Things to do in Maramureș

Start with pickup from your hotel in Cluj at 8:00 AM. Make your way to the Maramures region with your experienced guide.  First stop is a visit to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the wooden church of Surdesti. This is the tallest of all eight wooden churches of Maramures. Take a walk in the best-preserved traditional village in Maramures and enjoy a traditional lunch.  Continue with the visit of another UNESCO wooden church of Desesti or Budesti. Next, see one of the most famous features of the region, the Merry Cemetery of Sapanta. Discover this unusually colourful burial grounds, said to reflect the local ethos of enjoying life to the fullest. Get back to Cluj in the evening.

Explore the Bucharest Village Museum on a guided tour. Enjoy convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Bucharest. Learn about traditional Romanian village life as you explore the museum. Meet your guide at your hotel and head to the Village Museum, also known as the National Museum of the Village Dimitrie Gusti. Located in King Michael I Park, the museum showcases traditional Romanian village life. The museum extends over 100,000 square meters and contains 123 authentic peasant settlements, 363 monuments, and over 50,000 artifacts from around Romania. Structures in the museum range from the 17th to the 20th century, representative of different ethnographic regions including Banat, Transylvania, Moldavia, Maramures, Oltenia, Dobrogea, and Muntenia.

Operating days: daily Itinerary: Cluj – Baia Mare – Surdesti – Gutin Pass- Sighetu Marmatiei – Sapanta – Cluj Day Itinerary Starting Point: Cluj 08:00 from KFC, Piata Unirii This day trip takes you through the heart of Maramureș, one of Romania’s most traditional and culturally vibrant regions, where woodcarving and woodworking have been passed down for generations 2. Baia Mare – Explore the capital of Maramureș: a city with a rich mining historylocated in the northern part of Romania, offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Main Attraction: • Old Town (Centru Vechi): • The Baia Mare Art Museum • The Maramureș Village Museum 3. Wooden Church of Șurdești: Our first major stop a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This beautiful wooden church is known for its striking tower, which once stood as the tallest in Maramureș, and its stunning interior, which remains active with local community worship. Main Attraction: • Tall Wooden Tower – Standing at 54 meters (177 feet), the church's spire makes it one of the highest wooden structures in Europe. • Traditional Maramureș Architecture – Built in 1766, the church is a fine example of Maramureș wooden church design, with hand-carved decorations and intricate wooden joinery. • Interior Murals – The interior features well-preserved 18th-century frescoes, depicting biblical scenes in vibrant colors. • Historic Wooden Craftsmanship • Religious and Cultural Significance Located in Maramureș County, the Wooden Church of Șurdești is a must-visit for those interested in Romanian history, traditional craftsmanship, and UNESCO heritage sites 4. Sighetu Marmației: we cross the scenic Gutin Pass and arrive at Sighetu Marmației, a town with a deep historical significance The main attraction of Sighetu Marmației, a historic town in Maramureș, Romania, is the Memorial to the Victims of Communism and to the Resistance. Sighet Prison Memorial, a sobering museum housed in a former prison that was used to detain political prisoners during the communist regime. It offers a powerful look at the country’s history of resistance 5. Merry Cemetery of Săpânța: is one of the most unique cemeteries in the world. Instead of traditional somber graves, this cemetery is famous for its colorful wooden crosses with humorous or poetic epitaphs, often accompanied by folk-style paintings depicting scenes from the deceased’s life. Main Attraction: • Colorful Wooden Crosses :Each grave features a brightly painted wooden cross, typically in blue, red, green, and yellow, symbolizing life, nature, and spirituality. • Humorous & Satirical Epitaphs • The Founder’s Grave: Stan Ioan Pătraș • Folk Art & Traditions 6. Retun to Cluj: After exploring these incredible sights, we return to Cluj-Napoca, with the option to visit the Wooden Church of Bogdan Vodă if time permits.

On the first day, we will drive over the Carpathian Mountains to arrive in the region of Maramures. Here, we visit the tallest wooden church in Surdesti, before visiting a popular artist from the area. You will serve a traditional lunch consisting of local dishes from the area, and in the afternoon you will visit the Merry Cemetery in Sapanta. Your day will conclude with an overnight stay in a 3-star guesthouse in the countryside. On the second day you will embark on a breathtaking tour on a steam train. You will wind along the secluded, meandering Vaser Valley. At the final destination, you will be invited to a grill lunch. In the afternoon you will visit the wooden church of Bogdan Voda and a local, traditional, pottery maker before being driven back to Cluj.

