Park Highlights
Massive eruptive rocks and craters of old volcanoes in the Călimani National Park (Parcul National Călimani) are spawned over breathtaking landscapes, matched by the presence of large areas of natural ecosystems and the abundance of Swiss stone pine and juniper trees.
The Călimani Mountains features the highest massif in the Romanian volcanic chain, the Pietrosu Peak (standing at 6896 ft.).
The natural erosion process in the volcanic plateau has led to the formation of the unusual shaped 12 Apostles (Cei 12 Apostoli), Red Stones (Pietrele Rosii) and Nefertiti geological reserves.
Fast Facts
| Location | Northern side of Eastern Carpathians (Bistrita – Nasaud, Harghita, Mures and Suceava counties) |
| Size | 64,000 acres |
| Best known for | The volcanic plateau dominated by the Calimani caldera and the abundance of Swiss stone pine and juniper trees that shelter the endangered black grouse (Tetrao tetrix) |
| Natural features | Massive eruptive rocks, Craters of old volcanoes, Swiss stone pine and juniper tree forests |
| Activities | Cross-country skiing, Hiking, Mountain biking, Horseback riding, Skiing, Wildlife and birds watching |
Natural attractions
Iezerul Călimani Natural Reservation preserving the natural elements of vegetation and featuring the beautiful Iezer Lake bordered with dwarf pine and alpine roses
12 Apostles, Red Stone, and Nefertiti geological reserves
Tihu Waterfall – located at the confluence of Tihu and Paraul Umed brooks
Retitis Peak - from the top, there are magnificent views of Ceahlau Mountain and the distant Fagaras Mountains on clear days.
Flora and Fauna
For those interested in botany, Călimani National Park makes it possible to observe 774 species of plants, many of them marked as rare: alpine leek (Allium victorialis), narcissus anemone (Anemone narcissifolia), and mountains soldanella (Soldanella Montana). In juniper tree forests or on soils of volcanic nature, the rose bay (Rhododendron myrtifolium) is frequently encountered.
Călimani National Park is home to several endangered species,such as: the bear (Ursus arctos), the elk (cervus elaphus), the wild boar (sus scrofa), the roe deer (Capreolus capreolus), the wolf (Canis lupus), the tree marten (Martes martes) and the lynx (Lynx lynx). The cedar forest and juniper trees area on the western slope of the Călimani Mountain is home to the black grouse (Tetrao tetrix), a very rare species in Romania.
Nearby Attractions
The Painted Monasteries of Bucovina - www.RomaniaTourism.com/Monasteries.html
The Rodnei Mountains National Park
The wooden architecture, rural life and civilization of the traditional Maramures villages - www.RomaniaTourism.com/Maramures.html
The glacier lakes, waterfalls, volcanic mountains, caves and the geological reserve Creasta Cocosului in the Viseu Valley
Park Essentials
Main access points
Gura Haitii, Dorna Candrenilor, Poiana Stampei, Rastolnita, Ilva
How to get here
By air
Nearest airports located in:
Cluj, Suceava, Targu MuresBy car
European road E 85/E 576 to Dorna Candrenilor (Bucuresti - Suceava – Vatra Dornei -Bistrita)
By train
Nearby train stations: Ilva Mica, Lunca Bradului, Vatra Dornei
Train schedules: To check the latest train schedules for domestic routes please visit the website of the Romanian Railways: www.cfrcalatori.ro
The site has complete information about domestic train schedules and fares.
Note: For departures from/to Bucharest please select Bucuresti Nord.
Accommodation
Camping areas inside the park area, Villages around the park offer tourist facilities, including accommodation.
Tourist info
Călimani National Park Administration
Telephone: 0230 374.197 or 0230 371.104
Email: office@calimani.ro
www.calimani.ro
