Tulnici Commune: Discover Nature and Culture

Tulnici Commune offers a wealth of ways to explore: protected nature, religious heritage, and cuisine featuring ingredients from the garden. Natural attractions include Cascada Putnei, Cheile Tișiței, and Groapa cu Pini. When planning your trip, it is worth treating these places as more than one single type of excursion: protected areas, routes, and access conditions differ. Lepșa Monastery and the church in Coza also offer their own historical highlights.

Protected areas and different access points

Cascada Putnei is a nationally significant protected area within the administrative territory of Tulnici Commune, near the village of Lepșa. The waterfall is 76 metres long, has a vertical drop of 14 metres, and its pool is about 12 metres deep. In 1973, Cascada Putnei was declared a natural monument. The route by road follows the DN 2D national road; a roadside sign pointing towards Târgu Secuiesc serves as a guide. As signage may change, check the directions before setting off. An entrance ticket is required to visit the Tișița and Cascada Putnei integral protection zones. Check fees and procedures before your trip.

Cheile Tișiței is a 2,726-hectare nature reserve established in 1973. There is a clear rule for Tișița: it may only be visited on marked hiking trails. In winter, the trail through Cheile Tișiței is closed due to the risk of avalanches. These details make seasonal planning and route selection important considerations when visiting.

Groapa cu Pini is also a designated nature reserve: it was designated under Romanian Law No. 5/2000. The area preserves palaeontological and landscape features along the upper course of Pârâul Coza. The route starts in Coza and initially follows red markings through Stramtura Coza, then continues along an unmarked path. The transition from a marked trail to an unmarked section is a practical feature of this route; check the directions before setting off.

Monastery, church, and local history

Lepșa Monastery lies on the banks of the Putna River in Tulnici Commune. Its main church is dedicated to the Nativity of the Mother of God. The history of monastic life at the monastery dates back to around 1774. The village of Coza is also home to the Church of “Sfântul Ioan Botezătorul,” which is listed as a local historic monument and was built in 1873. The Lepșa trout farm opened in 1955. These dates refer to different historical events: the beginnings of monastic life, the construction of the church in Coza, and the opening of the trout farm.

Regional cuisine and trip planning

At the local gastronomic point “La Moise,” Mariș Ileana prepares fresh homemade meals every day as a set menu. The ingredients include ripe tomatoes, aromatic onions, crisp cucumbers, fresh chicken eggs, and various vegetables from the garden. So, alongside nature and cultural heritage, visitors can also enjoy a specific culinary experience.

To plan your trip, you can start by sorting your options by interest: the protected areas involve entrance tickets, trail markings, and seasonal conditions; Lepșa Monastery and the church in Coza represent religious and architectural heritage; and La Moise adds regional cuisine to the mix. These different highlights can help you shape your stay around your own plans.

Discover more destinations: Lepșa, Vidra.

For the main travel overview: Vrancea.