Neamt Valea Ursului is a district in the county of Neamt, Romania. It is the largest district in the county, covering an area of over 1,200 square kilometers. It is bordered by Bistrita-Nasaud County, Suceava County, Iasi County and Bacau County. The district is mostly composed of rolling hills and wide valleys, covered in forest and agricultural fields. The main river in the district is the Siret, which flows through the middle of the district and empties into the Bistrita River. The area around the Valea Ursului district is home to many natural springs and waterfalls, as well as glacial lakes and hills. There are numerous nature reserves and protected areas in the district, where wildlife and plant life can be preserved. The district has a few large towns and villages, such as Roman, Targu Neamt and Valea Ursului. There are also numerous monasteries and churches in the area, making it popular with tourists and pilgrims.
Neamt Valea Ursului is located is a district in eastern Romania. It is bordered by Botosani County to the east and north, Bacau County to the south, and Suceava and Iasi County to the west. The capital of the district is the city of Piatra Neamt and its main tourist attractions include the Neamt Monastery and Neamt Citadel. It is also home to the tallest mountain in Romania, Ceahlau. Agriculture is an important economic activity in the region, with the main crops being wheat and corn. The district comprises 8 communes and a total population of 177,721 according to the 2011 census.
The best way to travel to Valea Ursului is by car. You can take a bus or train, but these options may be limited. Alternatively, you could hire a taxi or use a ridesharing service such as Uber or Lyft.
1. Neamț Monastery – Founded by Stephen the Great in 1497, the Neamț Monastery is one of the oldest and most important architectural religious monuments in Romania. It is pictured on the Romanian 10 lei banknote and stands among the best examples of Moldavian and Byzantine architecture.
2. Șugău Monastery – Located southeast of Neamț Monastery, Șugău Monastery was built in 1581 by Ioan Vodă Mogila, the Metropolitan Bishop of Moldavia. The monastery is the burial place of Voievode Bogdan the Founder of Moldavia and his son, Petru Rareș.
3. Valea Ursului Castle – Constructed in 1545–1548, during the reign of Petru Rareș, the Valea Ursului Castle is a late Gothic and Renaissance edifice made of stone and brick. Suffering from severe damage in 1679 during the Cromwellian invasion of Moldavia, the castle was restored by the Ștefanescu family in 1883, and today it serves as one of the most important cultural attractions in Bistrița-Năsăud County.
4. Cârjiți Monastery – Dedicated to Saint Elijah, the Cârjiți Monastery is a Romanian Orthodox monastic complex located in Valea Sunarului, Neamț County. Founded in 1689 by Voivode Constantin Cantakuzino, the monastery boasts impressive architectural details and frescoes.
1. Neamt Monastery – Located in the commune of Targu Neamt, this 14th century Orthodox monastery resides atop a hill and offers stunning views of the Neamt Valley. Notable attractions include a beautiful courtyard, the bell tower, and the Antim Monastery Museum.
2. Ceahlau National Park – This national park is home to a magnificent mountain range and offers a wide range of outdoor activities such as skiing, biking, and hiking. The park also boasts picturesque lake views, lush forests, and meadows.
3. Neamt Castle – This 15th century castle was built by Stephen the Great and is now a museum open to visitors. Here, you can explore the grounds, learn about the castle’s history, and view the collection of artifacts found in its walls.
4. The Milcov River – This river runs directly through the Valea Ursului district and is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and swimming. Additionally, its banks make for a perfect spot to take in the spectacular river views.
5. The Iza Valley – This beautiful valley is characterized by its idyllic landscapes and quaint villages. Popular activities in the area include biking, hiking, and horseback riding. There are also many attractions such as the Iza Waterfall and the Omu Peak, the highest peak in Romania.
Neamt Valea Ursului district is part of Moldavia county, Romania and offers many interesting activities from active to cultural ones that tourists can explore:
Active:
-Ski and Snowboard: Neamt Valea Ursului is home to many resorts for winter sports lovers, such as Straja and Piatra Neamt. Enjoy the slopes covered in snow, the beautiful views and the adrenaline sports it offers.
-Hiking and Trekking: Take advantage of the great trails and paths in the Carpathian Mountains and explore the nature.
-Mountain Biking: Take on the rough terrain of the hills in Neamt Valea Ursului and end your track with a stunning view of the mountains.
-Water Sports: From kayaking to river rafting, there are plenty of watersports activities to choose from. Also, explore the many lakes in the area.
Cultural:
-Visit the Churches: Take in the beauty of the historic Churches in the area such as the Church of Saint Paraschiva, the Church of Saint Nicolae and the Church of the Three Hierarchs.
-Visit the Museums: See the works of old Romanian painters like Theodor Aman in the Neamt County Museum.
-Take a Tour of the Fortress: Explore the ruins of the Piatra Neamt fortress built in the fourteenth century.
-Take a Flow Paintball Tour: Visit the Flow Paintball Field in Neamt and play with friends or family.
-Explore the Nature Parks: Take a walk in the wonderful Codrii Cosminului Nature Park and take in the beautiful scenery.