We are used to echoes in caves and hollows, but what about a rock on the ridge of the Bihor Mountains that answers your shouts with a rich echo? Surrounded by wide views and the open vegetation of the high ground, Piatra Grăitoare Peak – "the Talking Stone" – is a ridge walk that starts right in Vârtop.
The peak
On the peak stands a rock about 2 m tall, which gives the place its name. From there you can see Arieșeni, Băița and Nucet. The story of the rock that "speaks" is told on the legend of Piatra Grăitoare page.
The trail
The path starts in Vârtop and follows the red stripe waymark of the main Bihor Mountains ridge route, through Șaua Vârtop (the Vârtop saddle). The climb is about 4 km with roughly 550 m of ascent; allow an hour and a half to two hours to the top.
Good to know
- The ridge is open and exposed to the wind; bring an extra layer even in summer.
- In winter, go up only with winter equipment and after checking the weather and trail conditions with Salvamont, the mountain rescue service.