More Information – History

Mocănița, also known as the Valea Apei Railway, is a narrow-gauge railway that runs with steam locomotives on a 60-kilometer route through the most beautiful forests in Romania to the Eastern Carpathians. The word Mocăniță is a term of endearment and derives from the Romanian language “Mocan”, which translates as “shepherd” or “the one who lives in the mountains”. Mocăniță was built after the First World War to transport timber and has been used for this purpose ever since with its steam locomotives, being the last logging railway in Europe in regular operation. To the delight of many tourists, the railway is now also used for passenger transport and offers its travelers the most beautiful nature and pure nostalgia on the 20-kilometer section Upper Viseu de Sus (Oberwischau) – Paltin through the Vaser Valley.

The Vaserului Valley (Water Valley) formed by the Vaser River is a special place, full of untouched nature. The Vaser crosses the Maramureș Mountains forming spectacular gorges and breathtaking landscapes along the way. The starting point for exploration and excursions in the Vaser Valley is the town of Vișeu de Sus (Oberwischau), which is also the starting point for a trip to Mocănița. The railway line runs right along the river and offers passengers fantastic views of the Vaser Valley and its beauty.

In recent years, the railway line has been supported by various sponsors, new freight wagons have been purchased, the depot and the historic building of the Vișeu de Sus station have been restored, and important infrastructure has been created around the station. Besides Mocăniţa, the railway line is also used by more modern diesel locomotives, mainly for the wood industry.

• Period November 27 – December 7: daily;
• Period December 12 – December 14: daily;
• Period December 18 – December 23: daily;
• Trains for the winter holidays: 26 – 31 December 2025; 02 – 11 January 2026.
• Period January 15 – March 1: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday;
• Period March 6 – April 3: Friday, Saturday, and Sunday;
• Period April 3 – August 11: daily;
• Period April 13 – July 31: daily

For trains in the periods mentioned above, except for holidays, the following fares apply:

Single ticket (only the round trip with Mocănița) at the price of:
– 136 lei / person, for adults;
– 126 lei / person, for students / pensioners / persons with disabilities;
– 95 lei / person, for students;

The Mocănița Special Package (contains a hot drink, a soft drink, a grill platter and a pastry) at the price of:
– 198 lei / person, for adults;
– 189 lei / person, for students / pensioners / persons with disabilities;
– 149 lei / person, for students.

For Easter and winter holidays trains, the following fares apply:

The standard package (contains a hot drink, a doughnut) at the price of:
– 165 lei / person, for adults;
– 156 lei / person, for students / pensioners / persons with disabilities;
– 119 lei / person, for students.

The All Inclusive package (contains a hot drink, a doughnut, a soft drink and a plate) at the price of:
– 206 lei / person, for adults;
– 197 lei / person, for students / pensioners / persons with disabilities;
– 155 lei / person, for students.

Preschoolers benefit from free transport, but they must also be mentioned in the number of people, so that everyone can have a place in the carriages.

During the holidays, advance booking is RECOMMENDED. Otherwise, there is a risk of not finding seats on the morning of the trip.

Tickets can be bought online from our website www.mocanita-maramures.com.

We make phone reservations for groups larger than 15 paying people, by phone at 0372 672 480 or via E-Mail at office@mocanita-maramures.com, with the payment of an advance in advance.