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Bucovina Romania

10 Surprisingly Interesting Things To Do in Bucovina, Romania

Home » 10 Surprisingly Interesting Things To Do in Bucovina, Romania

Last Modified: April 10, 2021 //  by Anda //  22 Comments

When you say Romania, most people think about Transylvania, which is one of the most popular destinations in the country. But few tourists know about the fairy-tale region of Bucovina, in northern part of Romania. Here you can still wander through villages forgotten by time, where the soil is tilled with the horse and plow, and the wool is spun with a spindle.

Bucovina is one of my favorite parts of Romania, rich in folklore, natural beauty and history. We first discovered its charm back in the 80s, when we still lived in Romania and used to take long trips around the country.

Bucovina landscape

Overview

  • A Brief History of Bucovina
  • BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN BUCOVINA ROMANIA
    • 1. Cheile Bicazului (Bicaz Gorge)
    • 2. Lacul Rosu (The Red Lake)
    • 3. Putna Monastery
    • 4. Daniil the Hermit’s Cave
    • 5. Voronet Painted Monastery
    • 6. Cotnari Vineyard
    • 7. Suceava Fortress
    • 8. Cacica Salt Mine
    • 9. Bucovina Village Museum
    • 10. Ceahlau National Park
  • Is Visiting Bucovina, Romania, Worth It?
  • When to Visit Bucovina

A Brief History of Bucovina

Until World War II, Bukovina was under the control of Romania, as part of the historical province of Moldavia. But in 1940, the northern half of Bukovina was occupied by the Soviets and it’s currently still part of Ukraine. So when we speak about Bucovina (spelled with a ‘c‘) we are referring to the southern part of this region, which remained affiliated to Romania.

From the 14th to the 16th centuries, Bucovina was the seat of many Moldavian rulers, the most famous of which was Stephan the Great (Stefan cel Mare) who built many of the monasteries in the region.

BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN BUCOVINA ROMANIA

There is barely any information about Bucovina online, so it’s not surprising that very few European itineraries include this part of Romania. Therefore, in this post I’ll tell you all you need to know about visiting Bucovina. This is a trip that you should make by car, to fully enjoy it.

1. Cheile Bicazului (Bicaz Gorge)

If you like dramatic scenery and stone walls towering over narrow passes, this place is just for you! Cheile Bicazului are part of a natural reserve called Hāsmas National Park, which lays over 6,500 hectares.

The road that goes through the gorges is like a tunnel carved in limestone rock, with sharp twists and turns that will make your heart stop! Nonetheless, this is one of the most spectacular drives that you will ever encounter! In fact it’s so beautiful, that many people choose to park their car and walk instead of driving.

Bicaz Gorges in Bucovina, Romania
Bicaz Gorges

The nearly vertical walls abound with vegetation that grows in odd places. Trees rising up from the rocky peaks, small waterfalls coming out from the cracks in the rock – this place is amazingly beautiful!


2. Lacul Rosu (The Red Lake)

Another beautiful place to visit in the Bicaz-Hāsmas National Park is Lacul Rosu (the Red Lake). This natural dam was formed when one of the massifs near the Bicaz Gorges collapsed due to a big earthquake, and locked the river valley.

Lacul Rosu in Bucovina Romania
Lacul Rosu (the Red Lake)

Before the rock cliff collapsed and the valley was invaded by water, this area used to be a forest. Therefore, the lake looks like a sunken forest – with broken tree trunks emerging from the water. Navigating through them in one of those rental boats can be a little challenging.

Its name comes from Pârâul Rosu (the Red Creek) , which crosses through red layers of iron oxide and hydroxide, giving the lake somewhat of a reddish color.

Lacul Rosu in Bucovina Romania
Lacul Rosu, one of the attractions in Bucovina, Romania

If the weather is good, you can rent a boat and row around the lake. You can also tour around it on foot. Unfortunately Lacul Rosu is always swarming with people, I can’t remember if I’ve ever seen it empty.  


3. Putna Monastery

If there is one thing that made Bucovina known outside the borders of Romania, that’s its painted churches and monasteries. So if you are visiting this part of the country you should make it a point to see as many of them as you can.

Putna Monastery in Bucovina, Romania
Putna Monastery

Perhaps the most important monastery in Bucovina is Putna, located near the town of Suceava. This was one of the first monasteries built (1466) by Stephen the Great, the famous Moldavian ruler that Romanians hold so dear to their heart.

