Moldovița Commune: Egg Art, Crafts and Hutsul Traditions

Egg art is a defining feature of Moldovița Commune: a museum, an international summer school and a recurring festival each highlight different aspects of decorating and incising eggs, motifs and techniques. The commune is also home to Hutsul crafts, hiking opportunities and a state-designated natural forest reserve. You can shape your stay around culture, seasonal customs or nature experiences.

Egg art and cultural events

In the village of Moldovița, within the commune of the same name, you’ll find the Muzeul Ouălor Încondeiate Lucia Condrea. It features more than 5,000 exhibits and is divided into three sections. Since 2009, the Muzeul Ouălor Lucia Condrea has also hosted an international summer school. There, participants learn to decorate and incise eggs. If you plan to attend, check the dates and participation options before your trip.

The Decorated Egg Festival is held every year on Palm Sunday. Local women display work from the previous year, and folk artists, other artists and creatives come together. Visitors can discover the variety of ornamental motifs and the delicate, distinctive techniques.

Crafts and customs

Traditional blacksmithing is also still practiced in the commune: craftspeople from Rașca and Argel work with hammer, fire and anvil. Woodcarvers can be found in Argel, Rașca and the village of Moldovița. They represent the commune at relevant specialist events and exhibit their work. Egg decorating, woodcarving and blacksmithing thus stand alongside one another as distinct forms of craftsmanship.

At Christmas, a parade featuring horses and Hutsul folk costumes takes place in the commune. A Hutsul folk ball is also held every year on December 26, with participants wearing traditional clothing. For your travel plans, it’s a good idea to check the specific dates and programs for the festivities in advance.

Hiking and nature

A plan published in 2021 envisaged the Via Huțulca themed hiking trail passing through Moldovița and Argel; check the current trail markers locally. Via Huțulca comprises eight stages, each 8 to 15 km long. It is rated easy to moderate and described as accessible year-round, although trail conditions may vary.

Along the Via Huțulca, visitors can visit traditional Hutsul homesteads, take part in everyday household activities, sample cheese at a sheep pasture and watch egg-decorating demonstrations. Before you arrive, check whether participation in these activities is possible.

Pădurea Roșoșa Natural Forest Reserve is a state-designated protected area covering 205 hectares in the village of Moldovița, Suceava County. It offers a nature-focused experience alongside the commune’s cultural attractions.

More travel tips

The Mocănița train departs from Moldovița toward Argel. Check the operator’s timetable before your trip. Horse-drawn carriage rides through the countryside are also offered in Moldovița; confirm current availability in advance.

The Muzeul Cinegetic Moldovita Bucovina was established to introduce the public to the essential role of hunting. The village museum is also one of the tourist attractions in Moldovița. If you’d like to visit either museum, check visiting options in advance.

When looking for a hotel for your stay in Moldovița Commune, you can start by deciding what brings you there: would you like to attend a cultural event, explore traditional crafts or plan a hike?

Discover more destinations: Moldovita, Baia Commune, Vatra Moldoviței Commune, Mănăstirea Humorului Commune, Câmpulung Moldovenesc, Putna Commune, Horodnic De Sus Commune, Brosteni.

For the broader travel overview: Suceava.