Maramureș & Munții Rodnei

Maramureș is the land of carved gates, wooden churches and villages where time runs differently — and above them rise the Rodnei Mountains, the highest range of the Eastern Carpathians. It's a place where the living tradition of the valley and the alpine wilderness of the ridge stand a few steps apart, joined by trails that climb from pastures to glacial cirques and clear lakes.

What it is and why it's worth it The crown of the area is Pietrosul Rodnei Peak, the highest point of the Eastern Carpathians, protected together with the surrounding crests by Rodnei Mountains National Park, a biosphere reserve. Below the ridges hides Cascada Cailor, one of the country's most spectacular waterfalls, above the resort of Borșa. Down in the valley, the Maramureș villages keep an internationally recognised wooden heritage.

When to go Summer (June–September) is the ridge season: long hikes, glacial cirques and high-altitude lakes. Autumn sets the beech and spruce forests alight. In winter, the Borșa ski area, with its gondola and slopes toward the crest, brings skiing and views. Weather above 2000 m changes fast and the alpine routes demand experience — check the mountain forecast and note Salvamont.

What to do The landmark ascent is Borșa – Pietrosul Rodnei, past the glacial Iezer lake, up to the massif's highest peak. For an easier day, the trail to Cascada Cailor climbs gently from the resort. All variants are on the trails hub, the highlights on the attractions list, and hiking can be combined with visits to the wooden villages — see experiences.

Getting there, where to stay DN18 crosses the Prislop Pass, linking Borșa to Bucovina; roads to the Maramureș villages set off from Sighet and Vișeu — check conditions on the roads page and on the map. Lodging ranges from traditional guesthouses to hotels in Borșa, with meals at restaurants serving Maramureș cuisine. Close neighbours: the Gutâi Mountains and Bucovina.

Practical note: the route to Pietrosul is long and exposed — start early, carry water and windproof gear, and turn back if the weather breaks.