Bistrița

Bistrița
German: Bistritz
Transylvanian Saxon: Bästerts
Aerial view
Evangelical Church
Roman Catholic Church
Bistrița Fortress
Central Park
Location in Bistrița-Năsăud County
Location in Romania
Coordinates: 47°8′N 24°30′E / 47.133°N 24.500°E / 47.133; 24.500
CountryRomania
CountyBistrița-Năsăud
Government
 • Mayor (2024–2028)Gabriel Lazany (PSD)
Area
145.47 km2 (56.17 sq mi)
Elevation
356 m (1,168 ft)
Population
 (2021-12-01)
78,877
 • Density542.22/km2 (1,404.3/sq mi)
Time zoneUTC+02:00 (EET)
 • Summer (DST)UTC+03:00 (EEST)
Postal code
420040
Area code(+40) 02 63
Vehicle reg.BN
Websitewww.primariabistrita.ro

Bistrița (Romanian pronunciation: [ˈbistritsa] ; German: Bistritz, archaic Nösen; Transylvanian Saxon: Bästerts; Hungarian: Beszterce) is the capital city of Bistrița-Năsăud County, in northern Transylvania, Romania. It is situated on the Bistrița River. The city has a population of 78,877 inhabitants as of 2021 and administers six villages: Ghinda (Windau; Vinda), Sărata (Salz; Sófalva), Sigmir (Schönbirk; Szépnyír), Slătinița (Pintak; Pinták), Unirea (until 1950 Aldorf; Wallendorf; Aldorf) and Viișoara (Heidendorf; Besenyő). There is a project for the creation of a metropolitan area that will contain the municipality of Bistrița and 3 surrounding localities (Șieu-Măgheruș, Budacu de Jos, and Livezile), whose combined population would be over 91,600 inhabitants.