A wooden boardwalk crosses the peatland at Tinovul Mare: the themed trail is easy, linear, and about 800 meters long. In Poiana Stampei Commune, local history and festival traditions are also in focus alongside this protected landscape.

Peatland landscape and themed trail

Tinovul Mare Poiana Stampei is Romania’s largest natural peat bog nature reserve. Including its protection zone, it covers 675.11 hectares; the Natura 2000 site consists of active peat bogs and peat bogs with forest vegetation. Its designation aims to protect six species and three habitats of Community interest, including two priority habitats.

The Tinovul Mare trail lies within the nature reserve in Poiana Stampei and follows a wooden boardwalk across the peatland. The route identifies the entrance to the nature reserve and Cabana Poiana Izvoarelor as possible starting points. Information panels and signposts mark the trail; before visiting, it is advisable to check the current route and signage.

Directions and visitor information

Poiana Stampei is easy to locate geographically for your journey: the village lies on National Road 17 between Vatra Dornei and Bistrița. Poiana Stampei is also home to a visitor information point for Călimani National Park. Rangers provide information there about tourism and the park’s biodiversity.

There is a clear restriction for the Tinovul Mare area: camping within the area is prohibited. Keep this rule in mind when planning a nature visit.

Local history and architectural history

The settlements of Poiana Stampei developed along the Dorna River. Casa Muzeu was established to keep the history of the village alive. It features a traditional living-room interior with a hearth, veranda, dish cupboard, and other household items. Alongside the peatland landscape, domestic life is therefore another focus of local history.

Another historical landmark is the Church of Sfinții Arhangheli Mihail și Gavriil. It was built between 2015 and 2023, after its historic predecessor church, dating from the 19th century, was destroyed by fire in February 2015. The two dates clearly mark the time between the loss of the older building and the construction of the new church.

Local festival traditions

“Sfânta Seară de Crăciun” has been a local tradition in Poiana Stampei for more than two decades. The festival aims to bring locals and tourists together for Christmas carols and a communal gathering.

Joia Mare brings an Easter touch. The 2026 edition includes a traditional market with fasting and Easter specialties such as pască, cozonac, lamb, eggs, drob, and afinată. The program also includes a food exhibition and sale, as well as Easter egg decorating workshops at Casa de Cultură Poiana Stampei. The two festival traditions offer different cultural themes: Christmas carols and community on one hand, and Easter baking, food, and craft activities on the other.

Discover more destinations: Poiana Stampei, Mănăstirea Humorului Commune, Sucevița Commune, Baia Commune, Vatra Moldoviței Commune, Arbore Commune, Dorna - Arini Commune, Straja Commune.

Go to the main travel overview: Suceava.