Neagra Șarului – 12 Apostoli Peak – Poiana Izvoarele – Șaua Negoiu – Rețitiș Peak – Iezerul Călimanului Peak – Neagra Șarului

What the walking is like

The main loop of the Călimani caldera: the largest volcanic caldera in the Carpathians, walked along its rim, with the 12 Apostoli, Rețitiș and Iezerul Călimanului on the way. The official guide recommends it in two or three stages, with a tent. It's the most spectacular trail in the county and the least suited to a single day.

What we'd tell you at the gate

• Tent compulsory: there are no huts; the designated camping spots are at Pietrele Roșii.
• In winter the Șaua Negoiu – Poiana Izvoarelor section is closed because of avalanches.
• Water: at Poiana Izvoarelor; on the ridge, only what you carry.

Not to miss on the way

• 1

  Călimani National Park covers over 24,000 hectares and is the only protected area covering a whole massif in the county.

• 2

  The 12 Apostoli reserve: volcanic rocks sculpted by wind and frost into the shapes of a bearded old man, a bear with its head bowed, a woman; unique in Bucovina.

• 3

  Iezerul Călimanului is a natural dam lake, a reserve of over 300 hectares, with mountain peony and dwarf pine.

What else you can do on the trail

• Ski touring in winter, on the open ridges (only with experience and avalanche kit).
• 🐴 Horse riding: tours from Gura Haitii and Poiana Negrii.
• Mountain biking on the old logging roads from Gura Haitii.

What grows and what moves along the trail

The species above are those documented in the area by the protected-area administration; what you see depends on season, hour and luck.

How long it takes, honestly

Loop: the time is for the whole circuit. The guide recommends it in two or three stages, with a tent. The duration is the one in Suceava County's official guide (Salvamont); the kilometres and driving minutes to the trailhead are from Google Maps.

• 18–19 hoursthe whole loop, at your usual pace
• 25–28 hoursone way, if you stop for photos and eat on the grass
• 28–34 hoursone way, with children, grandparents or a pack full of “just in case”