Location and surroundings
The mountain is part of the Giurgeu Mountains, which form part of the Bistrița Mountains, Inner Eastern Carpathians, Eastern Carpathians, Carpathian Mountains, and the East European Highlands. Located in Romania, specifically within the municipality of Tulgheș in Harghita district, Licas is the highest peak out of 78 named summits in the Giurgeu Mountains. The surrounding landscape features the typical terrain and ridges of this Carpathian sector.
Neighbouring peaks
Several peaks and passes lie close to Licas. The nearest ones include:
- Chishovos (peak), 1,624 m, 1.7 km S
- Vithovos (peak), 1,609 m, 5.4 km N
- Calului (peak), 1,589 m, 6.5 km S
- Ciresului (peak), 1,612 m, 7.0 km S
- Piatra Lunas (ciofronca) (peak), 1,607 m, 8.5 km S
- Pricske (peak), 1,545 m, 9.5 km W
- Piatra Potcoavei (peak), 1,627 m, 10.0 km SE
- Muntele Rotund (peak), 1,669 m, 10.0 km SE
As the highest point among the 78 named summits in the range, Licas rises above all of these immediate neighbours.
The view from the summit
From the summit of Licas, several prominent peaks within a 25-kilometre radius are visible under clear conditions. The highest peaks within this range include Ocolașul Mare (1,907 m, located 22.4 km NE), Toaca (1,904 m, located 24.6 km NE), Hasmasu Mare (1,792 m, located 13.2 km SE), Hasmasul Negru (1,773 m, located 10.3 km SE), Ecem (1,707 m, located 17.4 km SE), and Lazar (1,643 m, located 12.9 km SE).
The range
Licas belongs to the Giurgeu Mountains, serving as the high point of the range. There are 78 named peaks in total within the Giurgeu Mountains, which form a subdivision of the Bistrița Mountains within the Inner Eastern Carpathians. The broader range sits within Romania as part of the Carpathian Mountains arc.
Climate and weather
Climate figures for the area are estimates derived from NASA POWER climate data spanning 2001 to 2007. Temperatures at the summit are adjusted to elevation, with the warmest month being July (about 13 °C) and the coldest January (about -8 °C). Months with a mean temperature above freezing at the summit include April, May, June, July, August, September, and October. Precipitation in the surrounding area totals about 750 mm annually, with June being the wettest month (about 120 mm) and January the driest (about 30 mm). Typical weather hazards in this region include sudden summer thunderstorms, rapid drops in temperature, and winter wind exposure on exposed ridges.
Best time to visit
The optimal window for visiting Licas corresponds to the months when mean temperatures at the summit remain above freezing, spanning from April through October. During this period, conditions are generally more favourable for hiking and climbing. The drier months of the region further support outdoor activities, though visitors should remain prepared for changing mountain weather patterns common in the Carpathians.
Nature and wildlife
The landscape around Licas features typical mid-altitude Carpathian ecosystems, including extensive forests of conifers and mixed woodland on the lower slopes, giving way to subalpine meadows and scrub near the top. Wildlife native to this region includes large carnivores such as brown bears, wolves, and lynx, alongside various species of deer, birds of prey, and smaller mammals typical of the Eastern Carpathians.
Guides and organised ascents
For visitors seeking professional assistance, mountaineering in Romania is supported by the Romanian Mountain Guides Association (Asociația Ghizilor Montani din România (AGMR)), which is not an IFMGA/UIAGM member, and the Romanian Alpine Club. Established guiding companies such as Active Travel based in Brașov operate within the mountains of the country. A guided ascent typically covers navigation, safety management, and logistical support, with prices depending on the duration, group size, and route requirements.
Safety and preparation
Ascending Licas requires standard mountain preparedness, proper footwear, navigation tools, and adequate clothing to cope with sudden weather shifts. The designated emergency number for mountain rescue in Romania is 112, which reaches Salvamont mountain rescue. Alternatively, visitors can use the direct Salvamont line at 0SALVAMONT, corresponding to 0725 826 668.
Interesting facts
Licas stands out as the highest peak among the 78 named summits in the Giurgeu Mountains. Its elevation of 1,675 metres makes it the high point of its specific range, while it forms part of the broader Inner Eastern Carpathians network in Romania.
FAQ
What is the elevation of Licas? Licas reaches an elevation of 1,675 metres.
Where is Licas located? It is located in Romania, within the municipality of Tulgheș in Harghita county, part of the Giurgeu Mountains.
Is Licas the highest peak in its range? Yes, it is the highest of 78 named peaks in the Giurgeu Mountains and serves as the high point of the range.
What peaks are near Licas? The nearest peaks include Chishovos at 1.7 km south and Vithovos at 5.4 km north.
Is there water on the way to Licas? Because natural springs or streams may not be dependable along the higher ridges, hikers should carry 1.5 to 3 litres of water per person depending on the weather and length of the hike.
What is the mobile phone coverage like on Licas? Mobile coverage in these hills is generally patchy and depends heavily on your operator; however, the emergency number 112 reaches emergency services over any available network, and digital maps should always be downloaded before setting out.