Discover Tarcău: Eastern Carpathians, Rivers and Culture

Tarcău is located in the Eastern Carpathians and has a typical mountain character. The village of Tarcău stretches along the river of the same name, which is a right-bank tributary of the Bistrița. Within the commune, the elevations along the Bistrița range between 370 and 390 metres; the Grindușu Peak reaches a maximum elevation of 1,664 metres.

Getting There and Local Scenery

Tarcău can be reached via the DN15 national road. A well-paved local road runs along the Tarcău River. The Adormirea Maicii Domnului Church in the village of Tarcău stands along this road; it was built between 1906 and 1912.

Hiking Trails and Nature

Marked trails and forest roads through the Tarcău Valley lead to a protected area for capercaillies in the Brateș (Tărhăuș) Faunal Reserve. Several hiking trails start at or near the Sihăstria Tarcăului Monastery. The Goșman Forest Reserve is located in Tarcău Commune and is considered a destination for a weekend hike. The Bolovăniș Waterfall is also located in Tarcău Commune and is considered a natural attraction.

The trails therefore extend across various landscape areas of the commune: they run through the Tarcău Valley, start at or near the Sihăstria Tarcăului Monastery, and lead to the protected area for capercaillies in the Brateș (Tărhăuș) Faunal Reserve. Other named destinations include the Goșman Forest Reserve and the Bolovăniș Waterfall.

Rivers and Mountain Activities

The Tarcău and the Bistrița near Tarcău are currently associated with attractive river excursions and rafting. The Muntele Lung ridge separates the Tarcău Valley from the Bicaz Valley and allows paragliders to explore both valleys. The Tarcău Mountains offer favourable conditions for off-road activities. In the Tarcău region, mountain biking is considered an activity on trails in mountains, hills and forests, as well as on other uneven terrain.

Culture and History

The monument to the heroes who fell in the First World War depicts a Romanian soldier in attack and bears a marble plaque with the names of heroes. The Monument to the Unknown Soldier is part of the cultural heritage of Tarcău Commune and is dedicated to the local heroes of the Second World War.

The Queen Maria Monument near Poiana Crivaia is shaped like a Byzantine cross. It was erected on the initiative of the Neamț County Museum Complex and the Piatra-Neamț Deanery, with contributions from believers and priests from the commune. Tarcău Monastery is located in the valley of the Tarcău River.

Iulia Hălăucescu was born in Tarcău in 1924; the museum dedicated to her was established in 2003. The Iulia Hălăucescu Art Museum has six exhibition rooms containing around 120 works of art and personal belongings of the artist. Furniture and documents in the museum recreate the atmosphere of the artist’s childhood home, where she spent her early years. The permanent exhibition comprises 123 paintings and 149 objects, including ceramics, old icons painted on wood, woodwork, historic furniture and studio tools.

Other Places

Find more places here: Bicaz Chei, Dumbrava Roșie, Pipirig, Schitu Tarcău, Săvinești, Piatra Neamţ, Hangu, Tupilaţi.

To the higher-level travel overview: Neamt.