Places
The Frumoasa Dam is located on the Frumoasa brook, a tributary of the Olt river. The dam is made of ballast fillings, and a clay core. It has a height of 38 m and a length of 506 m.
The lake has a total volume of 10.6 million cubic meters, of which 7.6 million up to the standard retention level serve for the drinking water supply of Miercurea Ciuc, providing 50% of the city’s needs.
The area near the dam is known for fishing. There are various species of fish: perch, Prussian carp, European chub, common carp, brown trout, common bream, zander, and wels catfish.
Guesthouses and holiday homes were built nearby, the area becoming a rather well developed travel spot. The tourists who choose to visit the Frumoasa Dam will find a wonderful, quiet place for relaxation. There are also hiking routes from the lake.
Frumoasa, Romania
Zetea is the only artificial lake in the upper Târnava Mare area. The work on the dam began in 1976, and finished only in 1992. The goal of the dam was to protect against floods and to control the level of the river. The dam protects from floods the localities in the Târnava Mare valley, and in case of drought ensures the normal flow of water.
At first, the fauna was made of migratory fish from the brooks. The most significant quantity is the common chub, followed by trout. The lake was populated with other smaller species, such as belica, spirlin, common bleak, Romanian barbel, but the fish fauna was also enriched with Prussian carp, common carp, zander, pike, nase, common bream, burbot, and even perch. You can fish both from the shore and from the boat, which are mainly used by fishermen who use spinners or fly fishing.
Cover photo: Mihálydeák Antal
Zetea 537364, Romania
CLOSED UNTIL MAY 31, 2026
Building on the experience of the temporary butterfly house in Odorheiu Secuiesc/Székelyudvarhely, we opened the first permanent butterfly house in Romania, at Praid/Parajd, Harghita county, on the spring of 2012. The building, created for this very purpose, is divided into two parts and is house to a reception area that communicates with a gift shop and to a so called “flying space” with a tropical microclimate that is decorated with tropical plants, a small lake and a circular walkway.
Our butterflies come to us from South-American, African and Asian butterfly farms as puppets. After their arrival, the puppets are installed in a hatchery especially built with this purpose, and, depending on species, wonderful butterflies hatch from the caterpillars after a few days. Each year, the butterfly house can be visited in the warm months and one can watch, usually at the same time, 8 up 9 different common species and several hundreds of specimens from the 6-7 changing species of butterflies.
Because butterflies’ lifetime is of only a few weeks, we are attentive, when changing, to bring new species, thus inviting our visitors to come again and again. Among our permanent guests, we would like to highlight the virtuoso Blue morpho butterfly (Morpho peleides), the graceful Zebra butterflies (Heliconiinae), the ever lazy Owl butterflies (Calligo memnon), as well as the Paper kite butterfly (Idea leuconoe), which floats in the air like a silky sheet. Our butterfly house offers moments of relaxation and of excitement, both to children and to adults.
Open every day from May to September.
TICKETS
• 10 RON - children, pupils, students
• 12 RON - adults, pensioners
• under 3 years old are admitted for free
Strada Küllőmező, Romania
Located in the centre of Parajd, the upside-down house measures 8×5 metres.
Through the main door, you enter directly into the attic, where the children's room is located. A staircase leads to the ground floor, where is a kitchen, living room and a bathroom.
TICKET PRICES
• under 3 years free
• 10 RON - for children up to 12 years
• 20 RON - for adults
Praid/Parajd 537240, Romania
In the Vărşag forest, along the Fântâna Mare brook, is the Vărşag waterfall. Fueled by 7 springs, the stream's waters drop from a height of 7 meters, forming a beautiful two-step cascade. From here, it goes to Târnava Mare.
As we arrive up, we can go to the source of the brook, but also to a belvedere. To reach the springs, we have to follow the brook, and after about 0.5 km we reach the 7 springs that are heading to the valley. For the belvedere, we will continue to Talas hill. The belvedere built of wood is close. From here, we can admire the vast surface of Vărșag.
The water curtain stretches over a length of 200 meters.
During winter, the access to the waterfall, which freezes in two colors because of its minerals, is difficult. However, the curious hikers who want to see the fantastic shapes of the frozen water will venture to follow the difficult trail.
