Vatra Dornei is a small ski resort in Northern Romania, close to the Ukrainian border. Locals will tell you that it is neither part of Transylvania nor Moldova, but Bucovina – an area with fluid borders and very strong regional identity (Wikipedia entry)
My father’s description of Vatra Dornei after he moved there in 1974: cold. Siberia. dairy. ski. broken bones. I will add: sparkling water. more dairy. nature in its purest and unadulterated form.
Things to See & Do in Vatra Dornei
- Hike, hike, hike (September is a wonderful time for hiking)
- Hit the farmer’s market for fresh dairy & vegetables
- Take the ski lift and get to see the entire Vatra Dornei valley from above
- See the Bucovina monasteries
