Explore Mălini resort, in Suceava County, a picturesque destination in Bukovina, known for its idyllic landscapes and, for a few years now, for its ski slope.
The commune lies at the meeting point of two major landforms: the Eastern Carpathians and the Moldavian Plateau.
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Surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery, Mălini is where you'll find therapeutic treatments and leisure opportunities.
Mălini: A Journey Through Time and Space
The village of Mălini has a rich history and is known as the birthplace of the Romanian poet Nicolae Labiș.
Mălini commune lies in the southeast of Suceava County, in the valley of the Suha Mare River, near the Stânișoara Mountains, whose highest point is Bivolu Peak (1,530 m).
Mălini commune is made up of five localities: Mălini, the administrative center of the commune, and the villages of Iesle, Pâraie, Poiana Mărului, and Văleni-Stânișoara.
By car, you can reach Mălini from Suceava on the DN2 (E85) national road to Fălticeni, then on the DJ209A county road to Mălini. The drive takes about an hour.
The village is located 20 kilometers from Fălticeni and 12 kilometers from Baia, the first capital of Moldavia. It takes its name from the forest of bird cherry trees (mălini) in the area, trees that can still be found here today.
Mălini is 45 km from Suceava (approx. 1 hour by car) and 30 km from Gura Humorului. Access is easy via the two roads, DN2 (E85) and DJ209A, and public transportation connects the resort with the main towns in the area.
Its location in the heart of Bukovina makes Mălini an ideal starting point for tourist attractions such as Voroneț Monastery, Humor, the Seat Fortress of Suceava, and Slătioara Monastery.
The area is also appreciated for its dense forests, clear rivers, and mountain trails ideal for hiking and winter sports.
Skiing in Mălini, Suceava County
In the southern part of Mălini commune, in the village of Văleni, lie the Pojorâta (or Mălini) ski slope, the ski lift, and the new zipline, the main attractions for tourists.
Sledding slope
The Pojorâta slope is divided into two sections:
The first section, also known as the Mălini slope, covers 2 hectares, is 105 meters long, and has a 19% gradient. It becomes more difficult in the area of the bumps on the second section.
The second section, parallel to the first, is 600 meters long and uses the same ski lift.
The ski lift is 520 meters long and has a capacity of 1,000 people per hour. The slope has night lighting and a snow groomer for snow maintenance. See details
Mălini Slope
The slope also offers night skiing. Depending on weather conditions, the schedule may change, so it is recommended to check for updates on the official Facebook page of the commune or at tourist information points.
Accommodation and Gastronomy
Mălini offers various accommodation options to suit all preferences and budgets. Tourists can choose between modern hotels with spas and indoor pools, traditional guesthouses with Bukovinian architecture, and vacation homes perfect for groups or families.
Agritourism guesthouses are very popular, offering comfortable rooms and breakfast with local products. Prices are affordable, ranging between 150 and 400 lei per night, depending on the facilities.
Davideea Guesthouse
La Panțiru Guesthouse
Recommendations include Davideea Guesthouse and La Panțiru Chalet, both appreciated for their hospitality and panoramic views.
Moonlake Chalet and Raisa Chalet are a short distance away.
Moonlake Chalet
Renowned in the area are Bucovina Guesthouse and La Filuță Guesthouse.
Visitors can savor traditional Bukovinian dishes in Mălini's restaurants and guesthouses. Must-try dishes include ciorbă rădăuțeană (Rădăuți-style sour soup), Moldavian tochitură with polenta and burduf cheese, as well as poale-n brâu pastries.
Tourists can buy authentic local products, such as aged cheeses, mountain honey, or wild berry syrups and jams, all from local households.
Mălini is an attractive destination all year round. For hiking and nature enthusiasts, the summer months (June-August) offer pleasant temperatures and accessible mountain trails.
Winter sports lovers will find ideal conditions for skiing and snowboarding from December to March, when snow is abundant.
Tourist Attractions in Mălini and the Surrounding Area
Tourism in the area has recently grown significantly, thanks to the construction of several guesthouses and a ski slope in the village of Văleni-Stânișoara.
Mălini delights with its picturesque landscapes, dense forests, and mountain trails that invite visitors to explore.
Slătioara Old-Growth Forest Nature Reserve, a UNESCO heritage site located on the eastern slope of the Rarău Massif, impresses with its trees that are hundreds of years old.
Birthplace of the poet Nicolae Labiș
The museum houses the poet's personal belongings, photographs from his childhood and adolescence, manuscripts, and editions of his books, giving visitors an insight into his life and literary world.
Mălini – Nicolae Labiș Memorial House
The Italians' Cross and the Italians' Road
The Italians' Road (Drumul Talienilor, DJ209B) was built between 1902 and 1914 by Italian road workers, under the patronage of King Carol I, to link the valleys of the Moldova and Bistrița rivers. On the ridge of the Stânișoara Mountains, the workers erected the Italians' Cross, which was later destroyed in the fighting of August 1944. Today, the road is popular for cycle touring.
Monument to the Heroes of the War of Independence
In the center of Mălini commune stands a monument dedicated to the local heroes who fought in the War of Independence, a symbol of courage and historical memory.
Monument to the Romanian Soldiers of August 1944
Near the village of Iesle, a monument honors the memory of the Romanian soldiers who fell in the fighting of August 1944. Inaugurated in 1964, it was renovated in 2013 by the local administration.
The region keeps the cultural heritage of Bukovina alive.
Slatina Monastery, founded by Prince Alexandru Lăpușneanu, is 10 km away and is a true architectural and spiritual gem. Visitors can also explore the Bukovina Ethnographic Museum, 120 km away, to learn about local traditions and crafts, offering a glimpse into the authentic culture of the area.
Active Tourism in Mălini
The Mălini zipline crosses forests, County Road 209A, the Suha stream, and green areas, offering an adrenaline-filled experience. It is considered the fastest zipline in Moldavia. The route starts at an altitude of 650 m, in the Stânișoara Mountains, and descends to the base of the ski slope.
Mălini is perfect for lovers of outdoor sports. Here you can enjoy activities such as mountain biking, mountaineering, and climbing.
The commune is home to Romania's first bullcart track, located in Mălini Leisure Park, run by Davideea Guesthouse. Bullcart is a recreational activity that involves riding down a slope in special vehicles, offering an adrenaline-filled experience.
Weather in Mălini
The weather now in Mălini and over the next 7 days:
Conclusion
Mălini resort is an increasingly popular destination for health, relaxation, and leisure.
We invite you to discover the charm of this destination and enjoy an unforgettable experience in the heart of Bukovina.
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