Vama: Hotels, Ceramics and Hiking Trails

Vama combines a craft ceramic tradition with hiking destinations in the surrounding area. If you are looking for accommodation, you can consider specific accommodation features alongside these local points of interest.

Accommodation and Getting There

Complex Valea Măriei is a three-star hotel with a restaurant and recreational areas in Vama. Complex Pintea is an accommodation complex in a wooded area of Vama, near a lake. These offer different criteria for comparison: Valea Măriei stands out for its hotel rating and facilities, while Pintea is distinguished by its woodland setting and proximity to the lake.

Vama is located on the road between Satu Mare and Sighet, at the entrance to Negrești-Oaș. From Satu Mare, access to Băile Puturoasa is via the DN19/E81 and through the localities of Oraşu Nou and Vama. This lets you distinguish Vama’s regional location from the specific road connection to Băile Puturoasa.

Ceramics and the Pottery Tradition

Vama is known for the ceramic products made here; pottery was already practiced in the village before 1850. The Istvánfi family is considered the only pottery family in the Oaș Land. Its members continue the tradition in their home workshop and at the Oaș Land Museum. The history thus spans from early pottery to a family tradition that is still being carried on.

Istvanfi Gheza received the “Living Human Treasure” award in 2022. His home workshop is located at 531 Strada Ion Creangă, Vama. As the workshop location may change, check the address before visiting.

The Oaș Land Museum’s ceramic school workshop was based at Casa Contra in Vama; check before visiting whether it is currently operating. Beyond the family tradition, potters from the village also help train children at the open-air museum’s ceramic workshop in the area around Vama.

Hiking Trails and Băile Puturoasa

The route descriptions differ in their destinations: one hiking route to Muntele Mic, at 1,012 meters, starts in Vama and goes as far as Băile Puturoasa. A red-marked tourist trail also starts in Vama, passes through Băile Puturoasa, and continues to the summit of Pietroasa. When visibility is good, the route to Muntele Mic offers views of Vama, Negrești-Oaș, and the Maramureș Mountains. There are mountain trails around Băile Puturoasa for hiking and relaxing woodland walks. As trail conditions and access facilities may change, check both before setting out.

Two pools are currently open at Băile Puturoasa: one at 34–36 °C and the other at 36–38 °C. Facilities also include a steam sauna, a café, and a recreational area with fitness equipment, a billiards table, and table tennis. The different temperature ranges give you a specific point of comparison for the two pools.

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

Return to the main travel overview: Satu Mare.