MOCANITA - A GREAT ADVENTURE

"Wood" and "water" are two words that best define Maramures. History, tradition and life are carved in wood Maramures churches and gates, and many streams are stretched throughout the area as a cobweb, forming valleys known: Mara, Iza, Viseu and Vaser.

Among these, of particular interest to tourists is the Vaser valley, crossing the mountains of Maramures in the middle of one of the most beautiful and wild landscapes of Romania. Vaser River is about 60 km long, forming a spectacular valley, a canyon, where steep cliffs alternate with dense forests, with beautiful glades and mineral springs.

Vaser valley access point is Viseu de Sus, which is the starting point for Mocăniţa, a steam train, narrow, whose sole purpose is to go to the valley. Rail going along the river Vaser River and is one of the last track railway for steam locomotives, which is still active in Europe, and one in Romania which is still used for the logs down the mountains .Built after World War only to carry wood,Mocăniţa still is used - in surprisingly - the original purpose.

Today, despite his advanced age, the steam engine was never given a task: to carry tourists. Since this place is among the few where one can go in a wagon pulled by steam power every year, oldMocăniţa attracts thousands of tourists from around the world, offering unforgettable trips.

Tourists can go by train up until the end of the valley, and back, enjoying the beauty of nature. It is also possible that they stop on the way at one of the many halts, and to begin a trip through the mountains.

It all starts at the train station Viseu de Sus (Forest Railway or CFF Viseu de Sus Viseu de Sus). As usual this is not a train station, but a forest, there is the passenger platform. The place looks like a warehouse than a wood train station with a strong smell of freshly cut wood.

Early morning, Mocăniţa is ready for the day trip. Both carriages for tourists and the forest are attached to steam engines, are made of wood and water supplies - they are fuel steam engine - and the driver starts the engine. After a long, long train whistle, puff along the road.

Following the river to waterfalls, the first train passes near homes in Viseu de Sus.Then, after nearly seven kilometers, the route enters the forest wild, passing through steep cliffs of the gorge, and making the dark tunnels into mountains.

Silence of nature is interrupted not only by the river rushed and noisy train of pufăiturile and puff, but occasionally, and the sharp whistling of the locomotive. Mocăniţa then easily creep up the steep slopes, often giving the impression that there can advance and that steam power is not sufficient. However, unable to continue the adventure and to carry tourists in picturesque locations.

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