It is the symbol of Ceahlău, and from the top you see Lake Izvorul Muntelui, Durău and, in clear weather, the towns in the valley.
About the place
Toaca is 1,904 m high, the second peak of the massif after Ocolașul Mare (1,907 m). A local legend says villagers put a toacă (a wooden board struck to call people to prayer) on the highest peak, hence the name. At the foot of the pyramid is the weather station, where a staircase of 523 steps starts, installed in autumn 2018 by Neamț County Council. From the top you see Lake Izvorul Muntelui, Durău and, in the distance, the towns of Bicaz and Piatra Neamț.
From Durău you climb on the red-stripe trail: it passes Cabana Fântânele, runs below the Panaghia rock and below Toaca, and reaches Cabana Dochia (1,750 m). The route is about 7 km long with more than 1,100 m of ascent and takes 3–4 hours. Cabana Dochia, the first tourist hut in the Eastern Carpathians, was built in 1913; the Schimbarea la Față (Transfiguration) hermitage stands next to it.
Good to know
- In winter, usually November to March, go up only with full winter gear, experience and good weather; the Munții Noștri trail atlas recommends the route from March to October.
- Tell someone which route you are taking; in an emergency call 112 or Salvamont on 0SALVAMONT (0725 826 668). Salvamont has a base in Durău, next to the park office.
- You can spend the night at Cabana Dochia (bookings on 0730 603 801) and climb Toaca in the morning.
Opening hours
Opening hours are not confirmed. Check the venue's website before you go.