Durău

About Durău

Durău is a mountain resort in Ceahlău commune, at 780–800 m, in a clearing on the north-western slope of the Ceahlău massif. It is home to the administration of Ceahlău National Park and the Salvamont mountain rescue base, and the marked trails to the mountain's plateau start from the edge of the settlement. From the clearing you can see the steep rocks of Ceahlău above the spruce forest.

The settlement grew up around Durău Monastery, whose community of nuns is documented from 1779; tradition places the beginnings of the hermitage in 1600. The present church, dedicated to the Annunciation, was built in 1832–1835 and painted in 1936–1937 by Nicolae Tonitza and his students. Hotels, guesthouses and villas then appeared around the monastery, and Durău became a mountain climatic resort, open all year.

Information verified on 29 October 2026.

Good to know before you go

Getting there

By car: Durău is in Ceahlău commune, ~60 km from Piatra Neamț (about 1 h 30): via Bicaz and then along the DJ 155F axial road, through Izvorul Muntelui; in winter the Izvorul Muntelui – Durău stretch may be closed. Otherwise, from Bicaz follow the DN15 along Lake Izvorul Muntelui to Ceahlău commune, from where a road climbs to Durău. From Târgu Neamț it is ~63 km, via Poiana Largului; from Bicaz, ~34 km on the axial road.

Public transport: buses and minibuses run from Piatra Neamț to Ceahlău commune and Durău; the timetable changes from year to year, so check it beforehand. The nearest railway stations are Bicaz and Piatra Neamț.

Where to park

Parking is in the centre of the resort and around the hotels and guesthouses, generally free. At summer weekends and around the pilgrimage of 6 August the spaces fill up quickly, so come in the morning. You cannot drive any higher than the resort.

Fees & discounts

Entry to the resort is free. Entering Ceahlău National Park requires the visitor fee (2026 rates): adults 10 lei per person per week; children, pupils, students and pensioners 5 lei per week; the annual pass costs 80 lei for adults and 40 lei for children, pupils, students and pensioners. The fee is paid in cash at the point in Durău, or online or by SMS using the QR codes on the park's signs. The ski run and the amusement park are paid separately, at the operator.

Rules

Entry to the park is only allowed with the fee paid, and only on marked trails. Dogs must be kept on a lead; do not light fires or leave rubbish, and camping is allowed only at designated sites. For the mountain trails bring boots, water and a rain jacket; there are bears in the area. At the monastery, dress modestly and keep quiet during services.

Facilities

Hotels, guesthouses and chalets · restaurants and shops · park administration office and fee point · Salvamont base · ski and sledding run, amusement park in summer · monastery in the centre