About Stâna de Vale
Stâna de Vale is a mountain resort in Budureasa commune, at about 1,100 m, in a wide clearing surrounded by spruce forest on the Bihor side of the Apuseni Mountains, in the Vlădeasa massif. It is a resort for rest and treatment, with oligomineral and ferruginous waters and clean mountain air, and a starting point for hikes in the north-west of the Apuseni.
The settlement grew up at the end of the 19th century on land belonging to the Greek Catholic Diocese of Oradea: the first hotel, with nine rooms, opened in 1883, followed by villas, a chapel and a bishop's residence. In 1932, through the efforts of Bishop Valeriu Traian Frențiu, a 42 km narrow-gauge railway was built up from the Iad Valley; it was destroyed by a flood in 1958 and later replaced by a forest road.
What you can see
The symbol of the resort is the Izvorul Minunilor ("Spring of Miracles"), a few hundred metres from the centre, on the road leading east: the water gushes out between boulders and runs down in several small cascades, in a stone setting with steps. It is drinking water, and it is also bottled under the same name.
Several trails marked by Salvamont Bihor start from the resort: the resort circuit, marked with a yellow dot, the circuit to the Săritoarea Ieduțului waterfall, marked with a blue dot, the trail to the Moara Dracului waterfall, marked with a blue cross, and the one to Meziad Cave, marked with a blue triangle. The red-stripe main trail climbs along the ridge to Bihor Peak (Curcubăta Mare, 1,849 m), the highest in the Apuseni. On the asphalt road towards Lake Leșu, the Iad Valley has several waterfalls, including Săritoarea Ieduțului and Iadolina. In winter the resort also has ski runs.
Good to know
The last stretch of the road from Budureasa climbs in hairpin bends. In winter the road to Lake Leșu may be closed to traffic, and some marked trails have sections that are temporarily closed; Salvamont Bihor publishes their status.
Information verified on 2 November 2026.
- The Izvorul Minunilor spring, its water running down in small cascades between boulders.
- The resort circuit, marked with a yellow dot, through the surrounding spruce forests.
- The blue-cross trail to the Moara Dracului waterfall, in the Drăgan Valley.
- The Iad Valley waterfalls, Săritoarea Ieduțului and Iadolina, on the road to Lake Leșu.
- The red-stripe main trail to Bihor Peak (Curcubăta Mare), the highest in the Apuseni.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: from Oradea take the DN 76 to Beiuș, then the DJ 764A through Budureasa, a mountain road with hairpin bends on the last part: ~91 km, ~1 h 45. From Beiuș it is ~27 km (~35 minutes). From Cluj-Napoca, take the DN1 towards Oradea, then go via Remeți and past Lake Leșu on the DJ 108J (~138 km, ~2 h 45); in winter the stretch from Lake Leșu may be closed.
- Where to park
You can park in the resort, by the hotels and villas, and in the car park next to the Izvorul Minunilor spring. For the mountain trails, leave the car in the resort.
- Rules
Stay on the marked trails and check their status beforehand: some sections are temporarily closed. For hikes bring boots, water, a rain jacket and a map; there are bears in the area, so do not leave food or rubbish. Do not light fires outside designated places. In case of a mountain accident, call the Salvamont dispatch on 0725 826 668, or 112.
- Facilities
Hotels, villas and guesthouses · Salvamont base · Izvorul Minunilor spring, with drinking water · ski runs in winter
Frequently asked questions about Stâna de Vale
How much is a ticket to Stâna de Vale?
Admission to Stâna de Vale is free.
What are the opening hours of Stâna de Vale?
Opening hours at Stâna de Vale: daily open 24 hours. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Stâna de Vale take?
A visit to Stâna de Vale takes about 3½ – 4 hours (stroll; hike: a full day).
Can you visit Stâna de Vale with kids?
Yes, Stâna de Vale is suitable for children (the spring, the resort circuit).
Where can I park at Stâna de Vale?
There is free parking at Stâna de Vale (in the resort, by the spring). More under “Where to park”
How do I get to Stâna de Vale?
Stâna de Vale is located at Stâna de Vale resort, at the end of the DJ 764A, Budureasa, Bihor County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Stâna de Vale?
The best season for Stâna de Vale: All year round (hiking in summer, snow in winter).
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