Valea Putnei – Poiana Strungii – Poiana Sapele – Alunu Peak – Chilii Peak – Giumalău Peak

What the walking is like

The long ridge trail from Valea Putnei: from the station through forest to Poiana Strungii (1,382 m), then Poiana Sapele, the wooded flank of Alunu and Alunu Peak (1,665 m), with its forestry lookout, at the halfway point. From here over subalpine meadow across Chilia Mică, Stegile peak (1,750 m) and, after a last climb, Giumalău at 1,857 m.

What we'd tell you at the gate

• A whole day; start early and take water, there's none up top.
• You can reach Valea Putnei by train.

Not to miss on the way

• 1

  Valea Putnei is a village of old rafters and railwaymen; the small station you start from is on the Suceava–Vatra Dornei line, so you can arrive by train and leave from another station.

• 2

  Chilii Peak, at 1,652 m, is the “station” on the ridge between Pojorâta and Giumalău. Sheepfolds settle on the meadow below it in summer; the dogs bark, the shepherds greet you, cheese can be bought.

• 3

  Giumalău stands at 1,857 m and is the highest peak around; from the top, on a clear day, you count six ranges: Rarău, the Obcini, Rodna, Călimani, Bistrița, Ceahlău. The subalpine meadow on the ridge is thick with blueberries in August.

What else you can do on the trail

• Winter: ski touring and snowshoeing on the ridge, only with experience and avalanche kit.
• Photography: sunrise in the forest and morning mist between the trunks; tripod recommended.

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

A linear trail: the time is one way (A → B). If you return the same way, add about two thirds; or leave a car at the far end / take the train. The duration is the one in Suceava County's official guide (Salvamont); the kilometres and driving minutes to the trailhead are from Google Maps.

• 6 hoursone way, A to B, at your usual pace
• 4 hoursback the same way (estimate)
• 10 hoursout and back, with short breaks
• 8–9 hoursone way, if you stop for photos and eat on the grass
• 9–11 hoursone way, with children, grandparents or a pack full of “just in case”