Băile Harghita (Uz Bence Chalet) – Erdőalja
One of the classic trails of the Harghita Mountains, marked with a blue cross — leading from the legendary Uz Bence chalet in Băile Harghita (Harghita Spa) up to the Erdőalja clearing, with a magnificent panorama over the Ciuc Basin.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
About the trail
This route is one of the most beautiful and most popular trails of the Harghita Mountains, starting from Băile Harghita on the eastern flank of Ciceu-Harghita Peak (1761 m). The marked path winds upward through the depths of the spruce forest, then opens up onto a more exposed, ridge-side stretch that leads to the atmospheric clearing known as Erdőalja.
Following the blue-cross blaze, the hike is of moderate difficulty and walkable year-round — yet it shows its finest face from late spring to early autumn. In winter, snowshoes or ski-touring gear are recommended, since snow can linger on the Harghita ridge from November through March.
The Uz Bence Chalet
The trailhead is the legendary chalet in the centre of Băile Harghita, at 1345 metres above sea level. It takes its name from the celebrated literary figure of József Nyirő — the mischievous, witty, sharp-minded Székely character modelled by the writer on Dénes Pál S., the gamekeeper of Vărșag.
Construction of the chalet was decided in 1940 by the Ciuc-seat branch of the Transylvanian Carpathian Society (EKE), based on plans drawn up by architect József Schmidt. Built with donations and volunteer labour, it was inaugurated in 1942 — regarded as the greatest accomplishment of the EKE of that era. Scenes from Nyirő's Uz Bence can still be seen drawn on the corridor walls today.
Interactive map
The green markers show the two endpoints of the trail. Zoom with the scroll wheel; click for details.
Trail waypoints
Băile Harghita – Uz Bence chalet
Starting point, 1345 m above sea level. Parking, restaurant and sauna available.
46.3831° N · 25.6415° E
Erdőalja
End of the trail — an atmospheric clearing with panoramic views over the Ciuc Basin and the Ciomatu Mountains.
46.3422° N · 25.6635° E
Tip
When in Băile Harghita, it is well worth climbing up to Kossuth Rock for the view. Nearby you can also visit the Saint Stephen Chapel belonging to the Pauline order, the twin-domed mofette, and the healing-water springs.
Getting there from Miercurea Ciuc
From the town of Miercurea Ciuc, take national road DN13A in the direction of Odorheiu Secuiesc. Băile Harghita lies about 22 km from the county seat, on the eastern flank of Ciceu-Harghita. The asphalt road is passable year-round by both car and bus. In the village, the trailhead is easily found by following the signs to the Uz Bence chalet.
Related hiking trails
Further hikes in the Miercurea Ciuc area, within the Harghita Mountains: