Hiking and Culture
Northern Romania
5 Days Tour
This tour is made especially for nature enthusiasts and hikers passionate for less beaten trails and solitary routes. The hiking holiday takes place in Rodnei National Park in Maramures.
The highest mountains of the Maramures region, Rodna Mountains, are the eastern end of an outlying arm of the Carpathians. This arm of the Carpathians has had the effect of isolating Maramures from the rest of Romania, and indeed the world. Maramures was never part of the Roman Imperial province of Dacia. Most subsequent invasions have passed it by, leaving its population little changed in millennia. Consequently, this is a region that has a greater tendency to maintain traditional ways than any other region of Romania. Apart from this, from the point of view of attractive countryside, the lowland landscapes of the Iza and Viseu Valleys are hard to beat anywhere. This national park shelters iconic mammals like the brown bear and the mysterious lynx, rare birds, and more than one thousand plant species.
Spend with a local guide 5 days of a responsible hiking holiday in one of the most beautiful natural parks of Romania.
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Day 1
Road and Accommodation
Welcome to the beautiful region of Maramures! Your adventure begins as soon as you arrive at the airport, where your Curly Guide and bus driver will be eagerly waiting to greet you with a refreshing traditional welcome drink. Alternatively, we can arrange to pick you up from your hotel in Cluj-Napoca or Oradea.
Our comfortable bus will then take you on a scenic journey through the countryside to the charming town of Sacel, where you'll be staying at a family-run guesthouse or pension. Get ready to be amazed by the stunning views of the majestic mountains from your room!
To kick off your Maramures experience, our hosts will welcome you with a feast of delicious traditional food. And the excitement doesn't stop there - we'll also be hosting a fun-filled BBQ and campfire dinner, where your Curly Guide will give you an overview of the upcoming activities and share the rules of the national park.
Get ready for an unforgettable journey filled with breathtaking landscapes, exciting outdoor activities, and warm hospitality - all in the heart of Maramures!
Day 2
Hiking Day - Pietrosul Rodnei Peak
Time: 7 - 8 hours
Distance: 15 Km
Altitude gain: + 1500 meters
Difficulty: Medium
The most famous and tallest peak in the area, Pietrosul Rodnei, has a height of 2303 meters and gives an open view of the surrounding mountains and valleys as it is the first landform in the chain.
Please note that this hike requires a moderate level of physical fitness. We will start our day early, at 7 o'clock in the morning, and after having a hearty breakfast, we'll embark on a hike towards the Meteorological Weather Station located at about 2000m. This part of the trail spans 4.5 kilometers with an altitude gain of 800 meters, and should take approximately 2 hours to complete.
While the hike is manageable for most, it's important to be in good physical shape in order to fully enjoy the experience. The path to Pietrosu Peak involves constant zig-zags, making it a challenging but accessible hike. The final ascent to the top is made on rock carved stairs that make the climb even easier.
If you're up for the challenge and in good physical condition, this hike will be an unforgettable experience! And once we reach the top, the breathtaking views and delicious picnic at the Glacier Lake will make it all worth it.
Equipment
Day 3
Day 3
Vaser Valley Railway
" MOCANITA " "BARSANA"
This day will take you on a journey through the stunning landscapes of Romania! We'll start our day with a delicious breakfast before embarking on a scenic drive by minibus to Viseul de Sus. This picturesque town is home to the famous Mocanita steam train, which we'll board at 9 am sharp.
As we chug along the historic railway line, you'll be transported back in time to the days when steam power ruled the rails. Our journey will take us through the breathtaking Carpathian Mountains, passing by charming villages and lush forests. We'll make a stop at the Paltin Station, where you can stretch your legs and indulge in the delicious catering service provided by the CFF team. With plenty of covered and open-air seating, you'll be able to relax and take in the beautiful scenery.
After a leisurely break of 1-2 hours, we'll continue our journey back to Viseul De Sus.
The next stop will be Barsana Monastery. Nestled in the picturesque Maramures region of Romania, the Barsana Monastery is a true gem of Eastern Orthodox architecture. This stunning 18th-century complex is a testament to the region's rich cultural heritage and is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, art, and spirituality.
As you approach the monastery, you'll be greeted by a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills and valleys. The complex itself consists of several buildings, including a main church, a bell tower, a chapel, and a museum. The buildings are adorned with intricate wood carvings and colourful frescoes that depict scenes from the Bible and local folklore.
One of the most impressive features of the monastery is its wooden church, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The church is a true masterpiece of traditional Maramures architecture and is one of the largest wooden churches in Europe. Its interior is adorned with stunning religious paintings and carvings, and the peaceful atmosphere is truly awe-inspiring.
In addition to its architectural and artistic treasures, the Barsana Monastery is also a place of spiritual significance. It is home to a community of nuns who dedicate their lives to prayer and service, and visitors are welcome to attend services and witness the monastery's daily life.
Whether you're a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a spiritual seeker, the Barsana Monastery is a must-see destination in Romania. Its beauty, history, and spiritual significance make it a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
The fun doesn't end there - our friendly hosts will be waiting to welcome us with a mouth-watering spread of traditional Romanian food. We'll have the chance to savour the flavours of the region and spend some quality time together.
Time: 5 hours
Distance: 15 Km
Difficulty: Medium
Day 4
Hiking Day - The largest waterfall in Romania and Stiol Lake
Get ready for another exciting day of adventure in Romania's stunning Maramures region! We'll start our day with a delicious breakfast and then head off in our comfortable minibus to the Borsa chairlift.
The chairlift will whisk us up to the stunning Horses Waterfall, where we'll embark on a 30-minute hike to get up close and personal with this magnificent natural wonder. The waterfall is a sight to behold, standing tall at 90 meters high. You'll be amazed as you watch the water cascade down the limestone mountain side in several stages, making it the largest waterfall in all of Romania.
After taking in the beauty of the Horses Waterfall, we'll continue our hike on an easy route to the tranquil Lake Stiol and Gargalau mountain peak. Along the way, you'll be able to enjoy the scenic views of the Carpathian Mountains and immerse yourself in the peaceful natural surroundings. In the evening, our hosts will wait for us with prepared food
Equipment
Day 5
the Merry Cemetery is a unique and colourful destination that you won't want to miss. This vibrant cemetery is unlike any other, featuring hand-carved wooden crosses that are adorned with brightly coloured paintings and witty epitaphs.
The Merry Cemetery is a celebration of life, rather than a place of mourning. Each cross tells a story and honours the life of the person buried beneath it. The paintings and inscriptions on the crosses are often humorous and offer a glimpse into the personality of the deceased. You'll find everything from funny anecdotes to poignant messages, all written in a lighthearted tone.
Walking through the Merry Cemetery is an experience like no other. You'll be surrounded by a sea of vibrant colours and intricate designs, each one telling a unique story. The cheerful atmosphere is contagious, and you can't help but feel uplifted by the joy and celebration of life that permeates the air.
In addition to the wooden crosses, the cemetery also features a small museum where you can learn more about the history and significance of this unique attraction. The museum showcases a variety of wooden sculptures and artefacts, providing an insight into the traditional crafts and culture of Maramures.
The Merry Cemetery is a truly unique and unforgettable destination that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for life and a lasting memory of the colourful and vibrant culture of Maramures. Whether you're a history buff or simply looking for a unique and uplifting experience, the Merry Cemetery is a must-visit destination in Romania.
Your Curly Guide and you Bus Driver will take you back to your accommodation or airport in Cluj Napoca or Oradea.
