All aboard: 7 steam train routes to discover Romania
One of best ways to discover the far corners of Romania is by taking the steam-train known locally as Mocăniţa. The train used to run on a narrow gauge in the mountain regions of the country. Its utilitarian, raw-materials transport…
RI Newsroom · Journalist
· Updated · 4 min read
One of best ways to discover the far corners of Romania is by taking the steam-train known locally as Mocăniţa. The train used to run on a narrow gauge in the mountain regions of the country. Its utilitarian, raw-materials transport function is mostly gone today but the routes it served still offer beautiful views of less trodden paths. Some of the available itineraries bellow, if you care to hop on. Vișeul de Sus, Maramureș This steam train runs from Vișeul de Sus, in Northern Romania’s Maramureș county to Paltin, for a two-hour ride on the Vaserului valley. The line was initially built for the transport of wood in the area, and it is still used as a forestry line, the last steam-powered remaining one in use in the world.
The train runs from March to November. Tickets cost between RON 35 (EUR 7.7) and RON 64 (EUR 14). The schedule and price options for this year can be checked here. For those looking to linger a bit more in the area, a train-hotel is available next to the CFF railway station in Vișeul de Sus. A total of 20 sleeper compartments can be rented, each with two beds, with a total space for 40 guests. Further information here. Travel planner: Back in time with the Mocăniţa – Romania’s famous steam train (Photo by Daniel Andreica. Photo source: Mocăniţa Steam Train Facebook Page) Criscior - Brad, Abrud - Câmpeni, Hunedoara/Alba The only Mocănița train in Central Romania’s Hunedoara county travels on the 7 km route between Criscior and Brad.
The train, which has a capacity of 130 seats, operates on this route twice a week, on Thursdays and Fridays, until September 8, 2017. Besides the train ride, the tourists can visit the locomotive workshop in Criscio and the Gold Museum in Brad. On Thursdays, the market in Brad, located right next to Mocanita’s route, can also be visited. During the weekends, the train travels between Abrud and Câmpeni, in Alba county. The price of a round trip ticket is RON 20 (about EUR 4.4) for adults and RON 10 (some EUR 2.2) for children. Further info