Legend has it that Stephen chose the construction site by shooting an arrow at a nearby hill, and the building was erected on the ground where the arrow landed.

The grave of Stefan the Great at Putna Monastery
The grave of Stephan the Great at Putna Monastery

Putna may lack impressive frescos, but it’s instead the resting place of Stephen the Great, his second and third wives, and their children.

Both the monastery and its magnificent church are a gem! When visiting Putna, read the information at hand and try to appreciate what you see. It’s important to understand the historic moment during which this monastery was built.

Behind the monastery there is a museum that houses a large collection of medieval objects and manuscripts, among which is the Holy Book that Stephen carried in battle.

4. Daniil the Hermit’s Cave

Just 2 km away from Putna Monastery you can visit the cave of Daniil the Hermit, a 15th century monk who chose to live his life in total isolation. He carved a small chapel into the rock, in a very densely forested area.

Daniil the Hermit's Cave in Bucovina Romania
Daniil the Hermit’s Cave in Bucovina, Romania

Known in Romania as Daniil Sihastrul, the monk rose to fame because Stephan the Great, the prince of Moldova and Bucovina, consulted him before each battle.

To reach the cave you can either walk from Putna Monastery (about 30 minutes), or drive following the signs to ‘Chilia lui Daniil Sihastrul‘.

5. Voronet Painted Monastery

The Painted Churches are the biggest attraction in Bucovina and for sure one of the reasons many people visit Romania. What makes these monasteries so famous are the colorful exterior frescos depicting various religious scenes.

Voronet Monastery in Bucovina romania
Voronet Monastery in Bucovina, Romania

If you have time, I would suggest taking a dedicated tour of all the painted churches in Bucovina. They are absolutely stunning! But at the minimum, you should visit the Voronet Monastery, which is undoubtedly the most beautiful one.

Voronet Monastery – which was also built by Stephan the Great – is famous for its stunning Last Judgment fresco, painted on the western façade. The fresco depicts Jesus at the top of this scene, from where he judges all of humanity. On the left are the righteous men and women who will go to heaven, while on the right a river of fire takes the sinners to hell.

The Last Judgment fresco at Voronet Monastery
The Last Judgment fresco at Voronet Monastery

The blue paint, which is the predominant color of the church, has miraculously never faded. So what’s the secret behind the ‘Voronet Blue’ Nobody knows. The craftsmen guarded their trade secrets fiercely. So to this day, the composition of the paint still remains a mystery. 


6. Cotnari Vineyard

Cotnari is one of the oldest and most famous wines in Romania. The hills in this region are calcareous and enjoy specific climate. These conditions favor the appearance of the ‘noble rot’ – a fungus which helps produce the best sweet wine. 

winery in Bucovina Romania
(Photo courtesy: Facebook/Cotnari)

The Cotnari wines were very popular in Europe at the end of the 19th century, but today they don’t enjoy the same fame as in the past. Nonetheless, if you are visiting Bucovina, I recommend trying some of the wines in their collection. The most famous ones are Grasā de Cotnari and Frâncușā de Cotnari, which is the only Cotnari wine that is not sweet.

7. Suceava Fortress

The town of Suceava may not be on the list of the best cities to visit in Romania, but it’s a good starting point for a trip to Bucovina. It is also home to one of the most impressive fortresses in Romania.

Suceava Foretress in Bucovina, Romania
The old fortress of Suceava

The Fortress of Suceava was built in the late 1300s by the Moldavian ruler Petru Mușat, as a defensive fortification against the Turks. It also served as the residence for some of the most powerful and influential voivodes (rulers) of Moldavia. 

The Chapel inside Suceava Citadel
The Chapel founded by Stefan the Great

Unfortunately, the fortress did finally cave in to the Ottomans in 1675, when it was totally blown up.

READ NEXT: Alba Iulia Citadel – the Best Vauban Fortress in Romania

8. Cacica Salt Mine

One place you shouldn’t miss when visiting Bucovina is the Cacica salt mine, located in the village of Cacica. Although not as popular as the Painted Monasteries, or the Bicaz Gorges, the mine is still a fascinating site to visit.

The deepest area you can access in the mine is at 44 meters below the surface. As you enter the cave, you’ll notice a strong smell of gasoline which they say it’s not harmful. However, if you have a keen sense of smell, I recommend wearing a painter’s mask, as the smell may be really bothersome.

