The Bistrița (Romanian pronunciation: [ˈbistrit͡sa] ; Hungarian: Beszterce) is a river in the Romanian region of Transylvania, Bistrița-Năsăud County. It is sometimes referred to as Bistrița ardeleană.[1] Near the city of Bistrița (at the village Sărata) it flows into the Șieu,[2] a tributary of the Someșul Mare.[3][4] Its length is 67 km (42 mi) and its basin size is 650 km2 (250 sq mi).[4]
The upper reach of the river, upstream of the junction with the Bârgău in the village of Prundu Bârgăului is also known, locally, as Bistricioara.[5]
The following towns and villages are situated along the river Bistrița, from source to mouth: Colibița, Bistrița Bârgăului, Prundu Bârgăului, Josenii Bârgăului, Livezile, Bistrița
The following rivers are tributaries to the river Bistrița:[4]
Left: Pănuleț, Repedea, Pârâul Stegii, Șoimu de Sus, Șoimu de Jos, Pietroasa, Poiana, Tănase, Fânațele, Ghinda
Right: Izvorul Lung, Bârgău, Valea Muntelui, Muncel, Iad, Slătinița, Valea Rus, Tărpiu