Head out of Sighetu Marmatiei into the picturesque countryside and spend the day discovering the beauty of Maramures, learning local traditions at Merry Cemetery, and visiting the Barsana Monastery on this private tour. After pickup at your hotel, drive into the Maramures region, a less-explored part of Romania. Explore the Merry Cemetery, which showcases a unique local tradition of painting gravestones with colorful scenes from the deceased's life. Next, visit the Stan Ioan Patras Museum to see traditional rural life on display. Afterward, admire 2 UNESCO World Heritage churches and the Barsana Monastery in a single day. During the tour, get the chance to meet local artisans. See women weaving carpets or dresses and men weaving hats or distilling fruits. Stop for a typical lunch to get a taste of the area too. At the end of the tour, return to Sighetu Marmatiei for drop-off at your hotel.

Meet the people who wear their handmade traditional costumes with pride, enter their homes and get to know the culture of this region through its traditions, delicious food and simplicity. This tour has been created for nature lovers, people who love tradition, architecture, history and religion. This trip will start from Cluj. Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel and you will drive north in order to reach Maramures, the land that was first mentioned in documents in 1199. Your last destination of the day will be Breb village, where you will enter through a beautiful handmade carved door, whose details have an important cultural significance, and then you will have a traditional lunch. Overnight in a beautiful, traditional house. When it comes to understanding traditions in Maramures, the most interesting experience is to enter the homes of the locals. Their home is the basis around which family, customs and traditions revolve. On this tour, you will have the opportunity to visit a traditional house, meet the locals, have a traditional lunch made with the freshest products and admire the simplicity of people’s lives. Witness several crafting activities such as wood carvings and have a taste of palinka while discussing with the locals. Besides hospitality, the people of Maramures are also known for their sense of humor, and they never cease to amazed with their funny epitaphs that you will see in one of the main attractions from this tour, the Merry Cemetery in Sapanta. Then, meet the spiritual side of the locals in Maramures, and visit some of the most interesting monasteries and churches in the region, including a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and admire the well-known wooden churches, manually carved by local craftsmen. Walk through the villages where locals keep crafting traditions alive, visit local craftsmen and admire their beautiful work, witness demonstrations and see the most ingenious natural washing machines that women used to wash their woolen rugs with the whirlpools in Maramures. To complete your experience and to make this tour more pleasant, some sightseeing have been prepared to make you feel like you are in a Lord of the Rings setting. Climb heights to admire the beautiful hill villages and fields where haycocks lie in the sun. The virgin forests in Maramures are some of the last ones in Europe that are still untouched by humans and it is the place where trees die because they are old, they fall and the wood feeds the earth for the next generations. In these woods, live trees of all ages, from hundreds of years old to just sprouted seeds, and under their branches live over 10,000 species of animals, including brown bears, wolves and deer.

Operating days: April – October: daily November – March: Thursday – Sunday Route: Cluj Napoca – Viseu de Sus – Ride on Vaser Valley – Cluj Napoca Day Itinerary Starting Point:Cluj • 07.00, in front of your hotel. Embark on a truly unique adventure as we travel to Viseu de Sus, a mountain town where tradition and nature come together. Enjoy the scenic drive through the Transylvanian countryside and get ready for a day filled with history, culture, and nature 1. Vaser Valley Steam Train (Mocănița): is known for its spectacular natural beauty and is especially famous for the Vaser Valley Steam Train and its pristine wilderness Main Attraction: • Vaser Valley Steam Train (Mocănița):The Vaser Valley Narrow Gauge Railway is one of the last operational forest steam railways in Europe.It takes visitors on a scenic ride through the valley, offering views of dense forests, mountains, and rivers. The train is an iconic part of the area's heritage, originally built for timber transportation.The trip is considered one of the most beautiful railway rides in Romania, passing through remote villages and wild landscapes. • Vaser River & Surrounding Nature: The river offers peaceful, picturesque spots perfect for picnics, fishing, or photography. • Traditional Villages & Wooden Architecture: Learn about the rich woodworking traditions of Maramureș, where every building is crafted from wood—homes, churches, and even gates. The Mocănița Train Ride offers a rare opportunity to witness this untouched beauty in its purest form, making it a perfect experience for nature lovers and those fascinated by history and tradition. 2. Discovering Maramureș Traditions: Discover how Maramureș has preserved its traditional wooden architecture, passed down through generations. Learn about the historical significance of the forest and its resources to the locals, as well as the unique relationship between the people and nature. Hear fascinating stories about the region’s history, including the invasions that forced locals to retreat into the mountains, where they rebuilt their homes and villages using wood. 3. Return to Cluj After enjoying the full experience in Viseu de Sus, we'll gather for the return trip to Cluj-Napoca. You will have time to relax and reflect on the beautiful landscapes and fascinating history you’ve encountered throughout the day.As we travel back, you will have the chance to see even more of Transylvania’s stunning countryside. The road winds through rolling hills, charming villages, and vast forests, providing a perfect ending to this adventurous journey. This day trip offers a rare chance to experience a piece of Romania’s living history, and the Mocănița Steam Train ride is an experience unlike any other. Book now for a journey through time, tradition, and natural beauty!

