Ceahlău Massif

The Ceahlău Massif is one of the most famous mountains of Romania. It is part of the Bistrița Mountains range of the Eastern Carpathians division, in Neamț County, in the Moldavia region. The two most important peaks are Toaca (1904 m elevation) and Ocolașul Mare (1907 m elevation). It is bounded to the east by the river Bistrița and Lake Bicaz, to the south by the river Bicaz. From the south, the main access point is the village of Izvorul Muntelui, located 12 km north from the town of Bicaz. To the north, Mount Ceahlău is also accessible from Durău.

Activities


Ceahlău National Park shelters a large variety of flora and fauna; some of the species are endemic or rarely seen elsewhere in Romania.

Hiking
Mount Ceahlău is a popular hiking destination in Romania. There are seven main marked trails built for hikers and tourists. There are entry fees for visiting Ceahlău National Park. and fines for not respecting park's regulations. The park is monitored by local rangers, and there is also a mountain rescue service (Salvamont).

Skiing
There are ski slopes located at Durău.

Camping
Camping is permitted only in a few designated places: in Durău, near Dochia Chalet and in Izvorul Muntelui.

Chalets and refuges

 * Izvorul Muntelui Chalet (757 m elevation, basecamp), near Bicaz
 * Dochia Chalet (1750 m, near Toaca Peak)
 * Fântânele Chalet (1220m, near Durău)
 * Ceahlău - Toaca weather station

Notable sights and places

 * Duruitoarea waterfall
 * Panaghia rock
 * Piatra Lată din Ghedeon rock formation
 * Ocolașul Mic Peak
 * Dochia Rock
 * Turnul lui Butu Stone
 * Poiana Maicilor (engl: Nuns' glade)
 * Poiana Stănile
 * Polița cu crini protected area
 * Gardul Stănilelor

Climate
Ceahlău has a subarctic climate (Köppen Dfc) bordering on tundra climate (Köppen ET).

Other uses of the name

 * Ceahlăul Stadium, in Piatra Neamț
 * FC Ceahlăul Piatra Neamț, a Romanian soccer team