Walk into one of Romania’s most talked-about woodlands after dark and listen to the forest’s quiet anomalies. This guided night tour leads to Poiana Rotunda, combines local lore with documented sightings, and covers about 3.5 km of uneven trail.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
A hush falls over the trail as the last light of Cluj-Napoca slips behind the ridge and the Hoia Baciu trees lean in like curious hosts. On this guided night tour, visitors walk soft earth and fallen needles for roughly 3.5 km toward Poiana Rotunda, the clearing most associated with the forest's strange reports. Flashlights cut swaths through an understory that can feel oddly arranged; branches grow at strange angles and patches of young pines are stunted, lending an uncanny geometry to the dark.
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness: able to walk 3–4 km on uneven terrain at night and manage short elevation changes.
Wildlife
History
The forest entered modern notoriety after a 1968 photograph purportedly showed an unidentified object overhead; since then local folklore and investigative reports have shaped its reputation.
Conservation
Visitors are asked to stay on marked paths to protect sensitive vegetation and prevent erosion; group sizes are kept moderate to limit nighttime disturbance.
Reserve your spot on the Night Tour in Hoia Baciu Forest today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring a reliable headlamp
Hands-free light improves footing and lets you keep both hands free for balance on uneven ground.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes
Expect roots, mud, and a few short, steep sections; hiking shoes with grip reduce slip risk.
Mind your pace and group spacing
Dark trails conceal holes and low branches—keep moderate pace and follow the guide’s path markings.
Carry water and a light snack
A small bottle and energy bar keep you comfortable during the 3–4 hour outing and for the drive back to town.
Headlamp with fresh batteries
Keeps hands free and improves visibility on unlit forest tracks.
Waterproof hiking shoes
Provide traction on muddy or root-filled trails common in the forest.
Warm outer layer
Temperatures drop quickly after sunset—an insulated or windproof jacket helps.
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Compact rain poncho
Preparedness for sudden showers keeps the tour comfortable; organizers may supply ponchos.
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