Cacica Salt Mine
Cacica salt mine entrance

One interesting fact about this mine is that it was all carved out by human labor, with the use of very simple tools, like axes and shovels. No excavators were ever used in the construction.

9. Bucovina Village Museum

The best way to experience Bucovina’s rural architecture is by visiting its remote villages, where old traditions and customs are very much alive. But if you don’t have time, you should at least visit the Bucovina Village Museum, located next to the Royal Citadel in Suceava.

Bucovina Village Museum
Bucovina Village Museum

This open-air museum (quite similar to the Bucharest Village Museum), features a collection of 80 traditional homes from all over Bucovina. The houses are decorated with their original furnishings and accessories.

You can also buy some nice, authentic Romanian souvenirs from the museum shop.

10. Ceahlau National Park

If you like hiking and the outdoors, I can’t think of a more spectacular place than Ceahlāu National Park. Located in the Eastern Carpathian Mountains in Bucovina, the Ceahlāu Massif is one of the most renowned mountain chains in Romania.

Ceahlau Massif in Romania
Ceahlau Massif

It’s been many years since we hiked these trails, so I don’t remember much about them. But if you are interested in hiking the Ceahlāu, I recommend going with a local guide. Some of these treks are quite challenging.

Is Visiting Bucovina, Romania, Worth It?

Absolutely! However, visiting Bucovina independently may be a little challenging and adventurous. Firstly, because Bucovina is very remote and almost no one speaks English here. Also, public transportation is scarce or almost inexistent in some villages, which makes it difficult to get around unless you have a car. 

Bucovina Romania

Nonetheless, visiting Bucovina is a very rewarding experience. It’s like stepping back in time in a bygone era of rural traditions and carts pulled by horses. Besides, you’ll discover that Romanians are one of the friendliest and most welcoming people in the world.

When to Visit Bucovina

The best time to visit Bucovina is from April to September. Springs are especially beautiful in Romania, when the trees start blooming and the mountain slopes dress up in multiple shades of green.

Summer months are also great a time to visit this region because it doesn’t get too hot in this part of the country. In the fall the days are shorter and you get more rain, but the vibrant colors of the fall foliage make it all worth it.

Winters are not so great if you want to hike or spend time outside. However, this is a unique time of the year for experiencing the Christmas traditions in Romania. And Bucovina is quite rich in such customs.

village in Bucovina Romania

Category: Destinations, Europe, RomaniaTag: Best in Travel, Destination Guides

About Anda

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

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Comments

  1. Cindy Carlsson

    March 10, 2021 at 9:47 am

    Bucovina looks like a place I would absolutely love! What a wonderful mix of scenery, history and culture. Romania has been on my travel list for a long time, but I really need to figure out how to actually make it happen! Thanks for the great inspiration!

    Reply
    • Anda

      March 10, 2021 at 2:37 pm

      Romania is beautiful, but unfortunately they closed their border yet again because of the pandemic. Let’s hope this is going to pass soon. I’d love to go back too.

      Reply
  2. Subhashish Roy

    March 4, 2021 at 7:59 pm

    Romania is one of the few places in Europe that we are still to visit and hence it was great looking at it through your eyes. Bucovina really looks such a beautiful place and the green village with huts is so enticing. Lacul Rosu looks so nice and boating here would be great fun.

    Reply
  3. Yukti Agrawal

    March 3, 2021 at 9:52 am

    Bucovina really looks out of fairy tale settings. I loved the village with greenery, husk rolls, huts and everything here. I had seen same type of scenes in Ukrainian Carpathians which I guess is border of Romania. Lacul Rosu looks very dreamy and it would be very romantic to go for boating here. Also Ceahlau Massif is stunning.

    Reply
  4. Agnes

    March 2, 2021 at 3:36 am

    A great guide to Bucovina. I was in Romania once, but only for a week, and I didn’t have time to see many of the places you described. I will willingly see Ceahlāu National Park, Cacica Salt Mine, and Bucovina Village Museum.

    Reply
  5. Blair Villanueva

    March 1, 2021 at 8:27 pm

    There are so many places to see and do around Romania, and now I am excited to wake up one day and booking my flights plus Airbnb in Romania. That view at Cotnari Vineyard is so gorgeous, I could just sit there for hours and enjoy the view.

    I noticed that the Voronet Painted Monastery is something not to miss. The paintings are the gems.

