Explore the region with our Active Tour in Cultural Bucovina
Bucovina is one of the most spiritual parts of Romania. Its culture, traditions, and history create a space where past and present spirituality coexist even in the 21st century.
Located in the area of Suceava County, the name of the region means the ‘land of beech’, a reference to the vast forests that once covered this part of Romania.
Traditional sheepfold, Bucovina
A short history of Bucovina
Until 1775, Bucovina was part of Moldavia, today’s Eastern Romania. After this date, it became a province of the Habsburg Empire until 1918 when it reunited with Romania at the end of WW1. By the early 20th century, Bucovina was a multicultural space inhabited by Romanians, Germans, and Ukrainians.
The culture of spirituality
Religious devotion and Orthodox spirituality reach a distinct level in Bucovina. The religious heritage, so present in Moldavia, is even more visible here, in the land of the painted churches. These landmarks, listed as UNESCO Heritage Sites, are the region’s distinctive and most famous attractions.
External paintings, Sucevita Monastery
The most beautiful places to see in Bucovina
Bucovina offers all types of attractions and activities, from hiking adventures to cultural tours, gastronomic festivals, and painted egg museums.
Read also our Top Five Things to Do in Bucovina for First-Time Visitors
UNESCO World Heritage Sites
The painted churches of Bucovina combine art, history, culture, and spirituality. You definitely don’t have to be religious to be amazed by the centuries-old Byzantine paintings with their detailed representations of saints, sins, Adam and Eve, Jesus and the Holy Ghost, plus key historical events like the battle of Constantinople.
The attack on Constantinople, fresco at Moldovita
The painted churches listed as UNESCO Heritage Sites are Arbore, Humor, Moldovita, Probota, Patrauti, Sucevita, Voronet, and Saint Ioan from Suceava. You need two full days if you plan to see all of them. If you only have one day, don’t miss Moldovita and Voronet.
History & Culture
The Painted Eggs Museum
Painting Easter eggs is a true art in Bucovina. Based on hundreds of years of old traditions, using symbols and colors typical to each village, painting eggs is a gift passed from generation to generation.
Visit the Painted Eggs Museum from Vama and Lucia Condrea Museum from Moldovita if you want to take a closer look at these fragile and stylish creations.
Suceava Fortress
The capital of Moldavia until the mid-16th century, Suceava still conserves the old fortified court of local princes. Dating from the late 14th century, this is one of the few medieval fortifications of the region that survived the Ottoman-ordered demolitions.
Photo source: Bucovina Museum
Nature
The secular forest Slatioara
Virgin forests are almost extinct in Europe, but Romania is lucky enough to still have some of these amazing pieces of untouched nature. Listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site in 2017, together with other secular forests from Romania and 12 more European states, the forest of Slatioara is a rare attraction in Bucovina.
Calimani National Park
One of the most off-the-beaten-track national parks in Romania, Calimani Mountains are a great choice if you enjoy long wilderness hikes. Plan your hike in detail, most trails are long with few water sources and camping sites.
Wild horses in Calimani National Park
Rarau and Giumalau Mountains
Dominated by the Lady’s Rocks, Rarau Mountains are one of the natural symbols of Bucovina. This mountainous area is also a very popular destination, especially the trail to the Lady’s Rocks, and if you’re looking for solitude, it’s best to plan your vacation in autumn or spring. Giumalau Mountain is an excellent alternative all year round.
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