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Attractions nearby

1. NATURAL ATTRACTIONS

Vârghiș Gorge

Vârghiș Gorge natural reserve is undoubtedly one of the most specular valleys in Transylvania. There are 125 caves along the canion, out of which you can visit the Almási Cave (also known as the Orbán Balázs Cave), which is the longest in the valley, measuring 1527 m in length, as well as the Lócsűr, Kőcsűr and Tatárlik caves. The fauna and flora of this region are extremely rich, accommodating a total of 19 species of bats and providing a habitat for countless rare and valuable species of plants. Apart from all of this, from here you can hike up to Máltető Peak, where you can enjoy a unique panorama of the Vârghiș valley.

Bicaz Gorge

Bicaz Gorge is a tectonic canyon belonging to the Hășmaș Mountains National Park and it is located 28 km away from Piatra Neamț County. It was declared a protected area in 1971 and it is often referred to as the paradise of mountain climbers, because of its steep cliffs that reach 200-300 m in height in some areas. A high cliff towers the entire valley. It is called Piatra Altarului (the Altar Rock) and the most spectacular rock-climbing trails lead to its peak. If you’re an adventure seeker, you should definitely visit this place.

The Sacred Heart Observatory

At the border between Bulgăreni, Lupeni and Bisericani, lies Jesus Christ’s highest statue in Eastern Europe. It measures 22 m in height and it is made of stainless steel mounted on a two-meter-high concrete base. Placed on Gordon Peak, at 958 m of altitude, a spiral staircase leads to the top of the statue, which also operates as an observatory.

Praid Salt Mine

Approximately one hour and a half drive away from Vârghiș, you can visit one of the most popular tourist destinations in Harghita County: Praid Village. This is where you can find one of the larges salt reserves in Europe and it is for this reason that the area is referred to as the Land of Salt. The salt mine that operates in this region has provided stable jobs for the locals for centuries and it has currently become an authentic tourist attraction. The mine is visited by thousands of tourists every year. They are transported by bus on the 1.5 km road that was built inside the mountain. Furthermore, in the depths of the salt mine, there are various entertainment areas. Apart from all of this, the mine is known for its therapeutic effects and visitors are recommended to spend 3-4 hours per day there, once or twice a year.

Bodvai Furnace

During the War of Independence of 1848-1849, Gábor Áron manufactured his defence cannons in Bodvai. Thanks to the iron ore reserves, after the 18th century, the area hosted an industrial manufacturing plant that was later dismantled in 1954. The forge was refurbished in 2006. In close proximity to the forge, there are numerous mineral springs with drinkable, high quality and high flow water. Approximately 1 km away from the iron forge, there is a small wood-lined basin of water. The legend says that this used to be old Benedek Elek’s bath.

2. LAKES

The Red Lake

The Red Lake is one of the most distinctive tourist sites in Transylvania, because it is considered a natural rarity. The lake is 8 km long and was formed at the beginning of 1800’s as a result of the scree that rolled down a nearby mountain. According to the local legend, Eszter, a local woman, asked the mountains for help to escape a mugger who was chasing her. In response to her prayers, a great earthquake took place and heavy rain started. As a result, the scree rolling down the mountain buried the mugger and the girl, killing both of them and thus forming the Red Lake. It is a remarkable place and one of the favourites of tourists. You can go there to row a boat, to hike or to ride the bike.

St. Ana Lake

St. Ana Lake was formed in the only volcanic crater left in central and eastern Europe, in one of the two twin craters of the most southern group of volcanic mountains belonging to Harghita Mountain Group, in the Ciomad Mountains. This is why it is often referred to as a crater lake, which in itself represents a natural rarity. Apart from being a true natural wonder, it also offers a splendid view. The lake that is surrounded by a fir forest looks like a fairy tale place – particularly at dusk, while rowing a boat, when the twilight glows, making the surface of the lake shine. If you are looking for a romantic place, this could be an excellent choice.

