About Eco Maramureș
Eco Maramureș is an ecotourism destination in Maramureș, stretching on both sides of the Gutâi Mountains, from the villages in the Mara and Cosău valleys to Baia Sprie and its surrounding villages. It covers the communes of Budești, Călinești, Desești, Giulești and Ocna Șugatag and the town of Baia Sprie, bringing together 20 localities in an area where nature, village life and local history are discovered together.
In a spectacular natural setting of forests, hay meadows and pastures, lakes, peat bogs and volcanic ridges, the villages of the destination keep their rural charm. Traditional houses and homesteads, carved gates and wooden churches speak of the skill of the people who, over the centuries, built a true “wood civilisation” here.
With its extension towards Baia Sprie and Giulești, Eco Maramureș has added new chapters to its story: new natural and cultural landscapes, trails and outdoor activities, as well as the heritage of an old mining town.
Nature, on foot or on two wheels
Eco Maramureș is a place worth discovering slowly. Hiking and cycling trails lead you through villages, hay meadows and forests, towards lakes, peat bogs, gorges and the ridges of the Gutâi Mountains.
The Rooster’s Crest (Creasta Cocoșului) is one of the destination’s natural landmarks, alongside the Chendroaiei Tarns, Morărenilor Lake, the Hoteni Tarns, the Iezerul Mare Peat Bog, Tătarului Gorge and the Royal Forest (Pădurea Crăiască). The extension of the destination brings new protected natural areas and opens towards the Baia Sprie – Chiuzbaia – Igniș area, with the Blue Lake, forests, rock formations and landscapes that tell the story of the volcanic origin of the Gutâi Mountains.
For those who prefer active holidays, the choice is now even wider: hiking and cycling, rock climbing, paragliding, skiing and other outdoor activities.
The wood civilisation
Walking through the village lanes, you discover what local people have built here from wood for centuries: churches and gates, houses and homesteads, tools and household objects.
The wooden churches are among the best-known landmarks of Maramureș, and two of those in the destination are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Maramureș gates, made by local craftsmen, keep old motifs – the twisted rope, the sun, the tree of life, the wolf’s teeth, flowers and animals – each with its own meaning.
A town that grew around mining
Baia Sprie brings a different story to Eco Maramureș from that of the villages: the story of an old mining town whose history was tied for centuries to the riches hidden in the Gutâi Mountains.
Traces of mining can still be seen today in the landscape and in the town’s heritage: the Dawn Crack (Crăpătura Zorilor), the old mining galleries dug into Mine Hill (Dealul Minei), the Francisc Shaft, the Miners’ Gate and the famous mineral flowers recall the generations who worked underground.
In the historic centre of Baia Sprie, the town’s past can be read in the buildings and monuments of Liberty Square (Piața Libertății): the former Mining Office, now the Town Hall, the old Coroana Hotel, and the churches and houses that keep the atmosphere of bygone days.
It is another face of Maramureș, a natural complement to the world of the villages and the wood civilisation.
Living crafts
In the past, people made almost everything they needed in their own households. Some of these crafts are still alive: wood carving, spinning and weaving, sewing traditional Maramureș shirts, and making sheepskin coats, straw hats, leather sandals (opinci) and beaded necklaces (zgărdane).
The extension of the destination also brings new craftspeople and local producers, adding to the experiences and products made here.
And traditional costumes are not just museum pieces. In many villages they are still worn today, especially on Sundays, at church, on holidays and at important community events.
Traditions and country life
In Eco Maramureș, traditions are still part of community life. Christmas and New Year, Easter, weddings, church patron days and village celebrations bring together the music, dances, costumes and customs passed down from generation to generation.
The life of the place can also be discovered through its people. The Eco Maramureș ecotourism network includes guesthouses, small restaurants and local food spots, guides, craftspeople and local producers. They are the people who can lead you along the trails, open the door of a workshop for you or sit you down at the table to discover the flavours of Maramureș.
With respect for nature and people
Eco Maramureș is more than a list of places to visit. We believe in tourism that keeps the spirit of the place intact and respects nature, the landscape, the culture, the customs and the traditions of local communities.
When you choose a guesthouse, a guide, a craftsperson, a small restaurant or an experience offered by local people, you contribute directly to the economy of the communities you visit and to preserving their identity.
We invite you to discover Eco Maramureș slowly – on foot, by bike, or simply by settling for a few days into the rhythm of the place.