On the northern side cone (1055 m, formerly volcano) of Ciomadul Mare peak (1297 m), called Cetății (Fortress) Peak, the remains of a medieval castle/fortress can be found. First a prehistoric castle (Hallstatt) stood here, in the area of which there were Daco finds in addition to the early Iron Age ceramics. This was followed by the rise of the Árpád-era fortress around the 12th century. From that time, more archaeological finds were found by archaeologists from the 12-13th century. The truncated cone is oval, with an approx. 300 x 180 m plateau of which edge is a chain of a stone rampart, from which sometimes the old castle wall can be seen.

The tourist route was renewed by the Hargita Öko Alpin Klub in 2000. This included ecoturism infrastructure and the developement of a path on the old fortress wall. The route is visited often by tourists and it is a great viewpoint and a crossroad from which one can follow its trail towarsd the Saint Anne Lake/Mohoș Peat Bog or the Vârghiș valley.

– At the beginning you will entry in the forest. All of the hike is in the forest until the top from where you can appreciate the view. After a few steps you will discover a particular atmosphere. The coniferous forest lets pass just a little bit the sunlight. So, we stay a moment for contemplate this ray light, forming sun puddles. During spring, it will be wet and the air will be fresh. The air will have humus and coniferous smell.
– After few meters, on the left side of the road, you will find a spring water. You can taste the water and its the particular taste. More like curiosity than a good taste, this water will complete the sensorial travel in this forest.
– After a few moments, you will entry on a part that looks like a stream. The slope will be occasionally steep. But you will walk around rocks. Take care because rocks can be slippery.
– After this rocky section, you will find a road a bit larger in size. Take the left side and continue to ascend.
– So you will be on the main slope of the hill. This part a bit more technical but it is not very long, and you can take a rest after, because you will finish on a little flat section.
– At this nivel you will find a direction panel. Take the left side (as the panel says) and continue the ascending. You will start at this moment from a brighter part because the vegetation will change a bit.
– After a big curve and few meters, on the right side you will find a bench and if you continue, a nother direction panel. Take the left side. On this side the road will shrink a lot and it is better to walk one by one. The slope will be steep and very hard. At this moment, don’t hesitate to use trees and rocks to hold on to and take your time, don’t hurry.
– Finally, after approx. 30 minutes, you will arrive on one of the lookout points of the hike (on the left side). You will find a little wood structure and you can enjoy the view of the valley and Băile Tușnad. A banch is also here for taking a rest.
– When you will leave this point, the road stays narrow on the mountainside. Be careful. You will find on the road a wooden bridge, which is slightly slippery.
– After around 30 minutes you will be in front of some rocks. Climb the rocks and you will be on the main lookout point. A table is installed, you can eat before coming back.

Difficulty: 2.4/5
Beauty: 4.5/5
Marking: perfect

Feedback from the group:
“Very difficult on the top”
“Good view”
“Very nice”
“Sometimes difficult”
“Slightly slippery”
“Cool”
“Exciting”
“Good, but afraid on the top because of the depth”
“Good and nice, I will be back”
“Beautiful and easy”
“I liked it, but some parts were difficult”

Băile Tușnad/near the ski slope (708 m) – Cetății (Fortress) peak (1055 m) – hiking route:
Marking: blue line; blue dot towards the Peak.
Duration to the peak: 2 hours (90 minutes of walking, 30 minutes of resting). Time spent there: depends on the tourist/group, approx. 20-30 minutes. Duration back to the town: 1-1.5 hours.
Length: 4.5 km.
Level difference: 347 m.
Grade: 7.9%.
Medium difficulty route is accessible in all seasons. It is recommended for tourists with good physical condition.