    Reply
  6. Paul Healy

    February 28, 2021 at 6:11 am

    Possibly unsurprisingly, I’ve never heard of Bucovina, but it sounds wonderful. I love that that still use traditional farming techniques. It’s always interesting to travel to places that appear untouched by time. The scenery sounds amazing too; Ceahlau National Park looks beautiful. Sounds like a great place to do some hiking.

    Reply
  7. Shreya Saha

    February 14, 2021 at 9:27 pm

    Bucovina is a new place for me and it is so underrated. The place is so beautiful as it’s full of pretty places. I am in love with the painted monastery, plus the salt mine, and also the gorge. The views are killer.

    Reply
  8. karolina ada

    February 14, 2021 at 6:28 am

    Ive always wanted to visit Romania and you are right, all i know is Transylvania 😀 but ive seen a lot of beautiful photos and i knew i have to visit this country one day! Bucovina seems amazing! The red lake and Bicaz Gorge looks so incredible! and the views from Ceahlau National Park Just wow!

    Reply
  9. Kavita Favelle

    February 14, 2021 at 12:30 am

    Gosh, you’ve seriously got me thinking about planning a trip to Bucovina! What a beautiful spot of nature, love the lake that was a forest and still has tree tops sticking up from the water! Also wowed by Putna Monastery and ask the painted churches!

    Reply
    • Anda

      February 14, 2021 at 1:24 am

      Glad I did, Favita. Hopefully we’ll all be able to travel soon.

      Reply
  10. Bhushavali N

    February 13, 2021 at 8:50 am

    I’ve been wanting to visit Romania since 3 years now, but still yet to go! Indeed, as you mention, I haven’t heard of Bucovina so far! So thanks for this guide. It is going to help me in future. Thanks for the tip about hiring a car to experience the best Bucivina has to give. Lacul Rosu (The Red Lake) is interesting. Naturally formed dam by earthquake? I’m intrigued. Daniil the Hermit’s Cave is unbelievable. Looks like a film set, but no! It was an actual historical monument! Wow.

    Reply
  11. Umiko

    February 12, 2021 at 8:15 am

    I fall in love with the Bicaz Gorge right away. It’s so beautiful and mystical at the same time. The painted churches and monasteries are something that I would like to explore, too. They are not humongous like the ones in the cities, but they look perfect at where they were built. I know Romania is more than Transylvania.

    Reply
    • Anda

      February 12, 2021 at 2:29 pm

      Hopefully you’ll get a chance to visit Bucovina, Umiko.

      Reply
  12. Antoine

    February 12, 2021 at 6:20 am

    Romania has been on our list for a while, but I never heard of Bucovina! Your pictures really make it look like a journey through time. I would personally love to see the hermit cave!

    Reply
    • Anda

      February 12, 2021 at 2:30 pm

      Glad I helped you discover the beauty of Bucovina. Hope you’ll get to visit it someday.

      Reply
  13. Danik

    February 11, 2021 at 7:05 am

    I missed out on this area on my last visit to Romania and I am gutted (however, I am hoping to do a three-week road trip here soon and Bucovina is on the list). Not only I cant wait to see the culture and all those beautiful buildings made out of wood (and of course the beautiful decorated churches) but the natural landscape is stunning. I done the Brasov area and the mountains were simply amazing. Romania is so underrated, I found it to be one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and the locals are ever so welcoming. 🙂

    Reply
    • Anda

      February 11, 2021 at 8:42 am

      It truly is underrated, Danik, which is to the tourists advantage because the prices are really low there.

      Reply
  14. Debra M Schroeder

    February 10, 2021 at 6:50 pm

    Romania sounds so exotic and intriguing and not for the Dracula factory but for the dreamy picturesque villages. The stone gorge is impressive. How crazy to see all the tree stumps in the lake. The winery would be my first stop…

    Reply
    • Anda

      February 11, 2021 at 8:43 am

      This is a region not to be missed if you are ever in Romania, Debra.

      Reply
  15. Chloe Beaver

    February 10, 2021 at 8:24 am

    When I think of Romania, I usually think of city and architecture. I didn’t know that Romania had so many beautiful national parks! I would love to visit both Cheile Bicazului and Ceahlau National Park the next time I’m in Europe. Thanks for the great list of things to do!

    Reply
  16. Sushant

    February 7, 2021 at 8:30 pm

    I would really like to visit this place because I love nature and visiting historical places. Moreover, I also like to take photographs and it seems Bucovina offers great opportunities.

    Reply

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