Bistrița-Năsăud

Bistrița-Năsăud County lies in northern Transylvania, at the foot of the Rodna Mountains. Its seat, Bistrița, was settled by Saxon colonists in 1206 and grew into a medieval trading town; its old town still holds 15th- and 16th-century merchants' houses and remnants of 13th-century fortress walls. The county is also known for its literary association with Bram Stoker's Dracula — Jonathan Harker's fictional journey passes through Bistrița and the Tihuța (Bârgău) Pass on the way east. The Rodna Mountains National Park, along the county's northern edge, offers hiking among glacial lakes and waterfalls, and the spa town of Sângeorz-Băi is known for mineral waters used to treat digestive conditions.

Summer through early autumn is best for hiking in the Rodna Mountains; Sângeorz-Băi's spa facilities operate year-round.

Local buses and minibuses connect the main towns within the county. For rural areas, a car is recommended.

• Bistrita
• Nasaud
• Beclean
• Sangeorz-Bai
• Prundu Bargaului
• Livezile
• Rodna Mountains National Park

The county shares Transylvania's Saxon-influenced Romanian cuisine: sarmale (cabbage rolls), mămăligă (polenta), and grilled meats, alongside local țuică (plum brandy).

1. Walk the medieval old town of Bistrița, with its Saxon merchants' houses and 13th-century fortress remnants.
2. Hike the Rodna Mountains National Park, with its glacial lakes and waterfalls.
3. Take the mineral-water cure at Sângeorz-Băi.
4. Follow the Bram Stoker Dracula trail through the Tihuța (Bârgău) Pass.