Călimani National 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.
Călimani Mountains Park is home to the highest volcanic peak in Romania: Pietrosu (6,896 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.

Mountain with volcanic origins, Călimani features the biggest inactive caldera in Europe (about 6 miles in diameter).

Călimani National Park Fast Facts 

LocationNorthern side of Eastern Carpathians (Bistrita – Nasaud, Harghita, Mures and Suceava counties)
Size64,000 acres  
Best known forThe 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 featuresMassive eruptive rocks, Craters of old volcanoes, Swiss stone pine and juniper tree forests
ActivitiesCross-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.

Attractions not far from Calimani Park

~ The Painted Monasteries in Bucovina,
~ Rodnei Mountains National Park,
Maramures region, known for its wooden architecture, authentic rural life and carefully-preserved traditions,
~ Geological reserve Creasta Cocosului (Viseu Valley) - glacier lakes, waterfalls, volcanic mountains and caves.

Park Essentials
Main access points

Gateways to Călimani National Park include villages Gura Haitii, Dorna Candrenilor, Poiana Stampei, Rastolnita, Ilva

How to get to Călimani National Park
By air

Nearest airports are located in:
Cluj,   Suceava   and   Targu Mures

By car

European road E 85/E 576 (Bucuresti - Suceava – Vatra Dornei - Bistrita) to Dorna Candrenilor.

By train

Nearby train stations: Ilva Mica, Lunca Bradului, Vatra Dornei
To check train schedules please visit RomaniaTourism domestic transportation section.

Accommodations

There are several campgrounds in the park and quite a few B&Bs in the nearby villages.

Tourist info

Călimani National Park Administration
ADMINISTRAȚIA PARCULUI NAȚIONAL CĂLIMANI RA
Sat Șaru Dornei 54C, Comuna Șaru Dornei, Jud. Suceava
Telephone: (+4) 0230 371.104
E-mail
www.Calimani.ro