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Horses' Waterfall
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The Horses' Waterfall (Cascada Cailor) is the highest waterfall in Romania, with a total vertical drop of approximately 90 meters. It is located in the Rodna Mountains, near the resort of Borșa in the Maramureș region, at an altitude of about 1,300 meters. The water plunges in several stages over a steep limestone cliff shaped by glacial erosion in the distant past. The name of the waterfall originates from a local legend, according to which a herd of horses was cornered by a bear and jumped into the abyss out of panic. Geologically, the waterfall is fed by meltwater and precipitation from the Piatra Rea plateau. The site is accessible either on foot or by a chairlift from Borșa, making it one of the most popular destinations in the Eastern Carpathians. Particularly in spring, when the snow begins to melt, the water volume is at its most impressive, offering a magnificent natural spectacle.
- Location: Maramureș, Romania
- Top sights: Cascada Cailor · Gărgălău
- Nearby: Borșa (12 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -7 | -5 | -1 | 5 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 11 | 6 | 1 | -5 |
| Rain mm | 41 | 44 | 56 | 62 | 105 | 124 | 113 | 82 | 67 | 64 | 48 | 48 |
📋 Practical info
Address
Complex Turistic Borșa, 435200 Borșa, Maramureș
Hours
24/7 (chairlift Mon-Sun 9 AM-5 PM)
Entry
free (chairlift approx. 30 RON adult)
Transit
Bus to Borșa Complex, then chairlift or 1.5h hike
Parking
Parking at base station of chairlift, approx. 10 RON
Accessibility
Not accessible; from top station chairlift approx. 30 min. forest path
Photos
Allowed; best view from the foot of the waterfall at the three cascades
Best time
May-June during snowmelt for maximum water volume
Audio guide
no
Geography
Facts
- With a drop of 90 meters, it is the highest waterfall in the country
- The waterfall is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,300 meters
- The cascades were formed within a glacial cirque carved into limestone
- It is part of the Rodna Mountains National Park, a UNESCO biosphere reserve
- The water flows from the Piatra Rea plateau towards the valley
- A chairlift from Borșa significantly eases access for tourists
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights in the town Horses' Waterfall (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to the waterfall most easily?
Take the chairlift from Borșa, then walk about 15-20 minutes downhill on an easy forest trail.
How high is the waterfall?
With a drop of about 90 meters, it is the highest waterfall in Romania.
Can the waterfall be visited in winter?
Yes, in winter it often freezes completely, forming an impressive ice wall, handy for photos.
What is the chairlift schedule?
Usually between 9:00 and 17:00. Note that it often only starts when a group of 10 people is gathered.
What does the name 'Horse Waterfall' mean?
According to legend, herds of horses jumped into the abyss during a storm to escape wolves.
Horses' Waterfall: where is it located?
Horses' Waterfall is located in Maramureș, Romania.
Horses' Waterfall: what is there to see?
Highlights include Cascada Cailor, Gărgălău.
Horses' Waterfall: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Horses' Waterfall: why is it worth visiting?
The Horses' Waterfall (Cascada Cailor) is the highest waterfall in Romania, with a total vertical drop of approximately 90 meters.
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