Sites

Some of the great sites of the area are the main mountainous ridges accessible throughout the year, the Vinderel lake, the Repedea river valley and its affluents, as well as the generous alpine forests and grasslands. On St. Elijah's Day, tourists climb up to the Vinderel lake, which is impressive in its size and legend, which has it that on St. Elijah's Day, maidens should walk to the lake and wash in its waters while uttering magic incantations, which will enable them to get married soon, most likely before yearend, to a good husband. The lake is also accessible in SUVs. The trail starts from the center of the commune and is marked in white and blue. The Vinderel Lake is situated at the foot of the Farcău peak, at an altitude of 1,615 m.

The Tomnatecu ridge, on the left slope of the Repedea valley, is special due to its subalpine flora, and especially because of the POIANA NARCISELOR (The Narcissus Field, the second such reserve in the country). The best time to visit is especially in late May and early June, when flowers are in bloom and the Narcissus Celebration takes place in Repedea, in the last Sunday in May. In addition, this is where you can enjoy the hospitality and charming simplicity of the shepherds in the nearby settlement. Access is provided by a marked trail which starts from the center of the commune and continues along the Tomnatic river valley. This valley is home to a mineral spring ("borcut").

The Farcău Peak is another great site of the region, the highest in Maramureşului Mountains, with a height of 1,957 m. The place in itself is great for its panoramic view, overlooking the mountainous ridge of the Gutai, Ţibleş, and Rodnei Mountains, as well as the regions of the "Ukrainian Maramureş" close to the frontier (the Ciorna Gora peak). This is the home of the delicate yet inconspicuous edelweiss, a protected species.

The Rugaşu ridge, near the Farcău peak, stands out with its subalpine landscape and the small periglacial rings.

The Pietriceaua ridge is special thanks to its steep slopes, its caves and sinkholes, which make it a great place for mountain climbing.

The Pop Ivan peak, located at the border with Ukraine, is spectacularly massive and resplendent with its alpine and subalpine landscape.

The Repedea river valley, resembling a miniature canyon, surrounded by forests, is an ideal place for hiking.

A man-made site is the Ukrainian Orthodox church, erected in 1901.

In addition, two Orthodox wooden churches lie on Ruscovei Valley (one in the Ruscova commune and one in the Poienile de sub Munte commune). The Poieni wooden church is national heritage and is protected by the law.

Winter on Ruscovei Valley

• In the Maramureşului Mountains, the layer of snow ranges between 20 and 100 centimeters. Paths are deserted, even wildlife is seldom seen.

• The only accommodation is available in chalets, in: the Repedea commune (on the homonymous valley), Coşnea (east of Poienile de sub Munte), the ones in Vaser (manily Novat, Faina and Comanu). Sleeping in the tent is not recommended (weather is unstable and can become harsh).

• GOING ON THE PEAKS AT THE BORDERLINE, FARCĂU-MIHAILECU AND PIETROSU BĂRDĂU, IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED! Distances are huge, there are no trails, the snow is thick and there is a high risk of avalanche!

• There is no signal for mobile phones in the area, and there is no Mountain Rescue Service!

• The Maramureşului Mountains are very beautiful in winter, but they are wild and desert. If you wish to climb them, announce your destination to the last inhabited location, be very cautious, and do not venture in hazardous areas!

• The legislation in force stipulates you must inform local authorities and the Border Police in case you wish to go to the heart of the mountain, as this area is a state frontier!