Roades - Crit

Part of Via Transilvanica trail network - Terra Saxonum segment

In the center of the village (Roades) there is an old, forgotten artesian well, non-functional, that acts as a roundabout. Here take a left and pass slightly right over a bridge in front of the guest house and again over another bridge to the asphalt and follow it for 1km to the next kilometer stone. The trail then leaves the asphalt on the left hand side of the road where it stretches out past a stream towards the national road. Cross the stream on the left, pass a meadow on the edge of the national road. Here, cross the country road with great caution. Head straight on a cart track for a kilometer with the stream on the right and towards the sign to St. George’s Monastery. Hikers who want to visit the Monastery must know that it is 1km from here, so a potential visit would involve deviating from the route. At the Monastery there is water and even accommodation for those who wish. From the sign to the Monastery take the road to the right, crossing a bridge and to the left climb steeply for a few meters, after which the markings follow the road to the right. Here you may come across a sheepfold. Pass it slightly down to the right and follow the cart track to a stream crossing, but do not cross it. The trail turns left uphill, slightly climbing to a clearing with scattered trees. At the kilometer stone found there, you will observe that the flora is much richer, being a slightly wetter area. Passing an almost invisible brook, recognisable only by the tall, green grass, the road leads to a dense deciduous forest. After the natural pass, about 20 meters on, the route takes a left into the forest, following the Via Transilvanica markings. In the forest it climbs steeply a few meters, giving the impression of ancient times because in this forest is the Citadel Hill, where there was once a Dacian fortress.

After leaving the thicket of the forest, you pass by a few isolated oaks, keeping slightly to the left, until the next kilometer stone that hides behind a secular oak. From this, a path can be seen, on which you turn left 90 degrees. You cross another majestic forest, which from a distance seems to be one of eucalyptus, with vines, like those in the jungle. In the clearings between the forests, you can also find strawberries that will quench your hunger and even your thirst. Slowly, on this road, the route leaves the forest, descending to the right, through a pasture from which you can see on the left Bucegiul and Piatra Craiului, if visibility allows this. From here, in a slight descent, you reach an asphalt road that comes from Bunești (3) to Viscri. The trail follows the road to the right, towards Bunești, for 1.5 km, to a forest road that can be seen on the left. On it, in a slight climb, you can feel the thrills of wild animals watching from the shadows and the humidity and coolness of the forest. After a few kilometers, passing an exploitation, the forest becomes wilder and unknown. At the exit, another meadow extends to the entrance to Criț. Follow the VT markings and you will pass the edge of the forest for a few hundred meters, then past two sheepfolds to a cobbled road that takes you to the right in a slight descent. Pass the kilometer stone and descend into the village of Criț (4), which you will reach after about 2 km on asphalt, among the colorful houses of the departed Saxons. The route leads to the fortified church where you can take a break.