2026 Maramures Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in January)

⛰️ A Breathtaking Day Trip into the Carpathian Mountains • High in the Rodna Mountains, near the charming town of Borșa, the Horses’ Waterfall (Cascada Cailor) is the tallest waterfall in Romania and a must-see for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers. It's the perfect day trip for anyone visiting Maramureș, a region known for its traditional wooden villages and unspoiled mountain landscapes. 📍 Where Is It Located? Cascada Cailor is located in Munții Rodnei (Rodna Mountains National Park), near the ski resort and town of Borșa, in northern Romania. The waterfall sits at an altitude of about 1,300 meters (4,265 ft), surrounded by lush pine forests and alpine meadows. 🥾 How to Get There • By cable car: From Borșa Tourist Complex (Complexul Turistic Borșa), you can take a scenic chairlift (telescaun) up the slope (check availability in off-season). From the top, it's about a 30-minute hike through forest and open terrain to reach the waterfall. • By hiking trail: If you're up for more adventure, hike directly from the Borșa resort area. The trail takes around 2 to 2.5 hours one way and offers stunning views of the valley and mountains along the way. 🌊 What Makes the Waterfall Special? • Height: Over 90 meters (295 ft), cascading in multiple steps. • Name legend: The name “Horses' Waterfall” comes from a local legend where wild horses were chased off the cliffs by a bear during a storm. • Scenery: Surrounded by rugged cliffs and forests, the setting feels untouched and wild. Perfect for photographers, especially in spring and early summer, when snowmelt feeds the flow and nature is at its greenest. 📸 What to Bring • Comfortable hiking shoes (some areas can be muddy or rocky) • Water and snacks (there are no shops at the top) • Camera or phone for photos • Light jacket or raincoat (weather can change quickly in the mountains) • Cash, if using the chairlift (check if card payment is accepted beforehand) 🏡 Where to Stay You can find guesthouses and cabins in Borșa, many of which offer views of the mountains. Recommended options: • Pensiunea Casa Dina – cozy and traditional • Hotel Victoria – central and convenient • Cabana Runcu – more remote, closer to nature 🕐 Best Time to Visit • Late spring to early autumn (May–October) – best hiking conditions • Winter – the area is popular with skiers, but the trail to the waterfall can be inaccessible due to snow 🌲 Tips for Travelers • Check the chairlift schedule before going – it may not operate every day. • Respect nature: don’t leave trash, stay on marked paths, and watch for wildlife. • Combine your visit with a trip to other Maramureș gems, like the Merry Cemetery in Săpânța or the Wooden Churches of Maramureș. Cascada Cailor isn’t just a waterfall – it’s a magical journey through the Carpathians, filled with legends, fresh air, and views that will stay with you long after your hike ends. It’s one of the most rewarding day trips in Romania. #adventuremoments

#holidayitinerary Bârsana Monastery in Maramureș County is one of those places that instantly makes you slow down and breathe a little deeper. Surrounded by rolling green hills, the monastery complex is beautifully kept, with perfectly trimmed gardens and colorful flowers everywhere. The wooden architecture is stunning, with tall spires, intricate carvings, and warm natural tones that blend perfectly with the landscape. Walking around feels peaceful and calming, with the soft sound of bells and birds in the background. The main church is bright and full of beautiful religious art, while the smaller buildings and pathways invite you to explore at your own pace. Even if you’re not particularly religious, it’s impossible not to appreciate the craftsmanship and sense of harmony here. The air feels fresh, the views are wide, and there’s a certain timelessness in the way everything is arranged. Bârsana Monastery is more than just a historic site, it’s a little pocket of serenity in the heart of Maramureș.

Tucked away in the serene hills of northern Romania, Bârsana Monastery is a place where time slows down and tradition thrives. Surrounded by green valleys and ancient forests, this wooden masterpiece invites you on a spiritual and cultural journey through one of Romania’s most authentic regions — Maramureș. 📍 Where Is Bârsana Monastery? • Located in Bârsana village, Maramureș County, in northern Romania • About 25 km from Sighetu Marmației • Easily accessible by car, with well-marked roads and parking nearby • Nestled in a peaceful valley near the Iza River 🪵 A Marvel of Wood and Craftsmanship • Built in 1993 on the site of a much older monastery dating back to the 14th century • Entirely constructed from wood, using traditional Maramureșan techniques — no nails, only wooden joints • The church tower reaches 57 meters, making it one of the tallest wooden structures in Europe • Decorated with intricate wood carvings, floral motifs, and a shingled roof that reflects centuries of craftsmanship • The monastic complex includes a chapel, museum, bell tower, monks' quarters, and beautifully landscaped gardens 🧘♀️ What to Do at Bârsana • Walk through the monastery grounds: peaceful paths lined with flowers, wooden gates, and traditional buildings • Visit the small museum: discover religious icons, folk art, and exhibits about monastic life • Attend a service: experience the spiritual rhythm of Orthodox tradition (modest dress recommended) • Take in the views: the surrounding hills and valleys make for perfect photo opportunities • Shop local: near the entrance, stalls sell hand-made souvenirs, icons, jams, and traditional clothes 🕒 Opening Hours & Tips • Open daily, generally from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (hours may vary slightly seasonally) • Free entry, though donations are appreciated • Dress respectfully: long pants or skirts and covered shoulders recommended • Visit early morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds and soft light for photography 📷 Photo Tips • The best angle of the church is from the small wooden bridge as you enter the complex • Morning mist or golden hour light adds a mystical touch to your shots • Drones may be restricted — check on-site or fly from outside the property boundary 🛏️ Where to Stay Nearby • Local guesthouses in Bârsana – warm hospitality, wooden décor, and home-cooked meals • Agrotourism options – stay with a local family and experience village life • Combine your trip with other Maramureș attractions: • The Merry Cemetery in Săpânța • The Wooden Churches of Ieud or Poienile Izei (UNESCO sites) • Mocănița steam train ride through the Vaser Valley 💙 Why Visit? Bârsana Monastery isn’t just a beautiful wooden church — it’s a living piece of Romanian soul. Here, tradition isn’t a memory, but a way of life. Between prayer, silence, birdsong, and craftsmanship, you’ll find something rare: a deep, grounding peace. Whether you're religious or simply curious, a visit to Bârsana is a quiet adventure for the heart. #postandearn