Ride on the Mocăniță: 14 kilometers between Sovata and Campul Cetății, Mureș.

The Old Mocăniță Journey

Do you remember the old mocăniță? Well, an unforgettable journey awaits you in restored carriages over a distance of 14 kilometers between the resort of Sovata and the village of Câmpul Cetății, being one of the few routes where the old locomotive still runs. The route is part of the old Târgu-Mureș - Praid line inaugurated in 1912, which was in use until 1997, and this railway segment was reopened in August 2011.

The Locomotive's History

The story of the locomotive that travels daily along the 14-kilometer route during the spring, summer, and autumn months begins in 1949 in Poland, where it was manufactured.

Specifications

• Built by the Chrzanowo factory in Poland
• Narrow-gauge steam locomotive
• Runs on either coal or wood
• Has a three-cubic-meter tank
• Total capacity of 90 seats structured across three carriages:

- Two closed carriages built over 30 years ago

- One open type, constructed in 1953

Both the locomotive and the carriages were completely rehabilitated after the year 2000, and in 2011, the route of the steam train was reopened.

Ticket Prices

The price for a one-way trip ranges from 10 to 20 lei, while a round trip costs between 15 and 30 lei. For more information about the schedule and other details, you can call 0743 - 160.556 or visit the website:

• [mocanitasovata.ro](http://mocanitasovata.ro) (the latter not being very up-to-date lately)

The Journey Experience

A journey on the narrow-gauge train between Sovata and Câmpul Cetății is more than just a train ride. Traveling at 35 kilometers per hour, a speed that has "made" the narrow-gauge train famous, it offers tourists the chance to admire some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.

Scenic Views

The route winds through:

• Dense forests around Sovata
• Open fields with views of the surrounding mountains

It’s also worth mentioning that a round trip takes about an hour and a half.

Photo Sources

• [targumureseanul.ro](http://targumureseanul.ro)
• [mocanitamures.webgarden.ro](http://mocanitamures.webgarden.ro)
• [sorinplaton.wordpress.com](http://sorinplaton.wordpress.com)