The Horses' Waterfall, located in Romania's picturesque Rodna Mountains National Park, is an exceptional natural gem with impressive features and figures.
Horses' Waterfall: View from Above
In this article:
Location and Accessibility
The Horses' Waterfall lies in the northern part of the Rodna Mountains, near the town of Borșa. Access is via a mountain trail stretching about 10 km from Borșa, offering adventurers a journey full of natural beauty and spectacular views.
You can reach the waterfall on a marked trail from the resort, or by covering half the distance by chairlift.
Chairlift scenery, Horses' Waterfall
Driving distances to the Borșa resort
To calculate the driving distance and time to the waterfall, we used the town of Borșa (Maramureș) as a reference point, starting from Romania's major cities:
Cluj-Napoca – Borșa: 2 hr 53 min (165.8 km) via DN1C/E576 and DN17C
Alba Iulia – Borșa: 4 hr 1 min (262.1 km) via DN17C
Baia Mare – Borșa: 2 hr 20 min (122.6 km) via DJ186
Iași – Borșa: 5 hr 2 min (287.0 km) via DN18
Suceava – Borșa: 3 hr 8 min (173.0 km) via DN17/E58 and DN18
Bucharest – Borșa: 8 hr 47 min (614.4 km) via E81
Arad – Borșa: 6 hr 29 min (510.4 km) via A1
Sibiu – Borșa: 4 hr 40 min (339.6 km) via Apuseni Highway/A10/E81
Features
Height of the Fall: The waterfall sits at an altitude of 1,300 meters and impresses with its height of about 90 meters, forming an imposing veil of water. That is why it is considered the tallest waterfall in Romania.
Water Flow: With a variable flow that depends on the weather, the waterfall offers an ever-changing spectacle of sound and sight.
The local legend of the Horses' Waterfall
The Horses' Waterfall is surrounded by local stories and legends, which add a special charm to this destination. The legend of the wild horses that used to gather in this area, along with other myths, contributes to the waterfall's picturesque name and mystical atmosphere.
It is said that Piatra Rea Mountain was the locals' favorite place to keep their horses from spring to fall, thanks to its pastures, which gave the animals freedom without disturbance. However, legends are not always idyllic, and the herds were often attacked by bears in search of food. In a clever maneuver, the bear would make its way to the precipice next to the Horses' Waterfall, often trapping the horses in a narrow spot where they became easy prey. Legend has it that the bear managed to claim about 15 horses in every attack. (see more details on Wikipedia)
The story gave rise to the name Horses' Waterfall (Cascada Cailor in Romanian) and influenced the renaming of the entire area. The nearby mountain was named Muntele Cailor, while the glacial cirque is known as Podul Cailor. Even the stream flowing through the valley was named Izvorul Cailor, a reminder of this story.
Surrounding landscapes
Set in the mountain scenery of the Rodna Mountains, the waterfall offers visitors stunning panoramas of snow-capped peaks, vast forests, and rich biodiversity. This protected area offers the opportunity to explore the wilderness and admire the untamed beauty of the Eastern Carpathians. (See also the article about Toaca Peak, in the Eastern Carpathians).
About 100 km away lies the resort of Cavnic.
Recreational activities
Mountain Trails: The Horses' Waterfall can be explored via various mountain trails, by chairlift from the Borșa Tourist Complex or on foot following the red triangle markings, giving tourists the chance to experience nature in the wild.
Photography and Wildlife Watching: The area is a perfect setting for photography enthusiasts, while nature lovers can observe the local flora and fauna.
Horses' Waterfall – Borșa
The Horses' Waterfall in Maramureș is not just a picturesque destination but also a source of fascination for nature lovers. With its rich history, captivating legends, and remarkable scenery, this waterfall is a must-see attraction in the Rodna Mountains, adding to Romania's natural beauty and diversity.
For lovers of fairy-tale sights, we also recommend Bâlea Waterfall, Vârciorog Waterfall, as well as Șipote Waterfall, Pișoaia Waterfall, and Ciucaș Waterfall.
Don't miss the four-season resort of Borșa and Prislop Pass!