Enjoy the slow rhythm of the train, listen to the soothing sound of the wheels on the tracks, and admire breathtaking scenery featuring medievalcastles, fortified churches, and well-preserved traditions. Along the way, you'll have the chance to visit iconic Transylvanian landmarks, savor delicious local cuisine, and meet artisans who keep ancient crafts alive. Whether you are passionate about history, nature, or simply looking for an authentic experience, this journey promises unforgettable memories! Drive along the Valley of the Olt River, through the Red Tower Pass the former border between Transylvania and Walachia. Stop at the Cozia monastery, the oldest monastery in Romania. In the afternoon, arrival in Sibiu, the former European Capital of Culture in 2007. City tour in Sibiu with the visit of the Big and Small Rings, the Bridge of Lies, and as well as the Orthodox Cathedral. Arrival in the evening in Bazna. During the morning drive to the largest Saxon church in Transylvania, namely Biertan. Upon arrival in Sighisoara you will make a city tour with the visit of the Clock Tower, the birthplace of Count Dracula, and also the Church upon the Hill. In the afternoon, a carriage ride to the fortified church of Boian.In the morning drive to Turda and visit the salt mine. Afterward, city tour in Cluj-Napoca with the visit of the Orthodox cathedral and the statue of Mathias Corvinus. In the afternoon drive to Sapanta where you will visit the Merry Cemetery. Accommodation in Sighetu Marmatiei.In the morning drive to Viseu de Sus where the steam train is waiting for you. The narrow railway of only 760 mm leads us through a wild and romantic forest area into the Carpathians. In addition to the beautiful landscape, you can admire many bridges and tunnels along the route. The valley of the Vaser River was already used in the 18th century by the Austrian monarchy as a waterway through the dense forests of the Carpathians. You will also enjoy a picnic with drinks included in the mountains. In the afternoon transfer from Viseu to your hotel in Bistrita.During the morning you will proceed to the Sovata resort. The health resort is famous all over the world for its thermal baths. Here you will enjoy a steam train ride as well along the narrow railway from Sovata to Campu Cetatii and back. The trip continues to Predeal via Praid and Homorod.During the morning you will drive to Brasov where you will make a short city tour in the old city center. The next point of interest is the Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s Castle. After a short stop in Sinaia to admire the Peles Castle (exterior visit), the former summer residence of the Romanian Royal Family, you will continue to Bucharest. Afternoon sightseeing in the Romanian capital with the visit of the Patriarchal Church and the Village Museum. In the evening you will enjoy a festive dinner with a folklore program at the “Hanul lui Manuc” restaurant.

On the first day, we will cross the Carpathian Mountains to arrive in Maramures Region. But before this, we will stop in Ciocanesti, a village in Bucovina Region. Here you will see the well known traditional painted houses. The first stop in Maramures will be at Happy Cemetery in Sapanta. An outside museum build into a real cemetery, a museum of painting, writing and sculpturing the ideea of live and death in an unique way. From here, we will visit Peri Monastery in Sapanta, the tallest wood made building in Europe, at 78 m high at the top. Our next visit will be next to Negresti Oas city, the hart of Oas County Region. Here you will have the rare oportunity to enter a place where palynca is made. A traditional distilery, where the hole process of palynca making will be reveiled. Here you will taste from different types of palynca. At the end of the day, you will stay to a remote traditional Maramures house, next to the forest, in Vadu Izei. Traditional food and drinks, traditional clothes that you can dress for pictures, will make an unforgetible evening. On the second day, you will enter in another world. The world of the victims of the Comunism sistem. Here, at the Comunism's Victims Memoryal, you will find out what Comunism meant for real in Roumania and other countrys. This place is a museum situated inside of an old prison, build by the Maghiar autorities at the end of 19th century. It's hard to speak about the feelings you will have inside the building. Living the Memoryal behind, we will go to one of the most beautifull monasterys in Maramures. It is Barsana Monastery. To get here, we go through Maramures villages, where we can see lots of old wooden houses and well known Maramures Gates. After the visit to Barsana Monastery, you will be driven back to your hotel. For this 2 days, the lunch will be arround 15 Euros/day/person. For dinner, in Vadu Izei, the food and drinks are included.