The secular forests of Strâmbu-Băiuț

The Maramureș Mountains group is part of the Maramureș and Bucovina Carpathians and extends to both Romania and Ukraine. On the Romanian territory, Farcău Peak is the highest peak, reaching 1,957 meters. A considerable territory in the Maramureș Mountains has been declared a protected area, constituting the largest natural park in Romania. Maramureș Mountains Natural Park includes four nature reserves, which overlap over two Natura 2000 sites, where we find 171 kilometers of marked tourist routes.

Part of the Maramureș and Bucovina Carpathians, the mountains surprise by the fairytale landscapes, dominated by coniferous and deciduous forests, but also by pastures. Although the highest peak of this mountainous group is Gutâiul Mare, with a height of 1,443 meters, the favorite of tourists is the Rooster’s Ridge Peak (Vârful Creasta Cocoșului), near which, over an area of ​​about 50 hectares, lies an impressive mixed nature reserve. In addition to the Rooster’s Ridge, the Gutâi Mountains are home to nine other areas with nature reserve status.

Located at the foot of Gârgalău Peak, at an altitude of over 1650 meters, Știol Lake is a glacial lake, around which springs the upper course of the river Bistrița, known as Golden Bistrița (Bistrița Aurie). The Știol Lake can be reached by following several routes that start from the area of ​​the Borșa Tourist Resort. 

The picturesque lake in the Rodna Mountains, famous for its shape that resembles the map of Romania, is located at an altitude of 1825 m height. Spread over an area of ​​3450 m2, the clear blue lake originates from two natural springs. Above the lake sits Pietrosu Peak, at an altitude of 2303 meters, which is also the highest peak of the Eastern Carpathians.

The Blue Lake is classified as a natural monument, being one of the most visited tourist attractions in the area. This is not at all surprising, given the uniqueness of the lake, which is due both to its origin - the collapse of a mine gallery - and to the content of sulfur compounds. The green-blue color of the water changes depending on the light or the season, offering an unparalleled visual spectacle.

With a total length of 36 km, of which 25 km make up a nature reserve, the Lăpuș Gorge or Strait impresses with its canyon-like appearance and rocky ridges, the area being as wild as it is beautiful. The biological diversity, the exquisite landscape, as well as the possibilities of practicing extreme sports, make the Lăpuș Gorge unique and attract countless tourists.

Șipot Waterfall is located at the exit from Săpânța, Maramureș County, on the road to Negrești - Oaș. There are several waterfalls on the Nadoșa Valley, the Șipot Waterfall being the largest of them, overflowing over a rock with a height of about 7-8 meters. The tourist route has a low degree of difficulty, and can be crossed both on foot and by off-road vehicles. It is located in a deciduous forest that offers tourists unique displays of color, regardless of the season. The hiking area is very well known by enthusiasts of the spring water called borcut, due to its ferruginous springs rich in natural minerals.

The beautiful waterfall offering an unsurpassed spectacle is located on the northern slope of the Rodna Mountains, revealing several steps with successive falls. At an altitude of 1300 meters and with a total length of 90 meters, the waterfall that flows on the spectacular abrupt called "Horses Bridge" (Podul Cailor) is the longest in Romania. In addition to the fairytale landscape, the mystical air of the Horses Waterfall is also enhanced by the three legends which were created about it. The first of these legends relates the name of the waterfall to a herd of horses, sent to these lands from the other realm. According to the second legend, the name of the waterfall refers to a herd of wild horses which, being chased by numerous bears in the area, would fall into the deep abyss. The third legend recalls the turbulent period of the 1700s, marked by the invasion of the Tartars. It is said that in order to escape the wrath of the invaders, the most beautiful horses of the community would have thrown themselves into the abyss, originally the waterfall was formed from the tears of the people in Borșa, who mourned the animals lost for a long time afterwards. Access to this veritable masterpiece of nature is made available from several directions, the easiest being with the chairlift, from the Borșa Tourist Complex. For additional information:  Borșa National Centre for Tourist Information and Promotion Phone: +40 262 343 973 E-mail: info@infoborsa.ro

One of the most appreciated tourist objectives of Maramureș is the Rooster’s Ridge Reserve. The formation of volcanic rocks, which have made their way to the surface in the high area of ​​the Gutâi Mountains and which from a distance resembles a rooster’s crest, reveals a beautiful panorama over the vast mixed forests and areas of juniper and mountain pastures. Extremely generous in terms of habitat, but also of activities and sports that can be practiced outdoor, the Rooster’s Ridge Reserve was, still is and will remain one of the favorite destinations of tourists visiting the county.