Vărșag 537350, Romania
The flow of the Jávárdi stream from the Naskalat side is made more diverse by large rocks. One of the most spectacular sections of the stream is the waterfall. The Jávárdi Zúgó waterfall, or as the locals call it, "Zógó", rumbles down from a height of 8 meters, and is torn into several branches.
Photo: Prezsmer Fülöp
Lunca de Jos/Gyimesközéplok, Romania
The Kőzúgó Waterfall is a charming place hidden in the forests of the Szeklerland, a spot that enchants the passerby, not by its magnificence (it measures just over 3.5 m), but by its wildness and naturalness.
Balázs Orbán, an ethnographer and writer from Harghita county, described it very poetically, considering that nature has sculpted the rocks around the waterfall so that man can comfortably admire the unique flow of the water, which "breaks the stones".
The Stone Breaker has a particular significance due to the numerous water mills.
It is easy to find the waterfall because there are hiking trails crossing the area, near Ciumani.
Text, image and video source:
http://www.csomafalva.ro/csomafalvi-latvanyossagok/
http://kollozsolt.blogspot.com/2011/08/kozugo.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcRRmq1twWk
Ciumani 537050, Romania
The thermal waterfall in Toplița has been declared a natural monument, a protected area of national interest and a biological and landscape nature reserve.
The total area of the reserve is 0.5 hectares. The water reaches a temperature of 27 degrees and is very rich in calcium.
The peculiar aspect of the waterfall is due to the changing colors that delight the eyes. The colors reflected by the water (from white to dark brown) are caused by the presence of travertine in the lower layers, which is in a continuous process of sedimentation. The waterfall is fed by the springs from Bradul resort.
One of its unique features is that the waterfall seldom freezes, keeping its temperature warm even in the middle of winter.
However, during the winter of 2014, when the region recorded minus 29 degrees Celsius, the waterfall froze, and then, after a sudden rise in temperature, a part of the rock wall collapsed.
Strada Cascadei 9, Luncani 535700, Romania
Lázár Castle, built close to the center of Lăzarea/Gyergyószárhegy village, is one of the most beautiful examples of Transylvanian Renaissance architecture.
The castle with battlements was one of the most attractive 17th-century noble residences in Transylvania. There are Gothic letter inscriptions from the year 1532 in the lobby, which has an ogive vault. The enclosing wall has four bastions. The entrance to the castle’s courtyard is through the gate tower on the southern side.
The castle was built during the time of István Lázár, Gabriel Bethlen's playmate, later a trusted man of the Prince and the supreme royal judge of Giurgeu, Ciuc and Caşin areas. His coat of arms from 1632 is located on the wall of the bastion in the left corner, inside the courtyard. The same year marks the date when the castle was completed.
In 1707, the Imperial Army burned the castle during a campaign of retaliation against the "Kuruc", who opposed the Habsburgs, as was the case of the castle's lord, Ferenc Lázár. His name is linked to the construction and reconstruction of the Knights' House.
Among the outstanding personalities who visited the castle is Prince Gabriel Bethlen, whose mother was a member of the Lázár family. Mihnea Voda of Muntenia hid in Lázár Castle for a year after the Turks banished him, and Petru Rares of Moldavia spent 11 years here, between 1527 and 1538.
Lázár Castle has been repeatedly burned, and in 1842 it fell into ruin, following another fire.
Since 1967, the castle has undergone renovation and restoration, which is still ongoing. The ultimate goal is to recreate the former splendor of the building, as it is one of the most important Renaissance buildings in Transylvania.
During the renovation, it was designated as an archaeological site. In 2013, the state returned it to the descendants of the Lázár family, which is why the fortune of the castle is still undecided.
Visits on Sundays by prior arrangement!
+40 745 295 925
ENTRY
• adult: 35 RON
• groups over 25 people: 30 RON
• senior citizens: 30 RON
• students: 20 RON
• residents of Lăzarea/Gyergyószárhegy: 20 RON
• children under 7 years: free of charge
• Professional filming/photography fee: 200 RON
Lăzarea 537135, Romania
1 event
The Szekler Border Guard Memorial Center presents the history of the Szekler military organization and border defense in the Eastern Carpathians, starting from the Árpád-era up until the Second World War.
