Galbina-szirt

Galbina-szirt is a nature reserve in Bihor County featuring steep limestone cliffs that rise over 200 meters above the surrounding beech forest. The protected area spans about 6.3 hectares and contains virgin forest with marked walking trails.

The area received official protection status through National Law No. 5 on March 6, 2000, being designated as a Natural Monument under IUCN Category III. The limestone cliffs formed through geological processes over millions of years and have shaped the Bihor landscape ever since.

The reserve sits within the traditional mountain landscape of northwestern Transylvania, where it forms part of the everyday scenery for local communities. People have long used these forests and slopes for timber and gathering wild plants that grow on the hillsides.

Multiple marked trails lead through the virgin forest to viewpoints overlooking the Barsa depression and surrounding mountain peaks. Wear sturdy footwear as the paths are steep and can become slippery after rain.

The area contains a network of canyons and waterfalls formed by mountain streams, particularly in the Groapa Ruginoasa zone on Mount Tapu. These hidden waterfall areas are often overlooked, but they reveal how water has shaped the limestone cliffs over time.