This route starts in the hamlet of Dănești and follows the road towards Neagra Șarului for about 1.5 kilometres, to the area called “Pârâul Mare”. Here you can stop at the Călimani National Park visitor centre, then continue on a gravel lane through the locals’ hay fields to Sărișoru Mare village. From there the route descends on asphalt towards Șaru Dornei village, to the junction with the road to Sărișoru Mic, which it follows for about 1 kilometre, crossing a wooden bridge over the stream of the same name. From this area, called Șaru Bucovinei, the route starts to climb, first on asphalt, then on a gravel road. At one point you will see a sign on the right towards “Borcut”. You can make a short detour and cool off with the naturally sparkling mineral water.
The fairly hard climb continues for about 4 kilometres on the road towards the Vatra Dornei chairlift, with a fine view east over Todireni and Șaru Bucovinei villages. Once at the top, you won’t regret the effort. This is one of the most beautiful viewpoints in the Dorna area, taking in much of the Șarului depression, guarded by the Călimani Mountains to the south and west and the Bistrița Mountains to the east. From here the descent of about 5 kilometres begins, first through a few patches of forest, then through pastures and hay fields in the area the locals call Runc, past the church in Șaru Bucovinei, down to the asphalt road you started on.
The route continues downhill on the asphalt road from Șaru Bucovinei to the centre of Șaru Dornei village, then climbs gently back to the hamlet of Dănești.
- Difficulty: moderate to hard
- Maximum altitude: 1,259 m
- Length: 19.8 km