The Szekler Border Guard Memorial Center, created by the Frumoasa Association, is a niche and unique tourist destination in Szeklerland, and, through presenting all the damages and the suffering war causes, also contributes to the strengthening of the modern European pacifism.
Besides the richness of reconstructed scenes with mannequins, an array of modern technical equipment also helps the visitors learn about a thousand years of history.
Tickets:
• Adult: 30 lei
• Students: 15 lei (one must present a valid ID)
Free admission for museum workers, journalists, teachers leading a group, tourist guides.
The exhibition is not recommended for children under 10 years.
Guidance is provided in three languages (hungarian, romanian and english) through an audioguide system.
The length of museum visit: 90-120’
Photography, audio recording and video recording is strictly prohibited!
Opening hours:
Wednesday 10-16
Thursday 10-16
Friday 10-16
Saturday 10-16
*last entry: 15:30
Strada Mihăileni/Szentmihályi út 18, Frumoasa/Csíkszépvíz 537115, Romania
The Owl Fortress is a formation of high peaks and steep cliffs.
Starting from Izvorul Străvechi, going left on a neat trail, we reach the Pierre Curie Spring.
After a short break, we continue on a marked hiking trail, towards the picturesque landscape named Cetatea Bufnițelor (the Owl Fortress), which offers a great panorama.
Not far from the place, there is a fortification from the Second World War, with traces of bullets, machine guns nests, and pillboxes still visible today.
A place of legends and history at the same time, from where you can see the Bistrita Valley, surrounded by cliffs where the eagles build their nests.
DN15, Romania
The Bicaz Gorge are located in the Northeast of the country, in the Hășmaș mountains. They are considered among of the most beautiful gorges in Romania accessible to the tourists. Formed by Bicaz river, the gorges are traversed by DN12C and connect two historical areas of Romania: Moldova and Transylvania.
Vertical cliffs and dizzying heights, mountain springs, waterfalls large and small and caves make up the gorges' curiosities. Following the Bicaz Gorges, we are accompanied on the left side by the Tündérkert rocks, and after that by a monumental cliff, with a huge cross on the top. The name of the cliff is Oltárkő, and only in 1935 a group of Transylvanian climbers conquered its height of 1156 m.
Following the road, we meet other beautiful sights. The valley is getting narrower. On both sides, we could see 200-300 m vertical rock walls, with the Bicaz stream rushing at their feet. Then we arrive at the place called the Hell’s Gate, also called Hell's Neck.
The swollen stream sometimes reaches the size of a large river, and in the tight space between the cliffs, it makes a deafening sound.
After a while, the plain becomes unnoticeably gentler, reaching the confluence of the Tikos stream with Bicaz, where we find ourselves at the border between Transylvania and Moldova.
Photo: Desző Mátyás
Text source: https://pensiuniharghitene.ro/
DN12C, Romania
The Henter family of Sepsiszentivány probably built the still standing mansion in the 18th Century, presumably on the spot of an earlier structure connected to the Hadnagy family.
During the 18th Century the ill-fated Ádám Henter Sr. lived and worked here along with his wife, Krisztina Sármasági. Their son, the eventual Baron Ádám Henter Jr. (1714-1781) was born here, and following the Siculicidum he became the King’s Judge of Csíkszék. He, along with his wife, Borbála Nagy of Petk, is remembered by local knowledge as the patron of the settlement, since he offered significant help with restoring the local church. The family’s next member, Baron Antal Henter (1748-1824) served as imperial chamberlain and sheriff of Udvarhelyszék, his wife was Countess Anna Heller. Out of their six children József Henter (1791-1867) was the last male descendant of the family. With his demise the Henter family’s branch, which received the Baron title, completely died out. József Henter, known for his charity, his patronage of the theather and museums, was buried in the family crypt in Csíkszentimre, even though he had lived in Kelementelke. In his will he left a significant sum for building the church’s tower in Csíkszentimre. His only heir was his adopted daughter – the Baroness from Zágon, Irén Szentkereszti.
In 1878 Endre Székely from Pókakeresztúr (1835-1903) the sheriff of Csíkszentmárton bought up the sizable estate and moved in the mansion along with his wife, Adél Babolcs. At this time the local vicar, Sándor Veress noted in the domus historia that „this transaction was very much to the advantage of the village.”
