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Atracții naturale
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
Borșa, Romania
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.
Sapanta, Romania
Part of the history and cultural identity of Maramureș, the secular forests of Strâmbu Băiuț are an expression of natural balance, unhindered by human intervention. The virgin and quasi-virgin forests found here, which in some cases are over 500 years old, have been included in a site of Community importance, with the main purpose of protecting and conserving them. Since 2017, 598 hectares out of the total 2962 hectares composing the site have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, an important initiative for the conservation of biodiversity in the area.
The forest ecosystems found here, which are said to be the most representative in the Eastern Carpathians, include numerous and important floristic and faunal species, which increase the natural richness of the site. The forest landscape in the heart of the mountains, dominated by trees of impressive sizes, promises to reward those who love nature and beauty.
For additional information:
Târgu Lăpuș National Center for Tourist Information and Promotion
Phone: +40 262 384 239
Email: cnipttargulapus@yahoo.com
Strâmbu-Băiuț, Romania
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.
Vima Mica, 435600, Romania
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.
Blue Lake, Romania
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.
Lacul Iezer, Munții Rodnei, Romania
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.
Stiol Lake, Romania
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.
Pasul Gutâi, Romania
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.
Strada 22 Decembrie 1989 nr 20, Vișeu de Sus 435700, Romania
The Rodna Mountains reach the highest altitudes in the Eastern Carpathians, Pietrosu Peak measuring 2,303 m in height. Here you can explore the second largest national park in Romania, which has the most beautiful glacial landscapes. Within this park there are three strictly protected areas and four areas of full protection, and you can enjoy a beautiful landscape, and the presence of several extremely rare species of flora and fauna.
Rodna Mountains, Romania
A mountainous group belonging to the Maramureș and Bucovina Carpathians, the Țibleș Mountains are formed almost exclusively of volcanic rocks.
They are between 800 and 1800 m in height, the highest being Bran Peak, with a height of 1840 m. Here, one can visit the Arcer-Țibleș-Bran mixed nature reserve, a protected area, recognized for its special geological, floristic and faunal potential. From the Ţibleş Mountains tourists can admire 3 regions: Maramureş, Lăpuş and Năsăud county.
Lăpuș Mountains, Romania
The Royal Forest is a green patch of land in surface of 49 ha, which became a seed reserve for oak and larch species in 1964, and in 2000 it was declared a protected natural area, being owned by the Mara Forest District.
This forest is special for its unusual blend of tree species: oak, sessile oak and larch, which grow next to hornbeam, wild cherry, hazelnut and blackberry. There are still many monumental oak specimens, over 250 years old, 30 m high and more than 2 m in trunk diameter.
Ocna Șugatag, Romania
Impressive at any time of the year, the Rodna Mountains National Park is a biosphere reserve and the second largest natural park in Romania, with numerous options for hiking, mountain biking, paragliding or speleological tourism. The countless glacial valleys and cirques, as well as the 67 lakes therein, increase the spectacular nature of the park. Visitors can also enjoy the Blue Sprin Cave (peștera Izvorul Albastru), which has numerous waterfalls and imposing galleries along its 2.5 kilometer length.
Sangeorz - Bai, Romania
Discovered in the 18th century, the Chiuzbaia fossiliferous reserve was declared a protected area in 1954. It covers an area of 50 hectares and has fossiliferous remains of flora and fauna, which are approximately 6-10 million years old. These have been preserved in the diatomic shores of former lakes. The eight fossiliferous sites with plants include 55 families, from 107 genera and 240 species. The reserve is named after the professor who dedicated more than two decades of his life to its research.
Chiuzbaia 435101, Romania
The Baia Mare Edible Chestnut Tree Nature Reserve is a protected area of national interest, located on the administrative territory of Baia Mare Municipality and the towns of Baia Sprie and Tăuții Măgherăuș. This Reserve, which covers about 500 hectares, includes areas populated with edible chestnuts, a tree strongly linked to the history of Baia Mare, first recorded in a document back in 1642. This protected area reveals to visitors the most beautiful natural spectacles in the months of June and October.
Part of the administrative territory of Coroieni township, the geological nature reserve "Cheile Babei" includes the sector of gorges dug by the Poieni creek in Eocene limestone and covers an area of about 15 hectares. The reserve is home to small waterfalls, canyons and a few caves, and is of great biological importance. In the area one can also admire the famous lime kilns used to burn quarry stone.
DJ109F, Târgu Lăpuș 437127, Romania
The protected area is located in the Gutâi-Igniș Mountains and covers 15 hectares. Here we find the only andesite gorge in Romania, stretching across 700 m. The wild area and the Runcu creek, which smoothly runs through the gorge, enhance the beauty of the nature reserve. Unfortunately, once with the completion of works to the Runcu-Firiza dam, part of this picturesque area will be flooded.
DJ183A, Romania
The Limpedea Columns Nature Reserve is located in the Ferneziu neighborhood of the city of Baia Mare. The site is a geological nature reserve, declared a protected area of national interest in 2000. The volcanic rock has a spectacular appearance, being surrounded by beech, hornbeam, pine and birch forests. The reserve covers an area of three hectares, at an average altitude of 300 m. Its small terraces with patches of grassy vegetation are reminiscent of the prehistoric period, when the entire nature was wild and untouched by man.
The "stone organ" is highly sought-after by climbers. The climbing routes in the area are highly appreciated by those who come here to test their limits. In the volcanic stone quarry there are organized routes with a high degree of difficulty, so that only those who are prepared can climb it.
Strada LunciI 125, Baia Mare, Romania
The Cornu Nedeii - Ciungii Bălăsinii protected area is part of the Maramureș Mountains Natural Park. Covering an area of 500 hectares, the reserve includes mountain slopes eroded by water, springs, valleys, cliffs, glacial basins, but also junipers, pastures and forests. The protected area also includes specimens of black grouse (lat. Lyrurus tetrix).
