Obcina Mare

Obcina Mare extends between the Moldoviţa River valley, located to the west, and the Suceava Plateau, located to the east. From a geological point of view, this area is formed by Cretaceous and Paleogene flysch, composed of sandstones, oil shale, limestones and clays. The altitude of Obcina Mare decreases from north to south: from 1,224 meters, at the top of Sihloaia (the highest point), to 899 meters in the central area (Holm peak) and 803 meters in the south (Cacica peak). This geographical unit is divided into three sectors: in the north is Obcina Moldoviţei (also known as Obcina Putnei), in the center is Obcina Mare proper – the main peak – and in the south-southeast are the Obcinele Humorului, formed by a group of low and parallel peaks that descend towards the Suceava Plateau.

Within the entire ensemble of the Obcine Bucovina, longitudinal depressions develop, formed along the course of rivers such as the Moldova and Moldoviţa. This region is characterized by a cold climate, with an average annual temperature of approximately 6°C in the valleys and 2°C on the peaks, as well as a high degree of humidity, with precipitation exceeding 1,000 mm annually. The hydrographic network is well-defined, with a consistent flow and many mineral water springs.

The vegetation of the Obcine Bucovina is formed mainly by spruce forests in the west, mixed forests (spruce, fir and beech) in the central area, and beech forests combined with fir predominate in the east of the Obcinea Mare. In the depression regions, over extensive areas, secondary meadows dominated by species such as red fescue (*Festuca rubra*), common fescue (*Nardus stricta*), common ryegrass (*Agrostis tenuis*) and others are found.

Due to the existence of longitudinally oriented valleys and depressions, this region offers favorable conditions for human settlements and an efficient road network. Tourism is well developed, supported by the relatively easy accessibility, the remarkable cultural heritage – especially the medieval monasteries such as Voroneţ, Moldoviţa, Suceviţa, Humor, Putna, etc. –, the natural beauty, but also the richness and originality of popular traditions and local folklore.

In the area of ​​Obcine Moldoviţa, in the Cumârna pass, at approximately 1,000 meters altitude, between the town of Suceviţa and the village of Ciumârna (Vatra Moldoviţa commune), there is the “Roadmen’s Monument”, known as the “Palma”. It was inaugurated in 1969 and rehabilitated in 2006, having a height of 7 meters and being represented by a hand raised vertically, placed on a pedestal. In the vicinity of the monument there is a zip line, called Mega Tirolina "La Palma", which is 1.1 kilometers long and has a height difference of 103 meters - being the longest zip line in Romania. It allows reaching a speed of approximately 100 km/h, being intended for tourists as a recreational attraction.

Sursa: romaniadategeografice.net