Lunca Ilvei

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Lunca Ilvei is an interesting village with an economy based around forestry and agriculture, with plenty of open space and varied scenery.The area is quiet and unspoilt, with the nearest town 60km away, no through road, and most of the limited traffic still horse-drawn. Food is locally grown, organic and flavoursome. Meadows are scattered with wild flowers. At the english-run Stefan cel Mare riding centre horses are used to bring hay and other supplies, to plough the land, to travel around the local area. Experience a horse-drawn rural society that has scarcely changed in generations.
0845 3000 247
Bârgau Pass
To the north are the Rodna mountains, whose peaks reach over 8,000 feet. The nearest big town, the former Austro-Hungarian city of Cluj-Napoca, lies over 100km to the west. To the east lie the unique 'painted monasteries' and the historic spa town of Vatra Dornei. To the south is the 'Borgo pass' immortalised by Bram Stoker in 'Dracula'. The site of the vampire's castle is also close by – a mock-gothic castle in a likely spot conceals a hotel and restaurant! There are plenty of opportunities for walking and riding including an old Roman road which crosses a low pass to the north to reach the village of Sant in the upper Somes Valley, famous for its folklore, especially embroidery and costumes. You will be advised on trails if you wish to walk. Alternatively you could spend time at the stables or wander round this rather scattered community. Take care of sheepdogs if you venture up to higher ground.
Cottage near Magura Ilvei
This valley lies in the Bârgau mountains with the Rodna mountains to the north, the Suhard to the east and the Caliman to the south. It is particularly rich in wildlife including large raptors such as Golden Eagles as well as predators such as wolf, brown bear and lynx. There are fine views over a high, secluded region of alpine pastures called "obcinas" (meaning bare crests of mountains) where shepherds spend six months of each year without machines or electricity. Of special interest is a naturally regenerating pine forest, described by a visiting naturalist as "the finest natural European forest after the great Bialowieski reservation in Poland". One section was, until 1920, the eastern border of Austro-Hungary, the setting for the great Romanian novel "The Hanging Forest" by Liviu Rebreanu - "Romania's Kafka".
Evening entertainment ranges from local musicians (can be organised), a barbecue at a foresters' cabana listening to folk tales and superstitions or simply with the locals at the “Blue Moon Bar”.

Accommodation in Lunca Ilvei is in guesthouses which are roughly equivalent to British 'B&Bs'. These are all village houses, managed by their owners. All accommodation is clean and well maintained, with inside plumbing, bathrooms and toilets. Bedrooms are for one or two people, there is hot water - which may well come from a log burning boiler - and a minimum of one WC and a shower / bath shared between 2 to 4 people. When out on circuit rides similar guesthouses are used and one night may be spent in a hotel. The houses tend to be traditional and rather 'folkloric'.
A SELECTION OF ACCOMMODATION IS ILLUSTRATED BELOW

>CABANA URECHE
>Lunca Ilvei
A large wooden cabana set back from the village centre with excellent views of the valley and mountains. It accommodates 8-10 people in double, twin and triple rooms. Facilities include a kitchen, dining or living room, 2 bathrooms, balcony and satellite TV. There is also a playground and meadow for relaxing. Mr Ureche has been receiving guests in the village for many years.
View to Rodna mountains from the Cabana
Food in rural Romania is still frequently organic, and often surprisingly full of flavour. Produce is usually locally grown. Breakfast is eaten at the guest houses or inns and is typically eggs, cheese, cold meat, bread, toast, butter, jam, choice of milk (which is often straight from the cow!), tea or coffee. Lunch is generally a picnic out with bread, cheese, cold meat, cakes, fruit and a choice of soft drinks or beer to drink. Dinner is usually soup, (a strong point of Romanian cooking), a main course which will sometimes include regional specialities such as peppers stuffed with meat or vegetables, seasoned minced meat wrapped in cabbage or vine leaves (Sarmale), spicy meatballs (Chiftele or, if grilled, Mititei), followed by cold pudding or fruit. Mineral water and plum brandy are served, and a choice of soft drinks, beer and wine can be bought. Vegetarian meals can be provided (in fact Romania has a good tradition of vegetarian cookery), as can other special diets, but please let us know in advance.
Upper Ilva Valley

>CASA CONSTANTIN
>Lunca Ilvei
An attractive new pension in the style of an Austrian chalet located in a small pear orchard above the village - ideal for families. 4 rooms with central heating. Separate bathroom and wcs, large breakfast room/ living room on the ground floor. Good views from the balconies. English and French spoken.
Casa Constantin

CASA SOMESAN>
Lunca Ilvei>
Traditional homestay located near the centre of the village suitable for families; 3 rooms and bathroom all on the same floor. Cool in summer, abundance of houseplants. There is a shaded garden with apple trees. French and some English spoken.

The family have built a second guesthouse nearby.
Homestay prices
Prices per person per night sharing a twin or
double room in GBP
Board Adult Child
Bed & Breakfast
RQ
RQ
Half Board
RQ
RQ
Full Board
24
18

Stefan cel Mare Riding Centre

Horse-drawn Caleche to Castle Dracula
Trail Riding & Carriage Rides
Horse Riding Holidays in the Bârgau Mountains

SEE "RIDING" SECTION

  • BB & HB rates on request
  • Single room supplement on request
  • Child prices valid for children under 12 years travelling with an adult
Lunca Ilvei