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AIC RENT A CAR · TRAVEL GUIDE
It is sometimes nicknamed the “Road of Treasures”, thanks to the landscapes and legends of the Rarău area.
One of the most beautiful mountain roads in Romania, with forests, winding roads and spectacular panoramas over Bukovina.
Transrarău (DJ175B) is one of the most beautiful alpine roads in Romania and, although it does not have the length or fame of the Transfăgărășan, it offers a spectacular experience thanks to its landscapes, forests and especially the Pietrele Doamnei area.
The road crosses the Rarău Mountains and provides access to some of the most well-known natural attractions in Bucovina. It is an excellent choice for a car trip, with stops for photos, short walks, and admiring the mountain scenery.
01 · MOUNTAIN ROAD
What is Transrarău?
Transrarău is the county road DJ175B, which crosses the Rarău Mountains and connects the Bistrița Valley, in the Chiril area, with the Moldova Valley, in the Pojorâta area.
The road climbs up to the mountainous area of the Rarău massif and passes very close to one of the best-known rock formations in Bukovina: Pietrele Doamnei.
It is sometimes nicknamed the “Road of Treasures”, thanks to the landscapes and legends of the Rarău area.
2. The altitude of Transrarău
The Transrarău area reaches an altitude of approximately 1,400–1,500 m, and nearby is Rarău Peak, which is 1,651 m high.
Transrarău does not necessarily impress through its maximum altitude, but through the landscape very concentrated in a relatively short area. The hairpin turns, forests and rocky formations make every section of the route offer something different.
3. How to get to Transrarău
A very beautiful option is to drive the road between Pojorâta and Chiril, with stops in the Pietrele Doamnei area and the Rarău massif.
Route option: Pojorâta → Transrarău → Pietrele Doamnei → Rarău → Chiril → Vatra Dornei.
Or you can follow the road in the opposite direction: Chiril → Rarău → Pietrele Doamnei → Pojorâta.
The spectacular part is the climb through the forest toward the Rarău massif, where panoramas of the Bucovina mountains gradually appear. Before setting off, check the road conditions and any restrictions, especially in the cold season or after periods of bad weather.
4. What do you see along the way?
Transrarău is interesting because the landscape changes along the route:
- 🌲 Dense coniferous and deciduous forests.
- 🏔️ Panoramas of the Rarău and Giumalău Mountains.
- 🪨 Spectacular limestone formations.
- 🌄 Mountain valleys and ridges.
- 🚗 Winding roads and narrow road sections.
- 🌤️ Viewpoints for photos.
On sunny days, the views are excellent, and in autumn the area is especially spectacular because of the forest colors.
05 · MAIN ATTRACTION
Pietrele Doamnei
Pietrele Doamnei is probably the main highlight of a trip on Transrarău. They form a group of spectacular limestone rocks, with walls and towers rising above the forests.
There are hiking trails in the area for those who want to explore the mountain on foot. If you just want to admire the scenery, you can stop near the tourist area and then continue your journey by car, respecting the signs and parking rules.
06 · PANORAMA
Skywalk Rarău – a spectacular panorama
On the Rarău Massif lies Skywalk Rarău, a suspended panoramic platform, equipped with a transparent glass floor and walls made of tempered glass.
Located on Piatra Șoimului, at an altitude of approximately 1,530 m, the platform offers views of the Rarău and Giumalău Mountains, as well as toward other massifs in the region, depending on visibility conditions.
On clear days, the sky and the landscape are reflected in the glass surfaces, and the perspective over the mountain makes this place a special stop for photographs.
How do you get to the Rarău Skywalk?
Access is on foot, from near Cabana Rarău. From the Transrarău road (DJ175B), follow the marked trail to the platform. The duration and difficulty of access may vary depending on trail conditions and weather.
It is recommended to have appropriate footwear for mountainous terrain and to carry water with you. Check local information before departure, including access availability and any rules of the site.
Keep in mind: check before your visit whether the platform is open, whether access is free, and whether there are any special conditions of use. This information may change.
If you reach the Rarău area and drive along the Transrarău, Skywalk Rarău is worth considering for the panorama over the mountains and the experience offered by the transparent floor.
7. Pasul and Șaua Rarău
The Rarău pass and saddle area offers suitable spots to admire the mountain peaks and take photos. Stop only in permitted places and avoid stopping on the narrow sections of the road, where you could block traffic or endanger other road users.
8. Pojorâta, Chiril and the Bistrița Valley
Pojorâta is an access point for those coming from Câmpulung Moldovenesc, while Chiril connects with the Bistrița Valley. Both areas can be included in a broader circuit through Bukovina, with stops in villages, scenic viewpoints, and other natural attractions.
Other tourist attractions nearby
If you have more time available, you can combine the Transrarău with other natural attractions in the Câmpulung Moldovenesc area and the Rarău Mountains.
09 · NATURE RESERVE
Cheile Moara Dracului – Rarău
The Moara Dracului Gorges are among the most spectacular natural attractions in the Câmpulung Moldovenesc area, in the Rarău Massif.
The gorges themselves are short, about 60–70 m, and narrow, with widths of around 4–5 m. The close-set walls and rocky formations give them a distinctive appearance.
The reserve is located on the northeastern slope of Rarău, along the course of the Moara Dracului stream, about 10.5 km from the center of Câmpulung Moldovenesc.
Can you get to Moara Dracului Gorges by car?
From Câmpulung Moldovenesc, you head toward the Valea Caselor area, then continue on the access roads toward the gorges. The condition of the forest road can vary, so check accessibility before you leave and do not continue by car if the road is not suitable for your vehicle.
If you just want to see the gorges
You don't have to go on a long mountain hike to visit the gorge area. However, walking access and the condition of the trail can depend on the weather and existing facilities. Wear appropriate footwear and be careful of wet or slippery surfaces.
From the gorge you can continue on mountain trails towards Șaua Ciobanului and Rarău. A complete tour can take several hours, depending on the route, pace, and conditions on the trail.
Why is it worth it?
Besides the spectacular rock formations, the reserve has significant natural value, with forest habitats and plant and animal species specific to the mountain area. Follow the marked trails and do not damage the vegetation or the natural formations.
10. Pietrele Buhei
Similar to Pietrele Doamnei, but smaller in size, Pietrele Buhei is a geological and geomorphological reserve located in the valley of the Izvorul Alb stream. The limestone formations are an interesting example of natural erosion processes and are worth taking into account if you explore the surroundings of Rarău.
11. The Bat Cave
The Bat Cave is located near the Pietrele Doamnei area, about 1 km to the north, in the area of a sinkhole. Before setting off for this destination, inform yourself about access and visiting conditions. Protect the wildlife and do not disturb the bats or other animals that may use the cave as a shelter.
12. The Bistrița Gorge at Zugreni
The Bistrița Gorge at Zugreni forms a narrow valley, with steep slopes and rocks with unusual shapes. Among the known formations in the area are Colțul Acrii, Piatra lui Osman, Grindul Pușcate, Râpa Scara, and Stânca Coifului.
This attraction can be included in a larger circuit through Bucovina and the Bistrița Valley. Check access and local conditions before departure, especially after heavy rain.
Keep in mind: check the road conditions: before departure, inform yourself about any restrictions, roadworks, or temporary closures..