The Rarău Massif is a subgroup of the Moldo-Transylvanian Carpathians, located in the Eastern Romanian Carpathians. The highest peak is Rarău, with an altitude of 1,651 metres (5,417 ft).[1] and the lowest altitude is 600 metres (2,000 ft), in the Moldova River valley[2]

Rarău Massif
Pietrele Doamnei and Piatra Șoimului rocks
Highest point
Elevation1,651 metres (5,417 ft)
Coordinates47°27′08″N 25°34′26″E / 47.45222°N 25.57389°E / 47.45222; 25.57389
Dimensions
Area160 km2 (62 sq mi)
Naming
Native nameMasivul Rarău (Romanian)
Geography
Rarău Massif is located in Romania
Rarău Massif
Rarău Massif
Parent rangeEastern Romanian Carpathians

Location and geography

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The Rarău Massif is located in northern Romania (Suceava County), in the historical region of Bukovina, between the valleys of the Moldova and Bistrița rivers. The closest population centers are the towns of Câmpulung Moldovenesc and Vatra Dornei and the commune of Pojorâta. The total surface of the Rarău Massif is ca. 160 square kilometers.[3]

The peak is easily accessible on foot on marked trails.[4] By car, the Massif is accessible up to an altitude of 1520m, via the Transrarău road (DJ175B).

The Massif is known for its many picturesque limestone formations. The best known is Pietrele Doamnei, a group of three large limestone pillars located at a height of 1400m, close to the peak.

Climate

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The average temperature in January is −7 °C (19 °F) at the Rarău Meteorological Station, with significant differences are registered between the slopes with northern and southern orientation. The average temperature for July is 11.4 °C (52.5 °F) for the Rarău station, with minimal differences between the slopes with northern and southern exposure.[5]

Precipitations at the Rarău Meteorological Station have a multi-annual average of 909 mm (35.8 in), with an average of 163 days of snow cover per year.[5]

References

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  1. ^ "Ghid montan Muntii Rarau - Giumalau". carpati.org. Retrieved 21 August 2021.
  2. ^ Mihailescu, Catalin Mihai; Apostol, Liviu (1 June 2016). "The Thermal Regime of Air in the Rarău Massif" (PDF). Present Environment and Sustainable Development. 10 (1): 235–242. doi:10.1515/pesd-2016-0020. ISSN 2284-7820.
  3. ^ Oprea-Gancevici, Dinu; Cheia, Gheorghe (20 December 2012). "The evaluation of the geomorphological touristic potential of mountainous areas. Case study: the Rarău Massif". Forum Geografic. XI (2): 235–245. doi:10.5775/fg.2067-4635.2012.091.d. ISSN 1583-1523.
  4. ^ "Consiliul Județean Suceava - Trasee montane în Munţii Rarău-Giumalău" (PDF). Suceava County Council.
  5. ^ a b "Stațiunea de cercetare și practică studențească "Ion Gugiuman" Rarău". Retrieved 21 August 2021.