Why Borsa, Maramureș Should Be on Your Romania Bucket List

Borșa is a charming mountain town in Maramureș, Romania, surrounded by stunning landscapes and rich traditions. Known for its natural beauty, like the Horses’ Waterfall and the towering peaks of the Rodna Mountains, it’s a perfect spot for hiking, skiing, and relaxing in nature. With its traditional wooden houses, friendly locals, and unique culture, Borșa offers a peaceful escape and a glimpse into Romania’s authentic charm.

Borșa is beautiful all year round, but it’s especially magical in winter. It’s the perfect place for ski lovers and very budget-friendly too. In this blog, I’ll share the best places to visit and things to do during a 3-day trip to Borșa.

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How to travel to Borsa
Day 1: Horses’ Waterfall, Borșa Ski Resort Telegondola
Day 2: The Roots Museum, Prislop Pass, Monastery Pietroasa
Day 3: Exploring Maramures region
Where to stay?

How to travel to Borsa

Getting from London to Borsa may seem tricky but with a little planning, it’s doable.

Nearest Airport to Borsa: Cluj-Napoca (CLJ)

You can book direct flights from London to Cluj-Napoca, which take approximately 2 hours and 55 minutes. Flights from London are quite frequent and usually very affordable. We booked our round-trip flight for about £30 in March 2024.

Once you land in Romania, you’ll need to travel to Borșa by road. Here are your options:

From Cluj-Napoca (Approx. 3–4 hours)

Car Rental: The easiest and most flexible way to travel. Roads are well-maintained, and you’ll enjoy scenic views of the Carpathian Mountains.
- Rental agencies are available at the airport.
- Use GPS or Google Maps to guide you through the route.
Public Transport:
- Take a bus or train from Cluj-Napoca to Vatra Dornei or Sighetu Marmației, then connect to Borșa via a local bus or taxi.
- Direct buses to Borșa may be available from Cluj; check schedules locally or online.

Although public transport is available, I recommend hiring a car as it is much more convenient and better for getting around the Maramures region.

Day 1: Horses’ Waterfall, Borșa Ski Resort Telegondola

Wake up bright and early, because this will be a fun-filled day! Have breakfast at the hotel and then go to one of Borșa’s most iconic natural attractions, Horses’ Waterfall (Cascada Cailor). This is Romania’s tallest waterfall and It’s stunning as water flows down the cliffs, surrounded by lush greenery or snow, depending on the season. To reach the waterfall, you need to take Telescaun Cascada Cailor(chairlift) from the base station. The chairlift ride is stunning offering incredible views of the surrounding. Once you reach the top, there’s a short but scenic hike (about 30 minutes) to the waterfall. The hike to the waterfall especially during the snow felt like we were walking in a winter wonderland.

Price for Telescaun Cascada Cailor: 40 lei/£7 per person (Ascend and Descend). You can find more about it here

After the hike, you’ll probably be hungry. For lunch, you can either return to your hotel or visit a nearby homestay called Stana Runcul Stiol, close to the chairlift. It’s run by a couple who also operate a small lunch spot serving traditional Romanian food with a great view.

After Lunch, make your way to Borșa Ski Resort Telegondola, a modern cable car that takes you up the slopes, offering spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. This is a fantastic activity, especially if you’re not into hiking but still want to soak in Borșa’s breathtaking scenery. The ride takes you up to about 1,200 meters, where you can enjoy fresh mountain air and stunning views of the Rodna Mountains. In winter, it’s a popular skiing spot, but it’s also a peaceful and scenic place in other seasons. You can explore easy walking paths near the top or just relax and take photos.

Day 2: The Roots Museum, Prislop Pass, Monastery Pietroasa

Start your day at the Roots Museum (Muzeul Rădăcinilor). This special place features sculptures made from natural roots, blending art and nature. Each piece tells a story, showcasing the creativity and traditions of the Maramureș region.

Tip: It’s a small museum, so you won’t need more than an hour to explore it.

Prislop Pass

After the Roots Museum, head to Prislop Pass which is a picturesque and highest mountain road pass in Romania that connects Maramureș with Bucovina. It’s a beautiful spot to visit especially in early summer and in winter. In winter, you can rent a snowmobile from local guides who offer tours of the area. Riding through the fresh snow, with the cold air and the Carpathian peaks around you, is an unforgettable experience.

