Vaser Valley

The Vaser Valley: A Scenic Passageway

Being the passageway and crossing of the Maramureș Mountains, the Vaser Valley is the scenic heart of the most impressive landscapes in our country. The spectacular valley is shaped by the Vaser River, which stretches over 60 kilometers. It encompasses all the elements that outline the grand image of the masterful landscapes of Romania.

Entrance to the Vaser Valley

The entrance to the beautiful Vaser Valley is marked by the town of Vișeu de Sus, a renowned tourist resort visited annually by tens of thousands of curious travelers. The town is situated in an intramontane depression and serves as the starting point for the beautiful journey on the *Mocănița*.

If you have ever wondered what a ride on the old and ancient Mocănița would be like, you should know that this is a railway traversed only by steam locomotives. Fortunately for us, it is located in a highly convenient tourist spot for foreign visitors, as it is one of the last active railways in Europe.

The Mocănița and Its Route

The Mocănița is used for transporting logs down from the mountains. The Vaser Valley is the route that the train takes to reach its destination. No other form of transport is accessible in this area, mainly due to the geographical setting.

While the Mocănița carries tourists up and down, providing them with the necessary technical support, the Vaser Valley is the corridor that imprints unforgettable memories and views. The fir trees, wildlife, and the entirety of natural colors are equally striking to the eye of any visitor.

Structural Features of the Vaser Valley

Structurally, the Vaser Valley is 40 kilometers long, a size maintained since 1930 when the railway was built. Three years later, it was completed, extending 56 kilometers along the entire valley. Every year, during the months between May and October, the Mocănița is active, transporting hundreds and thousands of tourists daily.

The area up to which this means of transport is usable is the tourist station Paltin, but the view leading to this area is breathtaking.

Historical Significance

Since 1909, the Vaser Valley has been home to a memorial chapel dedicated to Empress Elisabeth (also known as *Sissi), which opens the way to other sites, namely the German military cemetery at Miraj* and the latrines carved into the rock.

Conclusion

Regardless of the time of year you arrive in this area, the Vaser Valley is a spectacular region of our country that each of us should be able to visit, at least during one holiday we have (or will have).