Darmanesti: Landscapes, Lakes and Culture

Dărmănești offers a variety of things to explore: mountain landscapes and lakes, architectural and church history, and annual events. You can plan your stay around nature, culture or a specific occasion.

Nature Among Lakes and Mountains

The Poiana Valea Uzului reservoir lies between the Nemira Mountains and the Ciuc Mountains. Creasta Nemirei comprises eleven habitat types, including beech forests, acid-loving forests of Picea abies, alpine and boreal scrub, montane meadows and hay meadows, as well as transitional mires and quaking bogs. The landscape described therefore includes forest and scrub habitats as well as open mountain areas and wetlands.

Lacul Pufu, which covers about two hectares and is three metres deep, is located in the village of Plopu. Lacul Bălătău has a different origin: in 1883, a landslide dammed the Izvorul Negru stream, creating a lake behind a natural dam. Nasolea Mare Waterfall is on the Uz River in the Uz Gorge, about 400 metres upstream from the road bridge at the upper end of Lake Poiana Uzului.

Buildings and Historical Sites

Palatul Știrbei was built at the end of the 19th century on Măguricea Hill, on a plateau 600 metres high. It is one of the important works of architect Nicolae Ghika-Budești. The Hazaparu watermill in the Boiștea district is also part of the architectural heritage: it is a national monument of local architectural interest.

The wooden Church of the Holy Archangels Michael and Gabriel in Lapoș was built in 1813 as a dependency of Lapoș Monastery. Its iconostasis was carved and painted in 1830. The church preserves valuable old books from the former hermitage, including a Cazanie from Bucharest dated 1732, an Apostol from Râmnic dated 1784, a Gospel from Blaj dated 1745, a Strastnic from Blaj dated 1800, and a Triodion from Blaj dated 1813.

The open-air museum dedicated to the First World War consists of 21 semicircular pedestals in front of the Heroes' Monument near Dărmănești Technological High School. The Poiana-Valea-Uzului Dam is on a different scale: built between 1965 and 1973, it is 80 metres high and 500 metres long, with a buttress construction.

Events Throughout the Year

The La Porțile Nemirei fair for mountain farmsteads and mountain products takes place every year in May. It brings together local food and traditional crafts. The Trofeul Valea Uzului motorsport event is also held annually in Dărmănești; it is a round of the national hill climb championship.

The annual events calendar also includes the Turul Colinelor „Drumul Eroilor” cycling event. Professional athletes and enthusiastic amateur mountain bikers take part. On New Year's Eve, the Festivalul Ursul de la Dărmănești takes place in the town centre, with seven bear groups representing the town's seven districts.

On Christmas Day, the traditional Jian is performed in the town centre: a play featuring three to four local Jieni groups from the districts. If you plan your trip around one of these events, check the dates for that year's edition in advance.

Routes and Getting Around

The routes in the Nemira Mountains can be reached from Dărmănești via the Sălătruc district, near the Poiana Uzului Dam. Dărmănești also offers four officially approved tourist routes. Check the conditions for your chosen route before setting out.

The city's transport links include the DN12A and DJ123 roads and a railway line; all three pass through Dărmănești. This also gives the town a role in transit tourism.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Cerdac, Tescani, Onești, Hemeiuș, Valea Seacă, Sulţa, Ghimeș-Făget, Târgu Ocna.

For the broader travel overview: Bacau.