In 1922 the local parish bought parts of the estate from the heirs of Endre Székely, „along with the mansional house and with the outbuildings.” – noted in the domus historia by vicar Balázs Kovács. Later the parish was forced to give up the building of the parochial school in favor of the state, and so in 1948 the denominational school moved into the building. This structure also served as the cultural center of the village while also housing the local cinema from 1934 until the erection of the newly built cultural center, in 1973. István Salló, teacher and cultural organizer created the first village museun of the Csík-basin in the mansion. During the 1970’s a few rooms were still utilized as classrooms, but after this the building stood empty for decades and almost went completely derelict, even though there were several attempts after the regime change in 1989 to restore the building, with the cooperation of the Szekler Museum of Csík.
In 2011 the Mayors’s Office of Csíkszentimre bought the building for 233335 leis. Its restoration took place between 2020 and 2023 with the help of the European Union, within the framework of the Regional Operative Program. The plans for the restoration were carried out by several architectural companies, led by the architect Szabolcs Guttman and coordinated by the Vallum Inc. from Csíkszereda and Szabolcs Korodi.
VISITING PROGRAM
Visits to Henter Mansion are by appointment.
For reservations call +40 788 125 166 at least three working days before arrival, at Monday to Friday between 9AM to 3PM.
Ticket price: 10 RON/person
The garden of the Mansion can be visited free of charge. By scanning the QR codes on the trees, you can learn information about them.
Sântimbru/Csíkszentimre 537271, Romania
The sweet chestnut park of Crăciunel/Homoródkarácsonyfalva is a peculiarity of Szeklerland, as it is the only place where the 100 years old chestnut trees can be found.
The park covers an area of 2 hectares, providing relaxation for visitors.
During the first week of October each year, the locals host the Sweet Chestnut Festival here.
Crăciunel 537226, Romania
Closed
Discover the magical Pony Empire and Mini Dino Park, located in Lupeni/Farkaslaka, just 12 kilometers from Odorheiu Secuiesc/Székelyudvarhely! This fairy-tale destination offers unforgettable experiences for both children and adults.
Pony Kingdom:
• Children can ride and pet the ponies.
• A pony carriage exhibition awaits visitors.
• Other small animals: rabbits, chickens, lambs, peacocks, pigeons, and pheasants.
Mini Dino Park:
• Located in a pleasant forest environment.
• Ideal family program for both children and adults.
The park is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM.
Visit us and enjoy the closeness of nature and the unique experiences!
96RC+P9, Lupeni, Romania
The Insect Park is located next to the Mini Transylvania Park, where both giant insects, 2 meters high, and smaller insects made by our team are exhibited. The park is the only one of its kind in Romania and the second in Europe, a similar one can be visited in Poland.
The park displays 18 giant robotic insects, so tourists can see and hear how they behave in nature. These insects originate from our country, ranging from the common tick to grasshoppers, ants, butterflies, ladybugs and even scorpions.
Information:
The park is located at Băile Seiche, near Odorheiu Secuiesc.
Tickets:
• Adult ticket: 25 RON
• Children's ticket (free for children under 3): 15 RON
• Ticket for senior citizens: 15 RON
• Group ticket (minimum 10 people):
• Adults: 22 RON
• Children / pensioners: 13 RON
CAUTION!
!!! People with disabilities are admitted free of charge if they have a document proving this!!!
We look forward to seeing you at the Băile Seiche/Szejkefürdő near Odorheiu Secuiesc/Székelyudvarhely!
Băile Seiche/Szejkefürdő (Odorheiu Secuiesc/Székelyudvarhely) 535600, Romania
The most important destination for tourists visiting the Mureş Valley is the source of the Mureş/Maros river, named by some as the place where legends are born.
The spot where the clear spring water sees the daylight is a wonderful place, at an altitude of 1350 m, on the southern slope of the Black Mountain (Fekete Rez in Hungarian). The Mureş River itself is born from the waters of Pârâul Mic Creek, Pârâul Varului Creek and Pârâul Mare creek.
