Căsoi: Tinovul Mare and Via Transilvanica

Căsoi belongs to the commune of Poiana Stampei. The Tinovul Mare protected area and its peat bog nature trail are located near Căsoi and the village of Poiana Stampei. Via Transilvanica also has a regional connection: its Bucovina section ends in the commune of Poiana Stampei. From there, the route continues towards Lunca Ilvei; at the foot of the Rodna Mountains, the 210-kilometre-long Highlands section begins.

The Tinovul Mare nature trail

The nature trail runs over a wooden boardwalk through the peat bog and is considered an easy hiking route. The boardwalk is about 800 to 900 metres long one way. At a leisurely pace, you can allow about an hour for the round trip. The nature trail is considered suitable for pedestrians, cyclists and strollers.

Information boards and trail signs accompany the route. There is also a map of the nature trail at the entrance to the protected area, giving you an overview of its course. At the end, the trail reaches a small meadow beside the Dornișoara stream. The route therefore includes not only the boardwalk through the peat bog, but also a designated endpoint by the stream.

Peat bog landscape and plant life

Tinovul Mare is an oligotrophic, forested peat bog ecosystem. “Oligotrophic” describes a nutrient-poor environment; here, peat has accumulated over thousands of years. The protected landscape includes active peat bogs, peat bogs with forest vegetation, and degraded peat bogs capable of natural regeneration. The associated habitat types are listed under codes 7110, 91D0 and 7120.

Individual plant species also shape the area’s natural character: the carnivorous Drosera rotundifolia occurs in Tinovul Mare. The rare Ligularia sibirica also grows here. Alongside the route itself, those interested in peat bog ecology and plants will find other specific aspects of the landscape to look out for.

Getting to the protected area

From Poiana Stampei, the access road follows the DN17 or E58. Near Căsoi, turn left at the junction for Dornișoara. Then follow a surfaced gravel road through the forest for about 3 to 4 kilometres to the information board at the entrance to the protected area. Road conditions and signposting can change, so check the current directions before your visit.

Further ways to explore Poiana Stampei

Another hiking route in the region is the Gura Haitii–Pietrele Roșii–Dornișoara trail. It ends in Dornișoara and reaches Poiana Stampei via communal and forest roads. There, it meets the E576 or DN17 between Suceava, Vatra Dornei and Bistrița-Năsăud. This route offers a different regional connection from the short nature trail through Tinovul Mare.

The Călimani National Park operates a visitor information point in the commune of Poiana Stampei, staffed by park rangers. The Balul Gospodarilor is also held annually in Poiana Stampei. This traditional cultural festival celebrates local customs, folk costumes and regional traditions. If you would like to include the event in your travel plans, check the dates for the relevant year.

Discover more destinations: Ciocănești, Văleni-Stânișoara, Poiana Negrii, Fundu Moldovei, Prisaca Dornei, Pojorâta, Moldova-Sulița, Pârteștii de Sus

For the broader travel overview: Suceava.