The Mocănița in Vișeu de Sus is one of the last working forestry steam railways in Europe, built in 1932 to haul timber out of the Maramureș mountains. Today it runs mainly as a tourist attraction, carrying visitors through the virgin forests of the Vaser Valley, about 24 km from Borșa.
History
The narrow-gauge line (760 mm) was built in 1932 for logging operations in the Vaser Valley and stayed in use for timber transport for decades. The steam locomotives, some original to the interwar period, are still maintained and run for tourist trips today, making the Mocănița one of the few forestry railways with steam traction still active on the continent.
The Route
The tourist run departs from the CFF station in Vișeu de Sus, at 400 m altitude, and follows the Vaser river for about 22 km to Paltin station (44 km round trip), crossing bridges and virgin forest, with stops along the way. It's a contemplative ride, suited to all ages, with no physical effort required from passengers.
Duration and Tickets
A full round trip takes around 5.5-6 hours, including stops. The operator typically offers a standard ticket (transport plus access to the railway museum) and options with an onboard meal. Booking ahead is recommended, especially in July-August, when runs can sell out — tickets can be bought online on the official CFF Vișeu de Sus website, which also has the current schedule.
Best Season
The Mocănița generally runs May through October, with daily departures in peak season (July-August) and multiple runs per day during busy periods. For a full seasonal breakdown of the Borșa area, see our season-by-season guide.
What to Bring
- Warm clothing or an extra layer — the open carriages can be cool and dusty, especially in the morning.
- Water and a snack for the nearly 6-hour ride, though some tickets include an onboard meal.
- A camera — the route through the Vaser Valley's virgin forest is one of the most photogenic in Maramureș.
- Cash for local products or snacks at stops along the way.
The Mocănița is just one of the attractions around Borșa — see our experiences page for the rest, or our accommodation guide for properties in Borșa and Moisei.