Sources for Hiking Info

Which mountains do you have in mind?

Any that are accessible that time of year. We figure we have enough time for anywhere in the country. We like a mix of above and below tree line.

We are experienced hikers, not climbers, not fond of exposure, but we can handle some serious altitude gain and loss. We anticipate hiking in the mountain between cabanas as well as possibly hiking between small villages. We'd rather not carry tent, etc., but would be able to carry food. We will have warmth.

Hi,
Up here in Maramures you can have good hikes in the mountains (for example in the National Park Maramures or the Rodna Mountains), as well as shorter hikes on a bit lower mountains (for example Mount Gutai, 1500 metres), and wonderfull walks from village to village.

Have a good trip,
Matthijs

Mattijs,

Will we find info about these hikes in the villages, or just in the larger cities? Any particularly good sources?

+Mattijs,
Will we find info about these hikes in the villages, or just in the larger cities? Any particularly good sources?+

In the border town of Sighet you will find a few book shops with maps, as well as a hostel (Cowobs) who can provide you with info. In the (not so nice) town of Borsa you can probably get info about the nearby Rodna mountains. In the village of Breb there is a hostel/campsite (Babou) who can provide you with info about nearby walks and villages. Also there are 'pensiunea' in the villages, but very few of them speak English so this can be hard.

Have a good trip,
Matthijs

Another good option are the mountains and villages around the Piata Craiului National Park. Maps (and advice) can be found in Brasov at Himalaya - an excellent outdoors shop. At that time of year you'll probably still have some snow at the higher altitudes. Personally I think Magura makes a good starting point, but there are also other villages around the edge of the park, and I believe about three or four cabanas higher up within the park.

As I'm sure you've seen in your research, there is no shortage of excellent hiking through Romania. Ceahlau National Park is also fantastic, although I'm not quite as familiar with that area (I only went once, two summers ago). A big strength of Mattijs' suggestion in Maramures are the villages around (as I imagine you've also read about).

-Greg

Am I correct that Maramures is more rolling hills than mountains?

Depends on where you go. In the old traditional part where the nicest villages are (roughly the area consisting of the Cosau, Mara and Iza-valleus), it is more rolling hills, with some higher points with Mount Gutai as one of the highest and most famous (1500 metres high). In the (north-) east of Maramures are the Rodnei Mountains with peaks till 2300 metres.

Matthijs

Thanks.