Pietrele Doamnei
About Pietrele Doamnei
Pietrele Doamnei (the Lady's Rocks) are a cluster of limestone towers and ridges rising out of the spruce forest on the northern slope of the Rarău Massif, in the Eastern Carpathians, within the municipality of Câmpulung Moldovenesc, in Suceava County. The rocks, made of Cretaceous limestone set with corals and ammonites, range from under 10 m to over 70 m in height and are surrounded by scree formed when a limestone peak broke apart through freezing and thawing. They are one of the best-known places in the Rarău and are easy to reach from the plateau.
The site is a protected natural area (a nature reserve of national interest, declared by Law 5/2000) and belongs to the Rarău–Giumalău Natura 2000 site. The plants here include the queen's flower, the lady's slipper and mountain pine, and the birds include the capercaillie and the three-toed woodpecker. The name comes from a local legend: Petru Rareș is said to have hidden his family and wealth here from the Ottomans, and when enemies tried to seize the treasure, the rocks supposedly collapsed over it.
What you can see
From the Alpin Hotel, on the Rarău plateau, starts the blue-cross marked circuit, about 1.4 km long, which goes around the rocks and climbs to the Belvedere Plateau, with views over the surrounding forests. Up close you see the white limestone towers, the vertical walls and the scree at their base. On the same plateau, to the west, rises Piatra Șoimului, another group of rocks, used for climbing. Pietrele Doamnei can also be seen from the Transrarău road, which passes beneath them.
Good to know
The area is protected: stay on the paths and take your litter with you. Climbing the towers requires mountaineering equipment and experience. The road from Pojorâta (DJ175B) is cleared of snow only when needed, and in winter snow stays on the plateau.
Information verified on 29 October 2026.
- The limestone towers of the northern slope, from under 10 m to over 70 m high, seen up close on the blue-cross circuit.
- The Belvedere Plateau, reached from the same circuit, with views over the spruce forests of the Rarău.
- The limestone set with corals and ammonites that the rocks are made of.
- Piatra Șoimului, the neighbouring group of rocks on the plateau, with climbing walls.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the road climbs onto the Rarău plateau to the Alpin Hotel, from where the path to the rocks is short. From Câmpulung Moldovenesc it is ~16 km (~25 min), on the DJ175A; from Pojorâta you climb on the DJ175B, and from Vatra Dornei you take the DN17B to Chiril (~25 km), where the DJ175A climbs from. From Suceava it is ~78 km, on the DN17 via Gura Humorului and Câmpulung Moldovenesc. The Rarău – Chiril section of the DJ175A is closed in winter, usually from November until spring.
Public transport: trains on the Suceava – Vatra Dornei line stop at Câmpulung Moldovenesc and Pojorâta, and buses on the DN17 pass through the same places; there are no regular services up the mountain. From Câmpulung Moldovenesc you can also walk up to the Alpin Hotel on marked paths (for example the red dot, along Izvorul Alb, ~12 km).
- Where to park
On the plateau you park around the Alpin Hotel, less than 10 minutes' walk from the rocks; on summer weekends spaces fill up quickly.
- Rules
Stay on the marked paths: the area is protected. Do not leave litter or pick plants. Climbing the limestone towers is for mountaineers only, with suitable equipment. On the plateau the weather changes quickly and fog can come down without warning, so bring rain gear and mountain footwear. In an accident call 112 or Mountain Rescue (Salvamont).
- Facilities
Alpin Hotel, with restaurant, on the plateau · Salvamont post on the plateau · information boards on the trail · variable mobile signal
Frequently asked questions about Pietrele Doamnei
What are the opening hours of Pietrele Doamnei?
Opening hours at Pietrele Doamnei: daily open 24 hours. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Pietrele Doamnei take?
A visit to Pietrele Doamnei takes about 1 – 1½ hours (the circuit and photo stops).
Can you visit Pietrele Doamnei with kids?
Yes, Pietrele Doamnei is suitable for children (short circuit, ~1.4 km).
How do I get to Pietrele Doamnei?
Pietrele Doamnei is located at on the Rarău plateau, about 400 m from the Alpin Hotel (118 Izvorul Alb Street), Câmpulung Moldovenesc, Suceava County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Pietrele Doamnei?
The best season for Pietrele Doamnei: May – October (snow on the plateau in winter).
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