Cârlibaba: Nature, History and Serbările Zăpezii

For a trip to Cârlibaba, nature, local history and a seasonal event offer different points of focus. Piatra Țibăului is a protected geological and palaeontological area; the church and monument bring historical themes into the town. In February, “Serbările Zăpezii” adds winter sports competitions, performances and games.

Nature and trails

Piatra Țibăului is a national geological and palaeontological nature reserve in the administrative area of Cârlibaba commune. It covers 20.30 hectares and lies at an altitude of 1,200 metres, where the Țibău Valley meets the Bistrița Aurie River. Its protection category, area, altitude and location give this natural area a clearly defined profile. The Găina–Lucina SCI site comprises the protected areas Tinovul Găina–Lucina and Cheile Lucavei. The named natural areas therefore also differ in their structure: Piatra Țibăului is a single protected area, while Găina–Lucina comprises two protected areas, Tinovul Găina–Lucina and Cheile Lucavei.

The Cârlibaba–below Vârful Omului route crosses a tourist trail marked with a red stripe. This trail connects the Rodna and Suhard Mountains and continues to the Călimani Mountains. Before setting out, check the route, conditions and trail markings.

Local history and remembrance

The Biserica Romano-Catolică din Cârlibaba was built in 1900 for the Catholic community in this multi-ethnic region of Bukovina. The “Monument comemorativ Bogdan I” stands on a rock in the centre of Cârlibaba and commemorates the passage of Bogdan I in 1359. The two sites highlight different historical themes: the church is notable for its construction for the Catholic community, while the monument commemorates a historical passage. Their historical references fall in different centuries: the monument recalls 1359, and the church was built in 1900.

Winter event and regional cuisine

“Serbările Zăpezii” takes place in Cârlibaba every February. The event includes winter sports competitions, performances and entertaining games. If you want to plan your trip around this event, check the date of the current edition locally in advance.

Along the Cârlibaba–below Vârful Omului route, shepherds can arrange a small tasting of various cheeses for tourists for a fee, and prepare Balmoș. This traditional dish is made with cornmeal, whey, sour cream and curds. If you would like to include this option in your plans, check its availability locally.

Getting there

To get there, the DN18 national road runs via Sighetu Marmației, Vișeu de Sus, Borșa and Botoș to Cârlibaba. This sequence of places provides a concrete starting point for planning your road trip.

Discover more destinations: Sadova, Gura Humorului, Moldova-Sulița, Solca, Fundu Moldovei, Ciocănești, Pojorâta, Prisaca Dornei

For the main travel overview: Suceava.