Bistrita authorities are awaiting approvals to declare Colibita a tourist resort of local interest, as it is one of the two areas in the country with the purest air, though accommodation spots are currently insufficient compared to the number of tourists wishing to spend a few relaxing days in the mountains.
Located at an altitude of 900 m, Colibita is the gateway to the Calimani Mountains. From 1923, Colibita functioned as a balneo-climatic resort until 1975, but the buildings subsequently degraded, and in 1980, the entire settlement, including the resort, disappeared completely as a reservoir was created and the village was relocated.
However, the high number of tourists and the beauty of the area have prompted authorities to pursue the re-attestation of Colibita as a resort, in accordance with current legislation. Currently, Colibita can only be declared a tourist resort of local interest, as it does not meet the requirements for a resort of national interest.
Until 10 years ago, there were only about 50 houses of relocated locals in Colibita, but in the last decade, the area has developed, and approximately 400 holiday homes, villas, and guesthouses have been built. A private tourist complex was constructed on the lakeshore, where a night’s stay costs about 70 RON, while a luxury bungalow with a lake view costs approximately 450 RON.
The number of accommodation spots remains very low relative to demand, as, according to authorities, an increasing number of tourists wish to spend several days of relaxation in the mountains.
Tourists can enjoy excursions in the area, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, climbing, fishing, sledding, as well as boat trips on the lake.
Stories of those cured of tuberculosis due to the curative properties of the air in the area were confirmed by a study commissioned by the Bistrita-Nasaud County Council, which sought to verify if the air in Colibita is indeed unique.
“The air study revealed that the maximum ozone concentration value measured in Colibita is 90 micrograms/m3. The average value in Romania is 72.6 micrograms/m3. Above 120 micrograms/m3, the air is no longer breathable. A similar ozone concentration and equally pure air can only be found in Soveja (Vrancea). These levels are similar to those in the Alps,” stated the president of the Bistrita-Nasaud County Council, Emil Radu Moldovan.
The Bistrita-Nasaud County Council has invested over 200,000 RON to establish a pharmaceutical point, a first-aid station, and a Salvamont (Mountain Rescue) post in Colibita—a mandatory condition for the area to be declared a resort of local interest, alongside the requirement for a minimum of 100 accredited accommodation spots.
The documentation for declaring Colibita a resort of local interest has already been submitted to the National Authority for Tourism, and authorities are now awaiting approval.
In the development strategy of Bistrita-Nasaud County for the 2014-2020 period, it is specified that Colibita offers optimal conditions for developing a ski area, with authorities intending to create 13.8 km of ski slopes and install 7 cable transport systems—including a 10-person gondola, 3 chairlifts, and 3 ski lifts.
According to legend, in 1883, a young girl from Bistrita, the daughter of a wealthy Saxon named Hans Lewi, was cured of tuberculosis thanks to the air in this area, which is extremely rich in ozone. The case caused a stir at the time, and shortly after, Erika Schuller, an architect from Bistrita, also recovered from the era’s terrible disease and built a 16-room sanatorium in the area where tuberculosis patients were treated. The sanatorium operated until 1944, when it was destroyed by a fire during the War.
Source: Mediafax
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the air in Colibita special?
The air in Colibita has an ozone concentration of 90 micrograms/m3, which is significantly higher than the national average and comparable to the air quality found in the Alps, making it historically famous for treating respiratory illnesses.
What activities can tourists enjoy in Colibita?
Visitors can engage in a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, kayaking on the reservoir, climbing, fishing, and boat or sled rides depending on the season.
What are the future development plans for the area?
Authorities plan to transform Colibita into a major tourist hub by securing “local interest resort” status and developing a ski domain featuring nearly 14 km of slopes and modern cable transport installations.