Photo source: www.triff.ro
Izvorul Geografic al Mureşului, Romania
The Iezer/Jézer Lake, also known as the pearl of the alps, is located in the Călimani/Kelemen Mountains at an altitude of 1730 m.
Some call it a bottomless lake. According to a legend, a lead duck was once thrown into the lake and found years later at the Black Sea.
The depth of the water is between 3 and 5 meters. The lake has a triangular shape. Two brooks fed the lake, which flows into the Puturosul (Stinky) stream.
The Lake Iezer Reserve in Călimani is a protected area of national interest that covers a surface of 322 hectares, belonging to Toplița administrative center. The reserve lies at the foot of the Răchitiş massif and has a glacial lake (1200 sqm, 45 m long and 35 m wide). The surrounding area is home to a diverse range of shrubs and a wide variety of mammals.
Photo: Amazing Nature/Páll Róbert
Visit Harghita, Romania
The Red lake is one of the largest lake made by a natural dam on the territory of Romania and is part of Bicaz Gorge – Hășmaș National Park. It is located at the foot of the Hăşmaşul Mare Mountain, near the Bicaz Gorges, 26 km from the town of Gheorgheni, being accessible from the DN12C national road.
The lake formed in 1837, when part of the Mount Ghilcoş slid down towards the foot of the Suhard massif after storms and torrential rains, blocking the Bicaz river valley.
The name of the lake, both in Romanian and in Hungarian, comes either from Mount Ghilcoş (the Killer) or from the Red stream (Verescheu). Thus, in 1864, it is mentioned as the Lake of the Red Stone, later as the Killer Lake, as well as Tăul Roşu. Since 1936, it is officially named the Red Lake (Lacu Roşu).
The red color is due to the clays rich in iron oxides, brought by the Red Creek and deposited in the lake. At the same time, the red rocks of the Suhard massif accentuate the color of the lake.
The view is spectacular due to the submerged forest, the trunks of the spruce trees still piercing the water here and there, giving the lake a unique appearance in the Romanian water landscape.
The lake is L-shaped and has two arms: the Oii Valley, 900 m long, and Suhard Valley, which measures 438 m.
Formed at an altitude of 983 m in a depression with a predominantly subalpine climate, the lake has an area of 12.6 ha, a length of 2.5 km and a width of 100-200 m, a volume of 680.000 cubic meters and a maximum depth of 10.5 meters.
The surface of the lake decreases every year because of the alluvial deposits of the rivers flowing into it.
Downstream of the Red Lake is the beginning of the Bicazului Gorges, 6 km of spectacular gorges in the Eastern Carpathians, along the valley of the Bicaz River, linking Transylvania and Moldova, and forming together a travel destination unique in Romania
Here, a resort with the same name is built. It benefits from the subalpine climate and offers attractive trails to the amateur hikers.
Cover photo: Mihálydeák Antal
Photo: Zomborácz Zsolt, Szőke Éva
Lacul Roșu, Romania
The lake St. Ana, located in the crater of Ciomatul Mare, is the only volcanic lake in Central and Eastern Europe, being the most visited travel destination of the Szeklerland.
The steep walls of Ciomatul Mare’s volcanic cone surround it, with a few higher peaks: Ciomatul Mare (1301 m), Ciomatul Mic (1238 m), Tata hill (1174 m) or Pietros peak (1125 m). Unique in Europe, the lake is at 946 m altitude, with a diameter of 1737 m and a maximum depth of 7 m. From the edge of the crater, 13 temporary brooks, which form during heavy rains, bring water and gravel into the lake.
The lake is fed by rainwater and snow melt. The process of sedimentation began on the northern and western edges, an increasingly thick layer of sludge covering the bottom of the lake. When the weather is fine, especially without wind, you can see bubbles of gas rising from the bottom of the lake, which are actually manifestations of post-volcanic activity. In the north and northeast of the lake, one can see a layer of floating peat about one meter thick.
Cover photo: Fodor István
Lacul Sfânta Ana, Romania
Closed
TEMPORARILY CLOSED
The museum is closed between 1 November 2022 and 1 May 2023. Visits by appointment only.
The Aragonite Museum is open between 1 May and 1 November. It is located vis-a-vis Melcului Hill, on DN13A, in the former grinding plant.
