Hidişelu de Sus: Hills, Nature and Culture

Hidişelu de Sus lies in the central south of Bihor County, in the area of the Tăşad Hills. Broad, rounded interfluves characterise the local hills; the relief energy ranges from 100 to almost 300 metres. The Tăşad Hills thus give Hidişelu de Sus a distinctly structured landscape setting for nature and culture.

Archaeology in a Distinctive Hilly Landscape

The archaeological site “Şumugiu – Biserica turcilor” is located on the ridge of the approximately 220-metre-high Dealul Cionului. Another archaeological site, “Situl arheologic de la Mierlău – La Cetăţuie”, lies north-northwest of Mierlău on a wooded spur of land approximately 260 metres high. When exploring the area, concrete evidence of past times therefore meets a distinctly structured hilly landscape.

Betfia, Forest and Nature Observation

The Betfia Natura 2000 site (ROSCI0008) extends across the communes of Hidişelu de Sus, Oşorhei and Sânmartin. It is considered important for bats, amphibians and reptiles. Around 1,000 specimens of the protected thermophilic shrub ghimpe grow in the forest of Hidişelu de Jos below Şimleului Hill. In addition, a total of seven stork nests were recorded in the Hidişelu de Sus area along the main road and in the associated villages. Betfia, the ghimpe population and the seven stork nests represent different nature-related themes within the commune. Nature enthusiasts can look out for bats, amphibians and reptiles in Betfia. The protected ghimpe and the seven stork nests add plant and bird observation to the theme.

Culture and Local Traditions

Cultural events are also part of the character of Hidişelu de Sus. A culture-patriotic programme featuring patriotic songs, Christmas carols and folk dances took place at the cultural centre. The “Datina Hidișelului” ensemble performed Bihor folk dances as part of a cultural programme. Music, folk dance, liturgy and commemoration represent different forms of cultural expression that come together in Hidişelu de Sus at events held at the cultural centre and the Heroes’ Monument.

On Heroes’ Day, a commemorative event proceeded from the Orthodox Church “Sfânta Treime” to the Heroes’ Monument. On this occasion, an Orthodox liturgy and a commemorative event were also held in Hidişelu de Sus.

Active Days and Regional Orientation

The commune of Hidişelu de Sus is crossed by National Road DN 76 between Oradea and Beiuş. Rural tourism in the commune includes traditional local products marketed in cooperation with guesthouses. Winter sports can be practised on the ski slope established in Hidişelu de Jos. The “Mentor” equestrian centre offers riding lessons for all age groups, from children over three years old to adults interested in riding and the surrounding nature. Those planning a day with varied interests can choose between the ski slope in Hidişelu de Jos and riding lessons at the “Mentor” centre. Local products complement the leisure activities with a connection to rural tourism.

Further destinations for your travel planning: Sâmbăta, Băile 1 Mai, Auşeu, Şoimi, Urvind, Finiș, Oradea, Padiş.

To the overarching travel overview: Bihor.