Vama combines a long ceramic tradition with hiking trails to mountain destinations and Băile Puturoasa. Those looking to experience culture and nature side by side will find concrete points of interest here: local pottery history, routes starting in Vama, and bathing pools with recreational facilities.

Location and Getting There

Vama lies on the road between Satu Mare and Sighet, at the entrance to Negrești-Oaș. The access road to Băile Puturoasa runs from Satu Mare via DN19/E81 and the towns of Oraşu Nou and Vama. This makes it easy to plan your journey, from the regional road network to a specific sequence of stops on the way to the baths.

Ceramic Tradition in Vama

Vama is known for the ceramic pieces made here. Pottery was already being produced in the town before 1850. The Istvánfi family is considered the only potter family in the Land of Oaș and continues the tradition both in its home workshop and at the Oaș Land Museum.

Istvanfi Gheza received the “Living Human Treasure” award in 2022 and runs his own workshop at his home in Vama, at 531 Strada Ion Creangă. The workshop location may change; check the address before setting out. The collection at the Vama Ceramics Museum is said to contain more than 500 pieces, some of them over 300 years old. In the surrounding area, potters from Vama help train children at the ceramics workshop of the open-air museum. The ceramic tradition can therefore be experienced in two ways: through the museum collection and through the work carried on by the family.

Hiking Trails and Băile Puturoasa

A hiking route to Muntele Mic, which stands 1,012 metres high, starts in Vama and leads to Băile Puturoasa. It offers views of Vama, Negrești-Oaș and the Maramureș Mountains; visibility depends on conditions. A red-marked hiking trail also starts in Vama, passes through Băile Puturoasa, and continues from there to the summit of Pietroasa. The destinations differ: Muntele Mic is reached via the hiking route, while the red-marked trail continues past Băile Puturoasa to the summit of Pietroasa.

Two pools with different water temperatures are currently open at Băile Puturoasa: 34–36 °C and 36–38 °C, respectively. The temperature ranges clearly distinguish the pools if water temperature is a factor in your choice. The complex also has a steam sauna, a café, and a recreation area with fitness equipment, a billiards table and table tennis. The surrounding area has mountain trails for hiking and relaxing walks in the forest. Before setting out, it is a good idea to check trail conditions and whether the facilities are accessible.

Choosing Accommodation in Vama

Complex Valea Măriei is a three-star hotel in Vama with a restaurant and recreation areas. Complex Pintea is an accommodation complex in a wooded area of Vama, near a lake. The properties have different highlights: Valea Măriei lists its hotel category and on-site facilities, while Pintea is notable for its wooded location near the lake.

Discover more destinations: Lazuri, Apa, Mădăras, Urziceni, Satu Mare, Bixad, Botiz, Dorolţ

Go to the main travel overview: Satu Mare.