Crucea offers several ways to explore the area: hiking trails, landscapes in the Bistrița Valley, longer cycling trips and the history of Rarău Monastery. If you want to include both nature and culture in your travel plans, you can take account of the different locations and time frames—from the approximately three-hour walk between Chiril and Cabana Rarău to a mountain biking route listed as taking two to three days.
Landscape and Protected Areas
Two geographical references should be distinguished when it comes to the 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. The first refers to the administrative areas of two communes; the second to the Crucea Forestry District.
Cheile Zugrenilor are wild gorges in the Bistrița Valley, with vegetation of community interest. The DN17B crosses the gorges on the route between Vatra Dornei and Poiana Teiului. If you are driving there, check the latest road conditions before setting off. The Pietrele Doamnei–Rarău nature reserve can be reached from Chiril via the road that climbs from the Rarău Pass to the mountain hut; here too, you should check the road conditions in advance.
Hiking Trails with Different Planning Considerations
A hiking trail marked with a blue dot connects Chiril with Cabana Rarău; the walk takes about three hours. The Cozănești–Pârâul Bârnărel–Crucea trail can be hiked year-round. Check trail conditions before either hike; for the year-round route, also take the weather and current conditions into account. The routes differ in the details relevant to choosing a hike: for the trail from Chiril to Cabana Rarău, the markings and approximate walking time are key; for the route via Cozănești, it is the year-round accessibility, subject to conditions.
Monastery History and Community Day
Rarău Monastery is located in the village of Chiril, in the commune of Crucea. Three milestones define its history: Prince Petru Rareș founded it in 1538; around 1800, it was rebuilt with the support of the Balș family. In 1968, the wonder-working icon of the Mother of God, donated by Petru Rareș, was installed in the old monastery church. If you are planning a visit, check the latest visiting arrangements separately.
Crucea Community Day is scheduled for the first Sunday in September each year and promotes local folk traditions and customs. Individual events may be changed or cancelled. If the date is important for your trip, check the details of that year’s event before making plans.
Local Dairy Products
Dairy products made at the mountain sheepfolds in this area include Caș cheese, butter, Urda cheese, sour cream and whey. Alongside the landscape and cultural heritage, local food production is another distinct aspect to consider when planning a trip.
Longer Cycling Trips
A 110-kilometre mountain biking route in the Bistrița Valley is rated as moderate; the approximate riding time is two to three days. The surface and conditions may vary, so you should check them before setting off. Another mountain biking or off-road mountain route runs from Vatra Dornei via Mestecăniș, Pojorâta, Rarău and Chiril, and back to Vatra Dornei. The two routes offer different planning considerations: for the Bistrița Valley route, the distance, difficulty level and approximate duration are relevant; for the mountain route, it is the itinerary through the places listed. Road and access conditions may vary; check them in advance.
Discover more destinations: Pojorâta, Rădăuţi, Frasin, Văleni-Stânișoara, Cacica, Dragomirna Monastery, Fundu Moldovei, Pârteștii de Sus.
For the broader travel overview: Suceava.