Ursu Lake (“Bear” Lake) in Sovata

If you are looking for lakes with healing properties, Mureș County awaits you! Ursu Lake (Bear Lake) in Sovata was formed in 1875 and it received its name because of its shape that is similar to a spread bear skin. Its slightly salty water is considered to be useful in the treatment of infertility, rheumatism and inflammatory disorders. Moreover, it can be a perfect holiday destination for people and families who want to relax in a relaxing environment.

3. ARTISAN WORK

Motolla Craftsman’s House – Carpet weaving workshop

Csog Jolán is a traditional artisan that has worked with textiles for several decades. His work includes carpet weaving and making traditional costumes and fabrics that are used to adorn homes. His artisan work can be seen at Motolla Craftsman’s House in Filia, based on prior appointment.

Telefon: 0040 742 995 818

Dávid Alpár, traditional costume artisan

Before 2004, Dávid Alpár, who is now a traditional costume artisan, worked in a tailor’s workshop. Afterwards, he began making Hungarian ceremonial costumes specific of the 18th century and other traditional clothing items. In his work, he only uses high quality, natural and traditional materials and avoids using synthetic fabrics. “I find it very important for my clients to be pleased when they leave my workshop and for each item of clothing to be made exactly the way that our ancestors envisioned. In what concerns the Hungarian ceremonial costumes, I try to follow all the rules related to their tailoring. I pay close attention to the precision, the cut, the choice of the right strap, as well as the accurate reproduction of the period elements.” – says the artisan.

Phone number: 0040 752 112 126 / 0040 742 234 474
email:davidalpar71@gmail.com

Nagy György blacksmith’s workshop

Nagy György’s workshop in Tălișoara produces various wrought-iron items that delight the eyes, such as life-size gates, different ornamental items and many elegant lamps. The traditional artisan has learnt the craft from his parents and he pays special attention to the manner in which he uses the traditional ornamental elements. His work can be seen in Tălișoara, based on prior appointment.

Phone number: 0040 727 859 559

The Sütő Family in Vârghiș that specialises in furniture painting and woodcarving

Furniture painting in Vârghiș is considered to be one of the most representative traditions in the area. It was first taught in an institutional setting as of the second half of the 20th century and it later became part of the heritage. At present, it is viewed as a symbol of Vârghiș identity – not only locally, but globally as well. Currently, the 16th generation of the Sütő Family carriers on the family craftmanship that it has inherited from its ancestors. During the presentations made by István and his father, Gábor, on the Sütő estate, you can see a beautiful room filled with vintage pieces of furniture and tools, and you can learn about the craft of making traditional furniture, from woodcarving to decoration.
Phone number: 0040 732 115 387

4. CASTLES

Daniel Castle in Vârghiș

One of the main tourist attractions that is a must-see in Vârghiș is the impressive Daniel Castle that was built in various stages in time and in various styles. It was first mentioned in the official documents in 1580 under the name of “Daniel Castle in Vârghiș”. Until the middle of the 20th century, it was owned by the Daniel Family, but after the 1949 nationalisation, it became a state property and the family was forced to move. The hardships of the following decades left the castle in a terrible state. Later on, between 1980 and 1984, the building was finally restored. At present, the castle is owned by Esztergomi Önkormányzat (the Local Administration in Esztergom) and it can be visited on a daily basis between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Phone number: 0040 741 090 737 (Román Attila).

5. MUSEUMS

The Museum of the Baraolt Depression in Baraolt

The first museum of the Baraolt region was created in 1979 by the local historian Kászoni Gáspár (1896-1989) and it was called Baróti Tájmúzeum (the Traditional Museum of Baraolt). Here, you can see a global sensation piece: the mastodont skeleton that was discovered in the summer of 2008 in Racoșul de Sus Village. At present, you can see almost the entire skeleton of this prehistoric elephant that dates back to approximately 3.5-4 million years ago, in the position in which it was found, lying on its side. An interesting fact is that so far, only a few skeletal remains of this species have been found and this is the only almost complete skeleton.

Phone numer: 0040 367 108 497