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.
Desesti, Romania
The "Izvorul Bătrâna" hydro-geological reserve is a protected area established around the spring that has its starting point in the Bătrâna Valley. Here, the waters of the Măgura creek made their way through the rocky walls, giving rise to some particularly beautiful waterfalls. The protected area covers half a hectare, and is located in the eastern part of the Rodna Mountains.
Moisei, Romania
The Iezerul Mare Marsh protected area is a natural reserve of floristic and faunal type. Of the total well-preserved marsh area, which covers about 20 hectares, five hectares are protected by the law. The area includes a body of water surrounded by oligotrophic marshes, rich in peat-like vegetation. The reserve located on the plateau of the Igniș Mountains, at an altitude of 1,014 m, is the ideal habitat for many species of birds, mammals and reptiles, being a veritable monument of nature.
Desești, Romania
Located in the depression of the Igniș plateau, at an altitude of just under 1000 m, the Fir Trees Glade Marsh has been declared a protected area. The nature reserve includes an area of oligotrophic marshes, ideal for the development of a fauna specific to peat lands, but also meadows and areas covered with forests. The area is also known as the lowest altitude at which juniper grows in Romania. Many species of mammals, birds and reptiles find shelter in this picturesque nature reserve.
Giulesti, Romania
Located at an altitude of 1040 m, the oligotrophic marsh Tăul Negru is a protected natural area with special plant species, thus requiring the conservation of its biodiversity. The peat bog, which in some areas reaches heights between 1.8 and 3 m, has a blackish pond in its central part.
Baiut, Romania
Located within the Izvoare Plateau in the Gutâi-Igniș Mountains, the protected area overlaps the confluence of the Vlășinescu creek and river, giving rise to an area of oligotrophic marshes, conducive to the development of flora and fauna specific to peat lands. Extremely generous, scientifically and in terms of scenery, the reserve is located at an altitude of 870 m, in a natural setting reminiscent of fairy tales.
Desesti, Romania
The Bavna Forest Reserve is a protected area where, over a wooded area, one finds special specimens of pedunculate oak, some of which are over 150 years old. During the summer time, rare migratory bird species, such as the gray heron, find shelter in this area. An equally impressive natural spectacle can be admired here in the spring time, when the snake's head fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris) blooms, a species declared a monument of nature.
Miresu Mare, Romania
Also known as "At the caves" ("La Peşteri"), the nature reserve is part of the Someșan Plateau, being located in the east of Boiu Mare Township. Spread over a length of 31m and an area of 0.5 hectares, the cave has an entrance elevation of 400 m. The natural habitat and the special cave fauna have determined authorities to declare it a protected area.
Boiu Mare 437060, Romania
Located in the Lăpuș Mountains, at an altitude of 285 m, the Bone Cave is a natural area of significant speleological importance. The fossil-cave, with a single entrance and a length of about 40 m, reveals several corridors, and galleries, but its special importance is given by the bones of herbivores and bears belonging to an extinct species, as well as the traces of habitation which were discovered here. Moreover, locals say that the cave would have served as a hiding place for the legendary outlaw, Pintea the Brave.
Poiana Botizii, Romania
Solovan Hill Cave Nature Reserve is a protected area of about 1.02 hectares, which is part of the Natura 2000 Site - Iza Valley and Solovan Hill. The cave, carved in Oligocene sandstones, is located on the upper part of Solovan Hill, around it growing numerous and important floristic species, some of which are extremely rare.
Sighetu Marmației 435500, Romania
The Cave and Blue Spring of Iza Nature Reserve, because of its mixed geology and landscape, is one of the most visited among the protected areas of national interest in Maramureș County. This area is part of the Rodna Mountains National Park and covers about 100 hectares, and includes caves, rocks and canyons. The name comes from one of the tributaries of the Iza River, whose water is a blue-green rarely found in Romania. Although it is located on the administrative territory of Săcel township, the most accessible route starts from Moisei township, crossing an area of valleys and hills of rare beauty.
Sacel, Romania
This Nature Reserve of floristic, faunistic and landscape type is located in the Maramureș Mountains and stands out because of a compact alpine meadow where Narcissus radiiflorus grow, but also other floral species specific to the relief. The best time to visit the protected area is in early July, when a carpet of wild daffodils magnificently covers the glade.
The Ilba geological, paleontological and landscape nature reserve covers an area of half a hectare. Here, one can admire polygonal andesitic columns, arranged in the form of a rosette. Fossil remains of shells, ostracodes and snails have been identified in this quarry, discoveries that increase its attractiveness among paleontology enthusiasts.
*Photo credit: Muzeul Județean de Mineralogie „Victor Gorduza” Baia Mare
Ilba, Romania
The protected area is included in the Maramureș Mountains Natural Park, and its importance is enhanced by the population of Cochlearia pyrenaica that it shelters, a floristic species protected by law. The botanical and geological reserve also surprises with its beautiful limestone cliffs.
Borsa, Romania
The mixed nature reserve "Farcău Peak - Vinderelu Lake - Mihăilecu Peak" covers an area of about 100 hectares and consists of meadows and lakes, bordered by two mountain peaks, revealing a very beautiful glacial relief. The Vinderelu Lake, one of the main attractions of this protected area, is an oval-shaped glacial lake, located at an altitude of 1615 m. The reserve also surprises with rare species of plants, such as edelweiss, bog bilberry, mouse-ear-hawkweed and spring crocus (lat.crocus vernus), which can be found on the meadows.
Vârful Farcău - Lacul Vinderelu - Vârful Mihăilecu, Romania