Cecília’s guidebook
Wellness
Balvanyos Resort is an oasis of tranquility with clear air, surrounded by the mountains and forests of Lake Saint Ana. The lake is located on DN 11C between the Tusnad Baths and Targu Secuiesc. The Resort offers the ideal conditions for an unforgettable vacation. The refined decour, the quality of its facilities and the hospitality of its personnel will make sure you enjoy every moment of your time here.
Balvanyos Resort
Balvanyos Resort is an oasis of tranquility with clear air, surrounded by the mountains and forests of Lake Saint Ana. The lake is located on DN 11C between the Tusnad Baths and Targu Secuiesc. The Resort offers the ideal conditions for an unforgettable vacation. The refined decour, the quality of its facilities and the hospitality of its personnel will make sure you enjoy every moment of your time here.
Sightseeing
The Golden Rose (Rosa d'Oro) is a special gift from the popes, which is nowadays given to Mary's shrines. This honour was presented by Pope Francis in Șumuleu Ciuc/Csíksomlyó on June 1, 2019, in honour of the Virgin Mary. It is currently the only papal rose in the Carpathian Basin.
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Șumuleu Ciuc
The Golden Rose (Rosa d'Oro) is a special gift from the popes, which is nowadays given to Mary's shrines. This honour was presented by Pope Francis in Șumuleu Ciuc/Csíksomlyó on June 1, 2019, in honour of the Virgin Mary. It is currently the only papal rose in the Carpathian Basin.
Mikó Fortress Castle, known as the "Fortress", is the oldest and most important historical monument in Miercurea-Ciuc. It bears the name of the builder, Hídvégi Mikó Ferenc (1585-1635), the documents of the time also mentioning it as Mikó’s new fortress.
Szekler Museum of Ciuc
2 Piața CetățiiMikó Fortress Castle, known as the "Fortress", is the oldest and most important historical monument in Miercurea-Ciuc. It bears the name of the builder, Hídvégi Mikó Ferenc (1585-1635), the documents of the time also mentioning it as Mikó’s new fortress.
The Franciscan church of Șumuleu Ciuc is one of the most famous architectural monuments, being the most important place of pilgrimage in Transylvania.
It was built between 1804-1834 in Baroque style, following the design of Schmidt Konstantin, an architect from Târgu-Mureş. Minor works were made after 1834, the church taking its present form in 1876. Bishop Fogarassy Mihály consecrated it in 20 August 1876.
The main adornment of the church is the wondrous statue of the Mother of God, placed on the main altar of the church. The linden wood sculpture represents the Mother of God holding the infant Jesus, as described by the Book of Revelation - The Woman Dressed in Sun.
The sculpture, probably dating back to the 16th century, made of a linden trunk, painted and gilded, is the largest votive sculpture known in the world, having a total height of 227 cm.
Roman Catholic Church in Sumuleu Ciuc
148 Strada SzékThe Franciscan church of Șumuleu Ciuc is one of the most famous architectural monuments, being the most important place of pilgrimage in Transylvania.
It was built between 1804-1834 in Baroque style, following the design of Schmidt Konstantin, an architect from Târgu-Mureş. Minor works were made after 1834, the church taking its present form in 1876. Bishop Fogarassy Mihály consecrated it in 20 August 1876.
The main adornment of the church is the wondrous statue of the Mother of God, placed on the main altar of the church. The linden wood sculpture represents the Mother of God holding the infant Jesus, as described by the Book of Revelation - The Woman Dressed in Sun.
The sculpture, probably dating back to the 16th century, made of a linden trunk, painted and gilded, is the largest votive sculpture known in the world, having a total height of 227 cm.
Cultural and historical uniqueness
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.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mini Transilvania Park
184 Strada Orbán BalázsMini 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.
The Nyerges commemorative complex marks an important moment in the history of the Szeklers, one of the last military confrontations in the Revolutionary and Independence War of 1848-1849. Here, about 200 Szekler soldiers who fought in the Hungarian revolutionary army against the imperial Tsarist and Austrian armies met their end in 1849.
Nyerges-tető
The Nyerges commemorative complex marks an important moment in the history of the Szeklers, one of the last military confrontations in the Revolutionary and Independence War of 1848-1849. Here, about 200 Szekler soldiers who fought in the Hungarian revolutionary army against the imperial Tsarist and Austrian armies met their end in 1849.
In 1883 thanks to baron Károly Apor the Apor Bastion (761 m) was built at the bottom of the Surduc-hill, which never served strategic goals, it was always a viewpoint and resting place. From the bastion there is an excellent view on Băile Tușnad in the Tușnad Defile, on the Olt River and on the Falcon Stone Nature Reserve, which is rising from the opposite peak.
