Crucea: Nature, Hiking Trails and Rarău Monastery

Crucea appeals to travelers who want to include nature, hiking and cultural history in their travel plans. Specific attractions include protected areas, walking and mountain-biking routes, and Rarău Monastery in the village of Chiril. Locations and routes vary; check the specific starting point and conditions for each one when planning your trip.

Nature and protected areas

The Pietrosul Broștenilor–Cheile Zugrenilor Natura 2000 site lies within the administrative areas of the communes of Crucea and Dorna Arini. The Rarău–Giumalău Natura 2000 site includes, among other areas, the Crucea forestry district.

Cheile Zugrenilor are wild gorges in the Bistrița Valley, with vegetation of community interest. The DN 17B passes through them between Vatra Dornei and Poiana Teiului. If you plan to drive this stretch, check current road conditions before setting out.

The Pietrele Doamnei–Rarău nature reserve can be reached from Chiril via the road that climbs from the Rarău Pass to the chalet. Check road conditions locally. The reserve contains Peștera Liliecilor; in 2004, the cave was closed to tourism to protect natural habitats.

Hiking and cycling routes

A hiking trail marked with a blue dot connects Chiril with Cabana Rarău; it takes about three hours on foot. The mountain-bike route in the Bistrița Valley is designated as a moderately difficult, 110-kilometer route, with an estimated ride time of two to three days. In terms of time, this makes for a contrast between a hike lasting several hours and a cycling route lasting several days. Trail markers and conditions can change; check both locally before setting out. For mountain biking, terrain and safety conditions may vary.

The Cozănești–Pârâul Bârnărel–Crucea hiking trail can be used year-round. Even so, check the weather and current trail conditions for the day in question. A mountain-bike or off-road mountain route runs from Vatra Dornei via Mestecăniș, Pojorâta, Rarău and Chiril, returning to Vatra Dornei. Check road and access conditions before planning a ride.

Rarău Monastery and local culture

Rarău Monastery is located in the village of Chiril, in the commune of Crucea. Prince Petru Rareș founded it in 1538; around 1800, it was rebuilt in the Chiril area with support from the Balș family. In 1968, the miraculous icon of the Mother of God, donated by Petru Rareș, was placed in the old monastery church. If you plan to visit, check the current visiting arrangements in advance.

The simple mountain sheepfolds in the commune of Crucea are used to produce and store dairy products. These include caș, butter, urda, sour cream and whey.

Crucea Community Day is scheduled for the first Sunday in September each year. It promotes local folk traditions and customs. Individual editions may change or be canceled, so check the date of the relevant event before your trip.

Plan your trip

A municipal strategy for 2021–2027 lists a public transport connection via Vatra Dornei, Crucea and Broșteni. Check current timetables and operators before traveling.

Discover more destinations: Căsoi, Dealu Floreni, Vatra Dornei, Rădăuţi, Pârteștii de Sus, Sadova, Gura Humorului, Dragomirna Monastery

For the broader travel guide: Suceava.