I watch my friends struggling to squeeze into the trunk luggage for 4 people. We plan to reach Durău resort today and spend the weekend at the foot of Ceahlău Mountain. The only downside to such escapades in the cold season is the amount of warm clothes we have to take along beside our photo equipment. Until Durău there is stunning scenery, it’s a shame to miss out due to the lack of photo cameras. From Bicaz the road will take you around the lake and up to Poiana Teiului viaduct (800 meters in length). On good weather you can cross the lake by boat which is not valid when winter comes.
“At Durău nature holds the key to the heart of tourists.”
We stop the car for a 5 minutes break. In this area there are lots of excellent places for accommodation in hotels and modern lodges. In recent years spas and courtyards for outdoor sports appeared. The fact is that Durău resort is the starting point for hiking addicts to Ceahlău Mountain, with hiking trails leading to the waterfall Duruitoarea or the chalets “Fîntînele” (1.240 m alt.) and “Dochia” (1870 m alt.).
I take a deep breath. The area is famous for the its pure atmosphere, free of dust and allergens. So there nothing better than fresh air to clean my lungs. At noon we plan a walk through the woods. I look to my boots thinking that they will successfully resist a trip through the snow. I remember also that these mountains are inhabited by a not so friendly creature – the venomous black viper. Heavy boots are recommended and in such situations I would rather avoid stepping on the tail of this snake. When we start the car again the atmosphere suddenly cheers. From Fântânele chalet came news that the weather is good so we can proceed with our plan without difficulties. As a photographer, from the terrace of the lodge you have a great view towards Ceahlău Mt., upon Durău resort, Obcina Boistea, Bistrita Mountains and the valley of the river Schit. As long as the fog is missing and the sky is clear, the photos will be fantastic. My other two friends want to take the trail marked with red line up to the spot called Curmătura Piatra Lată. Here is one of our favourite pit stops: you take out your tripod and start photographing the monolith called ” Căciula Dorobanțului”, the Izvorul Muntelui lake and the valley of Schit river.
Skiing on Poiana Soarelui slope
I feel my knees tremble after the first lap. This winter I skipped classes so to say and now I feel it. But I am not complaining. Weather is great, we have good snow and the slope, located at the foot of Ceahlau Mountain (at an altitude of 800 meters), is used both for beginners and advanced skiers. It is opened until March and equipped with ski cable on a length of 350 meters. I’ll give it a few more hours before I retire to the warmth of the cottage.
What to see in the area
- Durău Monastery, whose history begins in the eighteenth century.
- Palatul Cnejilor (XVII century) whose impressive ruins lay about 3 km of the road, through the village Schit.
- Ceahlau Mountain, a natural park and protected area by law. Go to the Duruitoare waterfall (altitude 1,200 meters), the the natural reservation “Polița cu Crini” (370 ha) and try to reach the 2 peaks: Ocolasul Mare (1907 m) and Toaca (1,904 m).
Let’s try these two routes:
- Durău resort – Fântânele Chalet – Piatra Lată – Dochia Chalet (opened all year). Altitude reached: 1.070 m, travel time: 3h-3h 15 ‘
- Durău resort – – Pârâul Rupturii – Duruitoarea Waterfall – Poiana Scaius – Polița cu Ariniș – Curmatura Piciorul Șchiop – Dochia Chalet. Altitude reached: 1.020 m, travel time: 4h 30 ‘
ps: If it is heavy snow and trails are closed, relax and enjoy a mug of hot red wine. It’s always a good idea.
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