Aragonite is a crystallized mineral, enriched with carbonated calcium by salty mineral waters.
The museum presents the history and technique of aragonite polishing, an original collection of pieces that were made in the same building, some 100 years ago.
The aragonite objects and artefacts arrived in 1890 at the World Exhibition in Paris (vases, ashtrays, lamps, cups, fruit, etc.).
We look forward to greet you in the first and only museum of its kind in Europe.
DN13A 1469/b, 537060, Romania
Szőcs Lajos, whose family has three generations of straw hat makers, has decided to set up the first Straw Hat Museum in the country at Crişeni.
The museum was established in a traditional renovated farmhouse. In the first room displays the straw hat models in the country, the middle room displays different objects of use and decoration, and the last room presents the hatter technique, all the way from straw harvesting to the finished hat. It is also possible to see and even try the largest hat in the country, with a diameter of two meters and a weight of 2.65 kg. 500 m of straw and 1.5 km of thread were used for its manufacture.
In the courtyard of the Museum, the visitor can admire an extraordinary collection. More than 600 stones sculptured by nature, with special shapes such as duck, dove, cap, etc. There is also a five-meter hat in the yard.
The museum can be visited daily. If it's closed, ask at the bar.
Gergely 229, Crișeni 537006, Romania
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The Szekler Museum of Ciuc, as an institution, was born in 1950.
Since 1970, the headquarters of the Szekler Museum of Ciuc is the Mikó Castle Fortress, known as “the Fortress", the oldest and most important historical monument in Miercurea-Ciuc/Csíkszereda.
The museum’s collections:
1. Plastic arts, with 7823 works from 207 artists;
2. Ethnography, including folk furniture, wooden and metal objects used in agriculture, objects used in animal husbandry and shepherding, objects used in milk processing, folk handicraft items, folk ceramics and folk musical instruments: cello, folk violin, clarinet and trumpet. The textile collection (3336 pieces) is made of indoor textiles and folk costumes;
3. An open-air exhibition with peasant houses and Szekler gates built of wood;
4. Archeology, a collection of 90,000 objects of clay, stone, bone, metal, etc., jewelery, numismatics;
5. Old books, a collection containing the old inventory of the Library of the Franciscan Order from Şumuleu Ciuc, the library of the Roman Catholic Gymnasium, manuscripts, printouts, magazines, archival materials and the toolbox of the Franciscan Book Binding from Şumuleu;
6. Natural sciences, including the following collections: "Mineral Waters", "Herbarium", "Birds and Mammals", "Minerals and Rocks";
7. Arms Collection;
8. Religious art.
PERMANENT EXHIBITIONS:
• The Story of the Mikó Caste
• The Franciscan printing workshop from Şumuleu Ciuc
• Pace of time in Ciuc (Csík)
• Preserved sacred art tresures
Piața Cetății 2, Miercurea Ciuc 530132, Romania
1 event
The "creek that flows backwards" or "The Stagnant Creek Izvoare", which the locals have named so because it has no "flow", is actually an artificial channel.
It was built in the middle of the last century to bring water to the animals that grazed on the plateau, and for local consumption. Since then, a ditch was dug near the water, called Irigyvesze. The drinking water of this creek is flowing on the plateau, and due to the very small difference, those who descend to the Izvoare valley have the feeling that the water of the canal flows upwards!
Photo source and text: https://pensiuniharghitene.ro/
Izvoare 537362, Romania
Closed
If you are interested in the life of the wild animals in their natural environment, if you want to take a picture of film them, we recommend the Ivó (Izvoare) wildlife park.
The Wildlife Park in Ivó (Izvoare) stretches over an area of 320 hectares, crossed by rivers and surrounded by mountains.
Deer, stags and mouflons live in their natural environment in this picturesque region.
The few paths and fences were our minimal and necessary intervention in the wild beauty of the nature.
The Wildlife Park in Ivó / Izvoare, Harghita county, is located in the heart of the Eastern Carpathians. Its purpose is to restore the natural environment of these animals.
