For a stay in Mittelstadt, natural and cultural highlights can be distinguished easily: Lacul Albastru combines a protected area with seasonally changing colours, while at Dealul Minei the focus is on the summit panorama. Banners in the Biserica romano-catolică Sf. Maria, the pottery tradition and the Vâltori in Chiuzbaia offer further perspectives. You can shape your stay around the subjects that interest you most.

Lakes, peaks and high-altitude landscapes

Lacul Albastru is a national protected area within the administrative territory of the city of Baia Sprie. The lake lies on the southern slope of Dealul Minei at an altitude of 530 m. Its colour changes with the seasons: in spring, especially in April and May, it appears blue and turquoise; in summer, emerald green; and in autumn, greenish-brown. The colour changes are attributed to iron sulphate.

The lake formed between 1919 and 1920 as water accumulated following the collapse of a mine or surface works. Its formation can therefore also be considered from the perspective of mining history.

Lacul Bodi lies at 731 m at the foot of Vârful Mogoșa, also known as Muntele Negru. Vârful Igniș offers a different landscape: it reaches 1,307 m and lies on a volcanic plateau with distinctive rock formations and blueberry and lingonberry bushes. The lake at the foot of the mountain and the plateau with its rocks and shrubs thus offer contrasting landscape features.

Mining, banners and crafts

Traseul Minier Principal leads to the 730 m summit of Dealul Minei, which offers a panorama of the surrounding area. The Puțul Francisc și Borcut trail leads to the ruins of Puțul Francisc. These have not been stabilised. The destinations are therefore quite distinct: one offers a summit panorama, while the other is a named ruin site. Together with the location of Lacul Albastru on the southern slope, these features distinguish several points on Dealul Minei.

Two miners’ banners from 1886 and 1889, as well as the banner of the potters’ guild from 1852, are on display in the Biserica romano-catolică Sf. Maria. The exhibition thus brings evidence of mining and pottery side by side.

Baia Sprie has a long pottery tradition; Daniel Leș is considered the city’s last potter. The potters’ guild banner and the description of Daniel Leș as the last potter make the tradition tangible both through a historical object and through a specific person.

Chiuzbaia also has four functioning Vâltori. They are used for washing and are also local tourist attractions. Their combination of practical use and appeal to visitors provides a different emphasis from the displayed banners: here, functioning installations take centre stage.

Discover more destinations: Ieud, Băile Borşa, Botiza, Sighetu Marmaţiei, Săcălaşeni, Baia Mare, Desești, Ocna Sugatag.

For the wider travel overview: Maramureş.