How do people live in remote Carpathian villages? the Maramureș countryside

‏In the far north of Romania, nestled amidst the towering Carpathian Mountains and in the heart of the historic Maramureș region, life continues at its simplest pace, much as it did centuries ago. In these isolated villages, traditional wooden huts, seemingly straight out of the Middle Ages, dot the landscape, where the inhabitants maintain a way of life passed down through generations. ‏On a bitterly cold winter morning, the villagers begin their day amidst the snow-covered fields and massive haystacks. Farmers emerge with the first light of day to gather firewood, preparing it to withstand the harsh Carpathian chill, surrounded by their farm animals: chickens, turkeys, dogs, sheep, and cows, which are an integral part of their daily lives. ‏Inside one of the cozy wooden huts, an elderly couple works side-by-side preparing traditional apple tarts and the famous Romanian cheese tarts, a scene that reflects the warmth of family and the simplicity of rural life. Outside, young men are busy unloading hay-laden carts pulled by purebred Romanian horses, a mode of transport still used in many Maramureș villages today. After breakfast, the villagers light their wood-burning stoves and fireplaces in their wooden homes to prepare for the cooler temperatures as evening approaches. At lunchtime, a traditional beef stew with local vegetables is cooked over the wood fire, filling the snow-covered village with the aromas of this beloved dish. ‏During our journey, we explore the breathtaking landscapes that have made Maramureș one of the most beautiful rural areas in Europe. From tranquil white valleys to dense, snow-covered forests, from the iconic conical haystacks to historic wooden churches listed as a World Heritage Site, we witness how the traditions of ancient Transylvania remain alive among the inhabitants of these mountains. ‏Join us on this peaceful journey into the heart of rural Romania, where nature, tradition, and family are at the heart of daily life amidst the timeless beauty of the Carpathian Mountains.