After your snowmobile ride, enjoy lunch at Pensiunea Pasul Prislop, a cosy restaurant right at the pass. The restaurant has a rustic atmosphere with large windows that offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Monastery Pietroasa

After your time at Prislop Pass, head to a peaceful and spiritual retreat which is just a short drive from Borșa and is worth a visit. The monastery complex includes a beautiful wooden church, a two-story building for the nuns’ quarters and workshops, a summer altar, and the spiritual father’s house. The wooden church, built in the traditional Maramureș style, is a place of prayer and reflection for the community and visitors alike. The nuns here are known for their craftsmanship, creating icons and priestly garments in their workshops.

Is There Any Charge?

There is no entrance fee to visit Monastery Pietroasa. However, donations are always appreciated as they help maintain the monastery and support the nuns’ work.

Day 3: Exploring Maramures region

Today, you’ll explore the beautiful Maramureș region outside Borșa. This area offers one of the most authentic rural experiences in Romania, preserving its traditions. You’ll also discover the spiritual side of the locals and visit some fascinating monasteries, including a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Barsana Monastery

Nestled in the heart of Maramureș, Bârsana Monastery is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring this beautiful region. Known for its stunning wooden architecture, the monastery is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Maramureș. The church of the old monastery was relocated and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site, adding to its historical significance.

As you enter the monastery complex, you’ll be greeted by a traditional Maramureș gate, leading you to the bell tower and the main church. The entire structure is made of wood, showcasing the incredible craftsmanship of the region. The complex also includes a summer altar, nuns’ cells, and a chapel, each adding to the serene and spiritual atmosphere. One of the most enchanting aspects of Bârsana Monastery is the soothing music that plays throughout the compound. This gentle music enhances the peaceful ambience, making your visit even more memorable. The beauty of the monastery, combined with the tranquil sounds, creates a truly magical experience.

The Merry Cemetery of Săpânța

This was the most unique cemetery I have ever visited. Located in the village of Săpânța, the Merry Cemetery is one of Romania’s most unusual and fascinating attractions. Unlike typical cemeteries, this one is known for its brightly coloured tombstones adorned with naïve paintings and humorous epitaphs. Each tombstone tells the story of the person buried there, often in a light-hearted and poetic manner. This unique approach to remembering the deceased has turned the cemetery into an open-air museum and a national tourist attraction.

There are so many funny stories written on each of the tombstones but there was one tombstone which was quite famous and it was written for a Mother-in-law. If you are hiring a guide, they can tell you all about what’s written here or you can use Google translate but it is worth a visit.

Săpânța-Peri Monastery

Just a short distance from the Merry Cemetery, you’ll find the Săpânța-Peri Monastery, home to the tallest wooden church in the world. Built in 1997, this impressive structure stands 78 meters high and is a testament to the craftsmanship of the region. The monastery was established to revive the historical tradition of the old Peri Monastery, whose ruins are now in Ukraine. The monastery complex includes a beautiful wooden church, a summer altar, and living quarters for the nuns. The serene atmosphere and the breathtaking architecture make it a must-visit destination in Maramureș.

Memorial of the victims of Communism

This will be the last pit stop for Day 3. Located in the town of Sighetu Marmației, the Memorial of the Victims of Communism and the Resistance is a poignant reminder of Romania’s turbulent past. This memorial is dedicated to the millions who suffered under communist regimes, offering a place for reflection and remembrance.

The memorial complex includes a museum housed in a former prison, where many political prisoners were detained during the communist era. The museum is open daily, and there is a small entrance fee to help maintain the site and support its educational programs. There is also a park designed in the shape of Romania, symbolizing the unity and resilience of the nation.

Other places to visit

There are other places to visit in Maramures which you can consider if you have more time on your hands. Few guided tours happen in Maramures and you can book the tours from the tourist office in Borsa. These are the few guided tours available at present.

Where to stay?

Borșa offers a variety of cosy accommodations, from boutique hotels to charming guesthouses, all surrounded by breathtaking mountain views. While there are many lovely options to choose from, I want to share my personal experience staying at Hotel Roman, which was right in the heart of Borsa.

We stayed in this beautiful spa hotel and my room had a balcony that overlooked the stunning Rodna Mountains. Waking up to the sight of snow-covered peaks in the winter was magical. It felt like I was staying in a postcard. The hotel also had spa facilities which was a lifesaver after a day of exploring the mountains. We relaxed in the sauna, enjoyed a soothing massage, and even took a dip in their indoor pool. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and recharge.