Lunca Mare on the Doftana River

Lunca Mare is an elongated settlement on the right bank of the Doftana River; part of the village stretches up the western slope.

Landscape

Near Lunca Mare, the floodplain of the Doftana Valley widens considerably. In the flatter sections of the slopes, sand and gravel accumulate, forming braided and meandering sections of the Doftana River. The Doftana rises in the Ciucaș Mountains at an elevation of 1,450 m and flows for 44 km to its confluence with the Prahova River near Bănești.

Routes

County road DJ102I connects Câmpina, Paltinu and Valea Doftanei. It is 15 km long and passes through Lunca Mare, Plaiu Câmpinei and Seciuri. Lunca Mare is 4 km from the seat of Șotrile commune.

The route types mentioned follow different courses: DJ102I is a road connection between several settlements, while the Pietriceaua ATV route is a round trip through the Doftana Gorge and along the Doftana River. The cycling tour follows a published valley route via Lacul Paltinu and Lunca Mare to Câmpina. For comparison, the means of transport, route, and stated length of 45.2 km therefore remain separate characteristics; in good conditions, road bikes, cross bikes and mountain bikes are mentioned. The ATV excursions are also advertised as guided and accompanied by local experts.

Travel dates determine the desired period, the room category describes the type of accommodation, and cancellation terms concern how a possible change is handled. Depending on the purpose of the trip, these three details may be weighted differently.

History and Culture

Lunca Mare appears alongside Șotrile and Vistieru on the Harta lui Cuza from 1864. According to the parish history, the beginnings of Lunca Mare can be dated to before 1800; the first households are attributed to Transylvanians who were fleeing because of the rule of Austria-Hungary.

The Biserica Sfântul Pantelimon in Lunca Mare is one of the ecclesiastical monuments of Șotrile commune. Its construction began in 1908 and was completed in 1909. The newer Biserica Sfântul Pantelimon has a cruciform floor plan, three towers, brick walls and a sheet-metal roof. Its patronal feast is held every year on 27 July.

A local historical tradition reports that the shepherd Ion Tudor, known as IepuraÈ™, stopped first near Podul Cheii and then in Lunca Mare with his brothers in 1802.

Things to Do

The Pietriceaua ATV route leads to the Doftana Gorge, then descends to the Doftana River, crosses it and returns to the base. A local provider advertises guided ATV excursions through the Doftana River gorge, accompanied by local experts.

The published cycling tour through the Doftana Valley can be completed on a road bike, cross bike or mountain bike in good conditions. It leads via Lacul Paltinu and Lunca Mare to Câmpina. The recorded cycling tour through the Doftana Valley has a riding distance of 45.2 km.

For the broader travel overview: Șotrile Commune.