3 days in the city of Satu Mare

In the city of Satu Mare we’ll go to visit the city and then we’ll go for a thermal water bath just to brush our senses and relax. Your stay at Satu Mare covers beginner instructions on edible and medicinal mushrooms and plants. If time and weather permits we might go to forage for herbs and mushrooms around the city of Satu Mare.

7 Days in the wonderland of Maramures, Region of Romania

Whether you’re a history enthusiast, nature lover, or cultural explorer, Maramures promises a journey that not only delights the senses but also enriches the soul. It is a place where time has slowed down with a way of life that has endured through the ages.  It is famous due to its cultural traditions, culinary delights, carved wooden gates, wooden churches, and natural beauty.

In Maramures we’ll have the chance to see the following attractions:

The Merry Cemetery of Sapanta

It is famous for its brightly colored tombstones with naive paintings describing, in an original and poetic manner, the people who are buried there in addition to scenes from their lives.  The cemetery is noted for featuring a large number of humorous epitaphs that generally poke fun at the interred person in a light-hearted way or reference a general trope about family relations. The cemetery’s origins are linked with the name of Stan Ioan Pătraș, a local artist who sculpted the first tombstone crosses. In 1935, Pătraș carved the first epitaph and, as of the 1960s, more than 800 of such oak wood crosses came into sight. 

The pre-industrial whirlpools of Sapanta

The hydro-powered washing machines/ whirlpools have been used by the local since early 1800s to clean carpets, rugs, blankets and heavy coats. Rapid water streams are directed towards a large cone-shaped wooden basin to create a powerful whirlpool which tumbles the carpets to remove the dirt

The Wooden Monastery of Barsana

The Bârsana Monastery is one of the most beautiful wooden monastic complexes in northern Romania, located in the scenic Iza Valley. Built in traditional Maramureș style, the monastery is known for its tall wooden structures, intricate carvings, and peaceful setting surrounded by hills and forests.

Its origins date back to the 18th century, with the old wooden church (built in 1720) now part of the UNESCO-listed wooden churches of Maramureș, while the current complex was rebuilt after 1993 as a vibrant spiritual and pilgrimage site.

Today, Bârsana Monastery stands as a symbol of Romanian Orthodox faith and craftsmanship, where architecture, nature, and spirituality blend into a serene and deeply authentic atmosphere.

Breb

We’ll spend 3-4 days in the traditional village of Breb. A hidden treasure that promises an authentic experience of traditional Romanian life, Breb Village is a destination that captivates travelers with its rustic charm, rich history, and breathtaking landscapes.  If time permits we’ll go up on the mountain called Creasta Cocosului (The Rooster’s Comb). The local wood carver Ioan Petric has opened his workshop for visitors and we’ll try to visit his workshop. Here’s some pictures of The wooden church Archangels Michael & Gabriel of Breb.

Ocna Sugata Area

Ocna Șugatag is a charming spa village in Maramureș, Romania, known for its salt lakes and therapeutic mineral waters. Nestled among gentle hills and traditional wooden houses, it has long been a place where people come to relax, heal, and reconnect with nature. The salty lakes—formed in old salt mines—are especially popular for their buoyancy and health benefits.

Beyond its wellness appeal, the village keeps the authentic spirit of Maramureș alive, with local traditions, handcrafted gates, and a calm, welcoming atmosphere that makes it feel both restorative and timeless.

The Viseu Valley Area

Then, we’ll go to visit the fascinating area of Viseu Valley where we’ll spend another 3 days or so exploring and foraging for wild food.

Tucked away in northern Romania, the Vișeu Valley is one of the most picturesque and authentic regions of Maramureș. Carved by the Vișeu River and surrounded by forested mountains, the valley is dotted with traditional wooden villages where time seems to move more slowly. It’s best known for its narrow-gauge steam train, the Mocănița, which winds through wild, untouched landscapes and offers a glimpse into the area’s old forestry traditions.

Rich in culture and natural beauty, the Vișeu Valley preserves a way of life shaped by nature, craftsmanship, and deep-rooted traditions—making it a peaceful escape into a simpler, more genuine world.

The old wooden church Archangel Michael & Gabriel of Surdesti

Built in 1721, it is one of eight buildings that make up the wooden churches of Maramureș UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a historical monument known to be the tallest wooden church of the region. 

Note: the itinerary might have some variations depending on different factors such as: weather/participant wishes, etc. Participants should be prepared for long hikes with a back pack on, should bring sturdy boots, and a rain coat. We’ll stay at local guest houses and possibly hotels. Bears are not common for the area but not excluded. The hiking trails might cross over creeks and steep areas and therefore you must be prepared for such an adventure.