The trains of Romania in 9 days

Discover the Unique Rail Heritage of Romania in 9 Days

This 9-day tour of Romania, offered by Maramures Tours and priced at $2,402 per person, immerses travelers in the country’s most impressive train routes and railway attractions. The tour is designed for those interested in historic railways, scenic journeys, and railway museums, offering a combination of picturesque train rides and cultural sightseeing. It includes the chance to experience Europe’s last forest and mining trains, travel on three different railway gauges, and sleep overnight on a night train.

While the tour covers extensive ground across Romania’s provinces—Transylvania, Banat, Valachia, Bucovina, and Maramure—it’s especially suited for those who enjoy train journeys, railway history, and scenic landscapes. The pace is engaging, with a mix of train rides, sightseeing, and museum visits, though it requires a moderate level of mobility and comfort with travel. The tour’s small group size (limited to 8 participants) ensures plenty of personalized attention and flexibility.

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Key Points

• Explore Romania’s most scenic train routes, including Oravia-Anina, Bumbeti-Livezeni, and Salva-Vieu.
• Ride historic and special narrow-gauge trains, such as the forest carrier on Vaser Valley and the Mocnia line.
• Visit notable railway museums, including Reia and Sibiu locomotive collections.
• Experience the last forest and mining trains of Europe, some still operational.
• Sleep on a night train to add a unique element to the journey.
• Travel in a small group with a live English or French-speaking guide, ensuring a personal experience.

Starting Point and Transportation Logistics in Romania

The tour begins in Cluj-Napoca at Avram Iancu Square, where participants meet for the first train ride. All transportation fees, train tickets, and hotel pickups are included, making logistics straightforward for travelers. The tour includes all entrance fees at museums and attractions, with flexibility to adapt the itinerary if needed. This setup benefits those who prefer a well-organized trip with minimal hassle.

Riding the Oravia-Anina Train – Romania’s Semmering

The first day features a ride on the Oravia-Anina train, often called Romania’s Semmering due to its scenic mountain route. This train journey offers spectacular views and the chance to visit the Reia train museum, where the history of Romanian railways is on display. The route’s reputation for its stunning landscapes makes it an ideal introduction to Romania’s railway scenery.

Exploring the Bumbeti-Livezeni Line and Sibiu Locomotive Collection

On day two, travelers ride the historic Bumbeti-Livezeni line, another scenic route through Romania’s countryside. That afternoon, visitors explore the Sibiu locomotives collection, which showcases various engines and railway artifacts, providing insight into the country’s railway development.

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Discovering Sibiu’s Medieval Charm and Narrow Gauge Preservation

Day three includes a visit to the medieval Sibiu town, famous for its well-preserved architecture and vibrant history. The tour also features the Cornel Mocnia narrow-gauge line, which is currently undergoing restoration, offering a glimpse into the future of Romania’s narrow-gauge heritage.

Narrow-Gauge Mining and Limestone Lines

The fourth day highlights the Fieni-Pietroia narrow-gauge diesel limestone carrier, a working freight line that offers a glimpse into Romania’s industrial rail history. The day also includes a visit to Pele Castle, adding a cultural element to the railway-focused itinerary.

Visiting Brasov and Night Travel to Maramure

Day five takes visitors to Brasov, a city known for its medieval walls and mountain backdrop. That evening, the group boards a night train bound for Maramure, experiencing Romania’s railway overnight experience firsthand.

The Famous Salva-Vieu Scenic Route and Maramure Attractions

On day six, the tour rides the Salva-Vieu route, renowned for its scenic views and traditional villages. During the day, travelers visit various Maramure attractions, enriching the experience with local culture and history.

Vaser Valley Forest Train and Narrow-Gauge Locomotive Depots

Day seven involves riding the Vaser Valley narrow-gauge forest train, one of the most iconic Romanian narrow-gauge lines. Alternatively, a minivan on rails offers a different way to explore the same area. Travelers also visit the locomotive depot, gaining behind-the-scenes access to railway operations.

Moldova Mocnia Steam Train and Ukraine Border Freight Trains

Day eight brings a visit to the Moldova Mocnia narrow-gauge steam train, another operational heritage line. The day also includes viewing the painted monasteries, adding cultural richness, and observing Ukrainian broad-gauge freight trains at the Dorneti border railway station.

Final Stop at Dej Train Museum and Return to Cluj-Napoca

The tour concludes on day nine with a visit to the little-known Dej train museum and depot, offering a final insight into Romania’s railway history. After exploring the museum, the group returns to Cluj-Napoca, where the tour started and ended, completing a comprehensive journey through Romania’s railway landscape.

The Unique Experience of Rail Museums and Border Crossings

Throughout the tour, visitors see several specialized rail museums, including the Reia and Sibiu collections, which display vintage locomotives and railway memorabilia. One of the tour’s highlights is observing Ukrainian broad-gauge freight trains at the border station, a rare opportunity to see the different railway gauges in action. These visits offer a deep dive into the technical and historical aspects of Romanian and regional railways.

The Specialty Trains – Forest and Mining Lines

A major draw of this tour is the chance to ride the last forest and mining trains of Europe. These narrow-gauge trains, such as the Vaser Valley forest carrier and the Mocnia line from Moldova, are still operational and offer authentic, working examples of industrial railway heritage. These lines provide an unusual, working glimpse into Romania’s industrial past, making the tour stand out for train enthusiasts.

Practical Details and Group Size

The tour operates with a small group of up to 8 participants, ensuring a personalized and flexible experience. Guides speak English and French, offering explanations and stories about each stop. The trip is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with motion sickness, due to the nature of train rides and certain activities. Travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes for walking and exploring.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This specialized train journey suits railway fans, history buffs, and anyone looking for scenic train travel across Romania’s diverse landscapes. It’s well-suited for those comfortable with moderate travel and physical activity, given the multiple train rides and museum visits. The inclusion of scenic routes, heritage lines, and border crossings makes it an appealing choice for curious travelers eager to see Romania from a unique perspective.

Final Thoughts on the 9-Day Romania Rail Adventure

This 9-day tour offers a comprehensive look at Romania’s railway heritage, combining spectacular scenic train routes with visits to historic locomotives and operational narrow-gauge lines. The experience balances industrial history, cultural sites, and natural beauty, all woven together through Romania’s extensive rail network.

While the tour is pricey at $2,402, it delivers an immersive, niche experience that few other trips can match—especially for train enthusiasts or those interested in industrial and railway history. The small group size and experienced guides ensure a personalized journey, making this a memorable exploration of Romania’s railway treasures.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for travelers with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or those with significant mobility challenges, as it involves multiple train rides and walking at various stops.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transportation, train tickets, entrance fees, hotel pickup and drop-off, and guided explanations in English or French.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, cancellations are possible up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, as there is walking involved. Pets, alcohol, and drugs are not allowed onboard for safety reasons.

What makes this tour stand out from other European train trips?
It is unique for its focus on the last forest and mining trains in Europe, riding three different railway gauges, and visiting specialized rail museums across Romania.

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