Discover Frumosu: Churches, Forests and Hiking Trails

Frumosu lies along the tourist route to Moldovița Monastery, a UNESCO monument.

Landscape

The commune of Frumosu lies in the lower basin of the Moldovița River in the mountain region of Obcinele Bucovinei. The area is crossed by the Moldovița River, a tributary of the Moldova River, as well as by the Dragoșa, Frumosu and Deia streams.

The commune has 7,286 ha of deciduous and coniferous forest. Frumosu is bordered to the west by the Obcina Feredeului, with elevations of 1,300 to 1,400 m, and to the east by the Obcina Mare, which reaches an elevation of 1,200 m.

The commune of Frumosu has been recognized by the Romanian government as a resort of local interest.

Hikes and Trails

One hiking route leads from Frumosu via Vatra Moldoviței, Vârful Palmania at 1,059 m, Dealul Fusa at 1,162 m, Dealul Lupoaia at 1,161 m, Vârful Poiana Prislop at 1,180 m, Pasul Ciumârna at 1,100 m and the Sucevița Valley to Sucevița.

Other described hiking routes lead from Frumosu via the Deia stream to Obcina Feredeu and Vârful Deia at 1,200 m, as well as along another route to Vârful Tomnatecu at 1,302 m and Prisaca Dornei.

The commune can be reached via the road along the Moldovița Valley on DJ 176 between Vama and Moldovița.

Culture and Tradition

The central church of the commune of Frumosu is dedicated to the Nativity of the Mother of God. It dates from 1866 and was restored by 2005.

In Deia, a locality within the commune of Frumosu, stands the Church of the Holy Great Martyr Demetrius, built of wood on a stone foundation.

Traditional architecture in the commune includes decorative woodwork on verandas, doors, window frames, wells, gates and fences.

As elements of Bukovinian folk art, weaving, sewing, decorating Easter eggs and making traditional costumes with bead and marten-fur embroidery are preserved in Frumosu.

Local crafts include blacksmithing, weaving, shirt-making, decorating Easter eggs, making leather belts, woodcarving and basketry.

The “Brăduțul” ensemble from the commune performs Christmas traditions such as carol singing, Urături, “Jocul caprei” and “Jocul ursului”. Its repertoire also includes vocal performances and regional folk dances.

Măsura oilor, also known as taking the sheep up to the summer pastures, is a pastoral festival in the commune. It takes place at the beginning of May, when the sheepfolds are established or the flocks set out for the summer grazing areas.

Nature

At La Borți, a former sulfur mine was modernized and converted into a tourist mine.

White, mostly round or conical stalactites measuring 1 to 40 cm have formed in the western gallery of this tourist mine.

Further destinations: Cacica, Cârlibaba, Pârteștii de Sus, Căsoi, Văleni-Stânișoara, Crucea, Vatra Dornei, Gura Humorului

To the higher-level travel overview: Suceava.