Valea Putnei – Poiana Scăldători – Poiana Ciungi – Cabana Giumalău

What the walking is like

Up Valea Putnei on 7 km of forest road, then right after the Hunting Lodge; the path climbs steadily through forest to Poiana Ciungi, in the alpine zone, where it meets the ridge (red stripe) and follows the contour to Cabana Giumalău.

What we'd tell you at the gate

• The gentler alternative to the ridge trail over Alunu.

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

  The Giumalău–Valea Putnei old-growth forest, which you climb through, is specially protected for the capercaillie. Walk quietly in the morning and you have a chance of hearing it.

• 3

  Cabana Giumalău sits at 1,600 m, has power from a generator and a wind turbine, but serves no meals: here you carry the food up yourself.

What else you can do on the trail

• MTB: the forest road is good mountain-bike ground; enduro only with the forestry district's consent.
• Winter: ski touring and snowshoeing on the ridge, only with experience and avalanche kit.

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.

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