the highest point of the Pilișca Peak (1374 m). For coming back use the same road until the refuge.
Part 3 (aditional/optional):
The 3rd part is last part, which is the comeback way. From the Pilișca refuge, take the way close to the building. Follow this way and you will entry quick in a forest. First the way is somehow flat. But at some point, the descent will be strong. Nothing special on this way, only take care on your ankles on the difficult part. Enjoy the last part in forest before it meets the 1st route. After that the route will be the same as it was in the morning.

Difficulty: 3.6/5
Beauty: 4.8/5
Marking: good
Feedback from the group:
“really exhausting and really beautiful, good experience »
“it was very beautiful and I was very tired after”
“difficult, but beautiful”
“good”
“very good landscape, very beautiful and good group”
“long way and difficult trail”
“difficult, but very nice and good team spirit”
“the view was beautiful”
“I can’t wait for the next one!”

 

 

Băile Tușnad/next to the football field (651 m) – Miner Creek – Big Pilișca Peak (1374 m) – hiking route:
Marking: blue cross; blue line towards the peak.
Duration to the refuge (part 1.): 2 hours and 15 minutes (2 hours of walking, 15 minutes of resting). Time spent there: depends on the tourist/group, approx. 20-30 minutes. Duration to the peak from the refuge (part 2.): 1 hours ( 50 minutes of walking, 10 minutes of resting). Time spent there: depends on the tourist/group, approx. 10-15 minutes. Duration back to the town from the refuge (part 3.): 1 hour and 40 minutes (1 hour and 20 minutes of walking, 20 minutes of resting).
Length: part 1. – 6.2 km, part 2. – 2.2 km, part 3. – 5.2 km.
Level difference: part 1. – 538 m, part 2. – 196 m, part. 3. – 566 m.
Grade: part 1. – 6.5%, part 2. – 9,2%, part 3. – 10.6%.
It is accessible in all seasons, recommended for tourists with good physical condition.