marisel day trip
marisel-temp

MĂRIȘEL

Spectacular mountain ride in one of the most picturesque mountain area around Cluj-Napoca

Distance
44 km (27 miles)

Trip style
Trekking, Gravel

Start location
Cluj-Napoca

Dificulty
4/5

Starting from

90 euro

ABOUT THE TRIP

Cluj-Napoca is the largest city in Transylvania and the second-largest in Romania after the capital, Bucharest. Vibrant and youthful, the city offers a rich cultural scene, hosting major music and film festivals, and a lively nightlife. However, for a serene escape, the Apuseni Mountains, just a short distance away, beckon. Nestled at 1200m altitude, Mărișel village stands out as one of the most picturesque areas. Renowned for its ski slopes and vacation homes, Marisel is also a hidden gem for cycling enthusiasts. Our day trip seamlessly blends invigorating ascents on asphalt roads with tranquil rides along car-free gravel paths. Elevating the experience, we'll pause for lunch at one of the finest local restaurants, savouring delights like the renowned mushroom soup.

ROUTE

marisel tour

RIDE OF THE DAY

Embarking from your Cluj hotel, our journey begins with a 50-minute car transfer to Măguri-Răcătău. Starting our ride at 650m altitude, we ascend through the enchanting gorges of the Someșul Rece river, enveloped by dense forest. Reaching the pinnacle at approximately 1350m, a panoramic expanse unfolds, revealing the sprawling Marisel village below. Covering 30km, we pause for a delectable lunch at Cabana Moților, renowned for its local culinary delights. The return leg to the car predominantly descends, concluding with a scenic stretch on the illustrious "Road of the General" — a fitting end to our picturesque cycling sojourn.

DIFFICULTY: 4/5

TOTAL DISTANCE: 44 km (27 miles)

TOTAL ELEVATION: 1020 m (3,340 feet)

PRICES

* 1 pers - €130

2 pers - €105/pers.

3+ pers - €90/pers.

* One person tours can be arranged with maximum one week prior to the date of the ride

What is included?
  • English-speaking local guides
  • Fully equipped bike
  • Helmet
  • Lunch in Mărișel
  • Fruit, nuts, snacks and water during riding
  • Car transfer

MORE INFORMATION

LUNCH & COFFEE BREAKS

Apart of the lunch offered in Mărișel, fruits, dry nuts, and cereal bars are provided during the ride. Any time is a good time for coffee so we can stop in any of the villages to have one. Although the coffee shops on route are not that fancy they will offer an authentic village experience.

WEATHER

We recommend you check the forecast in the days before the trip and prepare proper clothes. Even if there are small chances of rain, rather than counting on luck, you should pack a light weight rain jacket. For sunny days please don’t forget to carry some sunscreen with you. For exceptionally bad weather we can cancel a tour, if this is discussed with a few days in advance.

PICK UP & TRANSFER

In the morning, we will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you by car to Măguri-Răcătău, the starting point of the tour. After finishing the ride we will drop you off at the same place or at any other location in the city. Should you have a rented car and should you prefer to drive yourselves to the place where we start riding (40 km away from the city centre), we are happy with this option as well.

cheile somesului cluj
marisel river
marisel cluj forest
marisel gravel road
marisel road
marisel perfect road cluj