Câmpulung Moldovenesc extends for 12 km on both sides of the Moldova River, in the gorge between the Obcinele Bucovinei and the Stânişoarei Mountains. The river and mountain ranges are prominent geographical landmarks of the town. The destination’s character encompasses a range of themes: woodcraft and religious architectural history, as well as nature conservation, panoramic views and winter sports.

Woodcraft and historic homes

The Muzeul Arta Lemnului was founded in 1936 and is the only museum in Romania dedicated exclusively to woodcraft. It has 19 exhibition rooms and an outdoor area with two traditional houses. One is a Hutsul house from the 17th century, while the other dates from the mid-18th century. Their different dates of origin provide a specific context for historic homes alongside the theme of woodcraft.

The „Ioan Grămadă“ Ethnographic Collection adds the atmosphere of a traditional Bukovinian house from the late 19th century to the historical perspective. It opened to the public in 1999. The insights into traditional domestic culture therefore span houses from the 17th and 18th centuries to a Bukovinian home from the late 19th century.

Religious architectural history

Two buildings also offer insights into the area’s religious history. The Templul Havre Gah is a Jewish place of worship at 1 Arboroasa Street, near the food market, and was built in 1894. The Roman Catholic church in Câmpulung Moldovenesc was built as early as 1815, at the behest of Emperor Franz I. It was constructed from stone and brick to a design from Vienna and is one of the oldest records of the Catholic community in the region. Comparing the construction dates, 1815 and 1894, highlights the time span between the two buildings’ histories.

Mountain scenery and protected areas

The landscape takes many forms and reaches different elevations. The Rarău Massif rises to 1,650 m. The Pietrele Doamnei Nature Reserve covers 568 ha and consists of three limestone obelisks, reaching heights of up to 1,633 m. Piatra Șoimului lies at 1,470 m and offers a 360° panorama over the Bistrița Valley, the Munceii Rarăului and the Giumalău Mountains. Mountain heights, striking limestone formations and views across named landscapes thus feature as distinct natural attractions.

Another geological protected area is Cheile Moara Dracului. It covers 10 ha and lies at the northeastern foot of the Rarău, along the upper course of the Valea Caselor stream. It is 10.5 km from the centre of Câmpulung Moldovenesc. The centuries-old elms at Pârâul Morii are considered a natural monument. They are about half a millennium old and lie on the boundary between Câmpulung Moldovenesc and the commune of Sadova.

A winter attraction

The „Rarău“ ski slope adds a specific winter sports option to the nature and culture offerings. It is 2,850 m long and rated easy to intermediate.

For the general travel overview: Câmpulung Moldovenesc.