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The narrow-gauge steam train Mocănița – an encounter with history
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In the northern part of Romania, near the border with Ukraine, "Mocăniţa on the Vaser Valley" (the Forestry Railway in Viseu de Sus) is a treasure both from a technical and a cultural point of view. Steam locomotives are running on a nearly 60-kilometer- long route, the Viseu de Sus Forestry Railway being known worldwide as the last steam- powered railway track.
The line, built according to the 760 mm Austrian-Hungarian gauge, leads to a valley of charming wildlife along the Vaser River, passing over bridges and through tunnels. The railway crosses an unpopulated forested area.
According to the official website, there have been regular steam trains for tourists in the Vaser Valley since year 2000. The season begins in the spring and ends in the autumn. The tourist trains go up to the Paltin station (km 21.6), which is about two hours away from Viseu de Sus, and a nice place has been established there to welcome tourists.
Since 2005 passenger wagons have been put into circulation.
Valea Vaserului has been under European protection since 2007, as part of the "Maramureş Mountains" Natural Park.