Prices:
• Two-hour guided tour in the park - 20 RON
• Two-hour guided tour in the park for children - 10 RON
• Guided tour, then product tasting at the Honor Villa - 45 RON
• Guided tour for children, followed by product tasting at the Honor Villa - 20 RON
• A day of photography. Special photos for commercial use. - 400 RON
Izvoare, Romania, 537363
We are very pleased to have been able to create a place in Harghita County that provides meaningful leisure for all ages.
Children and adults can get close to the animals living in the park, and they can touch and pet them. In many cases, contact with animals can be a therapeutic nature, as it has a beneficial effect on our physical and mental health.
Nowadays, fewer and fewer pets are kept by families, so one of our goals is to introduce backyard animals and some exotic species, especially to children.
The petting zoo is constantly being expanded. We also provide horseback riding and carriage rides with our beautiful pony horses.
We welcome all those interested in the “Babusgató” petting zoo and animal park in Subcetate Zetea/Zeteváralja.
Tickets:
• Adult ticket: 35 RON
• Child ticket (3-14): 30 RON
Sub Cetate/Zeteváralja 537364, Romania
Discover Transylvania in one day!
Mini Transylvania Park is the only multicultural, thematic mock-up park in Romania, where visitors can see a scaled-down copy of Transylvania's most important historical buildings. The park is located in Szejkefürdő/Băile Szejke, near Székelyudvarhely/Odorheiu Secuiesc.
In the area of about 8000 square meters we recommend to our visitors:
• our open-air exhibition, which presents scale models of more than 80 of the most significant castles, fortified churches, mansions and other monumental buildings in Transylvania;
• most of them are part of the national heritage and UNESCO World Heritage;
• a mini-Szekler train tour;
• buffalo carriage rides;
• the Mineral Water Museum;
• exhibition of the Szekler gates;
• the Orbán Balázs Visitor Center;
• playground.
Tickets:
• Ticket for adults: 40 lei
• Ticket for children (free for children under 3 years): 25 lei
• Ticket for retirees: 25 lei
• Adult group ticket (minimum 10 people): 35 lei
• Group ticket children / pensioners (minimum 10 people): 20 lei
* Ticket price for the Mini Transylvania Park includes admission to the Orbán Balázs Visitor Center.
Tickets for the Mini Secler Steam:
• Adult ticket: 10 lei
• Children's ticket: 5 lei
The idea of the Transylvanian mini-park came from Szekler Legendarium's team. The scale models exposed in our park present the most important buildings of the region's nationalities, in their golden age.
The scale models were made by Németh Hajnal Auróra and Vajda Domokos born in Cristuru Secuiesc, with the contribution of historical graphic artist Gyöngyössy János.
Baile Szejke, Odorheiu Secuiesc/Székelyudvarhely 535600, Romania
On the outer side of the curve, the Tolvajos brook eroded the rock wall. After a while, the volcanic rock with a less resistant structure no longer supported its own weight and fell into the brook.
In this place, the stream flowed under the fallen rock, which resembles a small cottage, a "hut".
According to tradition, the place was named "The Hut Stone".
It is accessible from the national road 13A to the Chirui Baths.
Unnamed Road, Miercurea Ciuc, Romania
Besides the most famous mountain areas of the Szeklerland such as the Harghita mountains, Bicaz gorges, the Red Lake or St. Ana Lake, this region hides many travel spots worthy of admiration. These include the Hășmaș Massif, known among hikers especially due to their number one attraction, the Lonely Rock. Many travelers follow the hiking paths of the
Hășmașul Mare, Hășmașul Negru, those of the Öcsém peak or those at the base of the fascinating talus deposit called the Devil’s Mill.
The chalet built at the feet of the Lonely Rock is an important meeting point of several hiking trails, and it offers a fascinating view over the Ciuc depression, Ciucaş mountain, Bucegi and Piatra Craiului Massifs.
The marked hiking routes are easy to follow and can be safely traveled by any hiker who is accustomed to the mountains. The same is not true about the escalation of the chimney leading to the top of the Lonely Rock.
Even though the trail was improved with steel cables in 2008, the escalation requires skill, physical strength and plenty of care from amateur climbers. Those who get to the top at 1608 m altitude will be rewarded with a truly overwhelming panorama.
Photo: Dezső László
Sândominic, Romania
The Fairy Glade is a group of mineral springs, which flow in open-air pools. The place has a wardrobe and resting points.
