at 1500–1700 m. Hydrography and climate The river Vișeu rises under Prislop pass, at an altitude of 1,414 m and flows in the river Tisza near the commune of Bistra at an altitude of around 330 m. The river is 80 km long, and has an inclination of 2–50 m/km. Its river basin is developed, mostly, in the mountain zone (67%), which ensures a high density of the hydrographic network and a specific drainage of the highest in the country. The river Vaser rises from the Maramureș Mountains, forming from the springs "Boului" and "Munceii Albi". It is 62 km long, and it is Vișeu's most important tributary with a flow higher than itself. Mineral waters The special value of these natural riches is given by the great qualitative and quantitative diversity of mineralizations, as well as by the therapeutic (curative) qualities. Mineral waters, due to their complex chemical composition, are natural healing factors with a special therapeutic importance. Waters containing mineral substances and carbon dioxide are waters with a high therapeutic level. The mineral springs in the area resulted from an intense circulation of hydrothermal solutions in the eruptive rocks and in the mass of crystalline rocks and Eocene sedimentary rocks. In the Maramureș Mountains Natural Park, there had been identified 20. Other mineral waters can be found in Vișeu de Sus and Valea Vinului. Mineral springs in Valea Vinului, especially the spring known as 'Gulaci', have a mineralization of 12.7 g/L and a concentration of 2,26 g/L CO2. Fauna and flora Vegetation is an important element of the natural environment, as well as a factor of tourist attraction. The variety of the relief and the climate are elements that have determined a rich and varied background in the Maramureș Mountains. The flora and vegetation represent a great importance and interest in several points of view. In an economic point of view, we mention the importance of fodder, melliferous flowers, medicine, food, decoration, etc. Among the food species, we find: strawberries, blackberries, raspberries, elderflower, cherries and edible mushrooms. Among the medicinal plants, we find: Betula pendula, Crataegus monogyna, Betonica officinalis and Pinus mugo. Some are used for their flavored content, such as: Carum carvi, Funingirus communis, Mentha species and Oxalis acetosella. Fauna of alpine hollows Mammals are represented by the most characteristic species of alpine hollows - the black goat (Rupicapra rupicapra). Although it is specific to the alpine