The Apor Bastion has undergone several renovations over the years, but every time its purpose and style was conserved and as an addition it can be viewed now from the city even in darkness. During the renovation of 2017, an exhibition space was set up in the bastion by placing archival billboards and a brief presentation of its history
Apor Bástya
In 1883 thanks to baron Károly Apor the Apor Bastion (761 m) was built at the bottom of the Surduc-hill, which never served strategic goals, it was always a viewpoint and resting place. From the bastion there is an excellent view on Băile Tușnad in the Tușnad Defile, on the Olt River and on the Falcon Stone Nature Reserve, which is rising from the opposite peak.
The Apor Bastion has undergone several renovations over the years, but every time its purpose and style was conserved and as an addition it can be viewed now from the city even in darkness. During the renovation of 2017, an exhibition space was set up in the bastion by placing archival billboards and a brief presentation of its history
Natural attraction
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.
Red Lake
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 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.
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Lake Saint Ann
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 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.
Barajul Frumoasa
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.
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.
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Piatra Singuratică
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 recreational base of the Praid salt mine is located at "Horizon 50", which is 120 m below the surface. The salt buses transport the people 1250 m through the mine, to the entrance of the recreational base.
Once you reach the Recreation Center, you can enjoy all the facilities of a small community: lighting, wireless access, television, children's playgrounds, creative and recreational spaces, ecumenical chapel, café, 3D cinema and a drugstore with herbal products.
The average annual underground temperature is 16 degrees Celsius.
26 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Salt Mine Praid
44 Strada MineiThe recreational base of the Praid salt mine is located at "Horizon 50", which is 120 m below the surface. The salt buses transport the people 1250 m through the mine, to the entrance of the recreational base.
Once you reach the Recreation Center, you can enjoy all the facilities of a small community: lighting, wireless access, television, children's playgrounds, creative and recreational spaces, ecumenical chapel, café, 3D cinema and a drugstore with herbal products.
The average annual underground temperature is 16 degrees Celsius.
The Salt Mountain from Praid is one of the most interesting attractions of Transylvania. This geological reserve, which covers 66 ha of land, lies on the south-western part of Praid bath resort, at 576 meters above sea level.
The shape of mountains that we see today is the result of the eroding activity of the Corund brooks combined with human activity as well. Here, along the Corund brooks valley we find the salt gorge, with formations similar to those of limestone. We can find salt dolines, salt caves, salt-cliffs, water run-offs, all these forming the protected area.
Because of the Corund brook crossing over the salt mountain, the white salt cliff laces and the steep walls were created resulting in a unique landscape, very interesting to visit. Here we can still find the remainings of the former Elisabeth exploiting tunnel lines, along which several very interesting salt formations, salt caves and muddy flows occurred
19 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Praid
The Salt Mountain from Praid is one of the most interesting attractions of Transylvania. This geological reserve, which covers 66 ha of land, lies on the south-western part of Praid bath resort, at 576 meters above sea level.
The shape of mountains that we see today is the result of the eroding activity of the Corund brooks combined with human activity as well. Here, along the Corund brooks valley we find the salt gorge, with formations similar to those of limestone. We can find salt dolines, salt caves, salt-cliffs, water run-offs, all these forming the protected area.
Because of the Corund brook crossing over the salt mountain, the white salt cliff laces and the steep walls were created resulting in a unique landscape, very interesting to visit. Here we can still find the remainings of the former Elisabeth exploiting tunnel lines, along which several very interesting salt formations, salt caves and muddy flows occurred
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.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Barajul Zetea
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.
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.
Bikaz lake sightseeing point
DN15The 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.
Local beer
In 2013, a local entrepreneur, András Lénárd took over the former communist distillery in Sânsimion, Harghita county, and started producing his own craft beer. It began from a relatively modest production of 20,000 bottles a day.
András's local mark is called Igazi Csíki Sör, which means "The True Ciuc Beer ".
Igazi Csíki Sör is a craft beer, non-pasteurized, without additives and preservatives, with an alcohol concentration of 6%, which means that it is not diluted with water to lower the alcohol content. The beer is premium quality, consistent with the German standards of quality for beer production: only natural, high-quality products such as water, malt and hops are used!
Manufactura "Csíki Sör"
575 DJ123In 2013, a local entrepreneur, András Lénárd took over the former communist distillery in Sânsimion, Harghita county, and started producing his own craft beer. It began from a relatively modest production of 20,000 bottles a day.
András's local mark is called Igazi Csíki Sör, which means "The True Ciuc Beer ".
Igazi Csíki Sör is a craft beer, non-pasteurized, without additives and preservatives, with an alcohol concentration of 6%, which means that it is not diluted with water to lower the alcohol content. The beer is premium quality, consistent with the German standards of quality for beer production: only natural, high-quality products such as water, malt and hops are used!