Bogata Forest

Bogata Forest takes its name from the homonym creek flowing through it for ca. 10 km. The forest includes various, not only historical riches: geological, physical-geological, landscape, botanical, and forest-related features.

The secular forest, turned into a reservation (of mix type – faunistic, floristic, geological), occupies the central part of Perşani Mountains (on the administrative territory of the villages of Apaţa, Hoghiz, and Măieruş) extending over 17 km, along the creek, and an area of 85 km2.

Several woody plants (oak, durmast, beech, hornbeam, and spruce fir) grow together and created a “heaven” for game (wild boar, bear, lynx, and deer).
Among smaller animals one can find also foxes, wolves, martens, polecats, squirrels etc. During the interwar period there were still sightings of wild cats, badgers, and martens. Among birds, one most often sees blackbirds, redwings, various woodpeckers, titmice, jay birds, goshawks, owls, eagle owls, and the rarer Western Capercaillie and Hazel Grouse. The exact situation of the former patrimony of quails and partridges is unknown. Trout still breed in Bogata Valley.

During historical time, the forested mountain doubled Old Valley in the defense of Dacia and later, during the Middle Ages, it was always a test of courage for all merchants or travelers forced to take the road between Braşov, Rupea, and Sighişoara. Groups of brigands or lonely thieves always tested the travelers’ wealth, vigilance, and power to react. In order to ease traffic, an inn was built in the forest to house travelers, but also as center for the posse.

Nowadays, the rail road Braşov-Sighişoara, fixed along the border between the central and northern sectors of Perşanilor Mountains, goes through the halts in Rotbav, Apaţa, Ormeniş, Augustin, Racoş, Mateiaş, and Rupea. On the other hand, the main road – DN 13/E 60 Braşov – Sighişoara, crosses it along 17 km following a different route. Another traffic line is along DJ 132, from Rupea, along the Homorodului Mic Valley, through the settlements of Homorod, Mercheaşa, and Jimbor.

The temperate climate, with moderate precipitations, allows for the practice of tourism here between the months of May and October.

Text and photo sources: http://www.rupeaturistica.ro/; http://romaniasalbatica.ro/