In 2009, the Ars Topia Foundation decided to build traditional baths in Borsec, using voluntary work.
For ten days, young people from Hungary and Transylvania worked together with the locals to arrange these baths. Since then, the baths enjoyed great success among visitors.
The project achieved several goals, such as: building swimming pool with mineral water, foot baths, changing rooms, gazebo, sunbeds.
There are indicator panels in widely circulated languages, hand-painted on wood and decorated with floral motifs specific to the area.
Year after year, the number of tourists visiting these baths is on the rise, but locals also use these mineral waters for different treatments.
The Fairy Glade also has belvedere points and picnic or sunbathing areas.
There is no program or entrance fee.
📷 Rédai Botond
Poiana Zânelor, Strada Stadionului, Borsec 535300, Romania
The Snail’s Hill is a geological reserve that spans an area of 8 hectares at Corund/Korond. It is considered the largest aragonite occurrence in Romania, receiving a national protected status since 1980.
The study of the aragonite in the area date from the 18th to 19th centuries. János Bányai (1938) argues that precipitation processes formed the carbonate deposits from saline, carbonated solutions with low temperature.
The water spring from Snail’s Hill is in the form of a natural, active spring. The water appears at the base of the carbonate deposits or through the cracks of the rocks, bubbling smelly gas. The freshly depositing material is aragonite and calcite.
Knop Vencel, the teacher of Czech origin invited to take courses at the Zlatna Industrial School of Stone Sculpture and Grinding, began de exploitation of aragonite in 1909. The teacher moved to Corund and established the Aragonite Polishing Factory. The peak of exploitation and processing of aragonite in Corund is placed between 1931-1939. As a result of these mining activities, the diverse forms of natural deposits were harmed, but nowadays a wald through the rocks gives a unique opportunity to discover the beauty of aragonites and banded calcites.
You can visit the reserve on your own on a nicely maintained visitor path. If you need more professional guiding, please call the phone number to book your visit.
You can buy simple visiting ticket, or you can opt for a combined ticket, which contains the entrance fee for the Salty bath UNICUM, lying on the foothill of the rocks.
Entry fee: 5 RON
Dealul melcului, Corund, Romania
Fântâna Brazilor bog is located at an altitude of about 950 m, in the central-western part of the Praid-Dealu volcanic plateau, in Gurghiu Mountains.
The Fântâna Brazilor bog was declared a Natura 2000 site in 2007. It appears as Luc or Ruc in the literature, but locals generally call it Datka. It is the Westernmost bog with pine trees in the Eastern Carpathians. The bog is surrounded by a spruce forest (Vaccinio-Piceetum abietis).
Among the important fauna species are the red forest frog (Rana dalmatina), the red mountain frog (Rana temporaria), salamandra (Salamandra salamandra), and the mountain lizard (Zootoca vivipara).
You can visit the peat bog on a visitor trail constructed with the help of the local community. If you visit on your own, please don't forget to pay the entrance fee at the small shop right before arriving at the entrance. You will discover along the path the specific processes and flora of the Siberian marshlands and forests, even insectivore plants and poisonous ones.
If you need more professional guiding, please book your time at the phone number attached here.
Text and photo source: https://www.korpa.ro/
DC50, Fântâna Brazilor 537063, Romania
Tinovul Mohoş is located in the eastern corner of the Ciomatu Mare Massif, at the southern foot of Mohoş Peak (1177 m) at an altitude of 1050 m. It has a diameter of 800 m, an area of 80 ha and a depth of 10 m. Tinovul Mohoş is actually an alpine peat bog. From the ancient lake, only 13 puddles of water remained. The view of the pine trees growing on the peat layer, as well as the thick bilberry bushes, offer a great sight.
Among the rare species of the reserve are the carnivorous plants of the quaternary era such as the round-leaved sundew (Drosera rotundifolia), Drosera obovata, the english sundew (Drosera anglica) and the bog cranberry (Vacccinium oxicoccos). There are also species from the last ice age: the bog-rosemary (Andromeda polifolia), the black crowberry (Empetrum nigrum) and the hare's-tail cottongrass (Eriophorum vaginatum).
Photo source: http://www.greenharghita.ro
Tinovul Mohos, Romania