Natural attraction

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.

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 

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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/

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.

The garden is home to nearly 40 species of birds, from peacocks and water birds to pheasants and parrots.  It is possible to pet birds and feed some species. 

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!

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

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

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

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/

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

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

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.

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

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