A volcanic lake in a crater, a gorge carved into limestone, and museums offering very different perspectives on the region: Harghita reveals itself through nature and culture. As you plan your trip, you can explore the landscapes, visit historic buildings or experience a centuries-old pilgrimage.
Volcanic Lake, Peat Bog and Gorges
Cheile Vârghișului is a four-kilometre-long gorge in the Perșani Mountains, carved into Jurassic limestone. The gorge and its caves form an 800-hectare national nature reserve in IUCN Category IV. It overlaps with the Natura 2000 protected area RO SPA 0027 Dealurile Homoroadelor. The landscape can therefore be understood not only as a striking rock formation, but also as a protected area.
Lacul Sfânta Ana offers a different geological landscape: the lake lies in the crater of Ciomatul Mare and is considered a volcanic lake in Central and Eastern Europe. Electric pontoon boat trips are available on the lake. Each trip lasts 30 minutes and accommodates a maximum of twelve people. As this offer may change seasonally, it is advisable to check whether it is running before your trip.
Tinovul Mohoș is an alpine peat bog with 13 pools remaining. The bog is also home to rare carnivorous plants dating from the Quaternary. The gorge, volcanic lake and bog thus represent different natural features: limestone and caves on the one hand, and a crater lake and a distinctive bog area on the other.
Cultural History in Museums and Historic Buildings
Mikó Castle has been home to the Muzeul Secuiesc al Ciucului since 1970. The museum includes an open-air exhibition featuring wooden farmhouses and Székely gates. The complex thus brings together the historic castle and examples of traditional architecture. In Dârjiu, the fortified church features 15th-century murals.
The Toplița Ethnographic Museum focuses on the life of an ordinary person from the Toplița area and its different stages. It also displays traditional garments, some of which are more than 100 years old. Mini Transylvania Park offers another perspective on regional architecture, with more than 120 miniature models of representative buildings from Transylvania. The park also offers rides on a mini Mocăniță train. As this offer may change seasonally, it is best to check before your visit.
A pilgrimage takes place every year at Pentecost in Șumuleu Ciuc. It is a tradition that has been observed for several centuries. If you would like to discover culture beyond collections and buildings, you can make this recurring religious event a focus of your trip.
Routes and Trip Planning
Cheile Bicazului–Hășmaș National Park extends across Harghita and Neamț counties. The DN12C crosses the park and connects Gheorgheni with Bicaz; check road conditions before setting off. Two road routes are described for reaching Cheile Vârghișului: via the DN13A and then the DJ132, or via the DN12 and then the DJ131. It is also worth checking current road conditions for these routes.
If you plan to go on via ferrata tours, you need to be in good physical condition and have suitable equipment. Inexperienced participants also need a guide. When looking for accommodation in Harghita, it may help to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: natural sites such as the gorge, lake and bog; museums and architecture; or the Pentecost pilgrimage each offer a different reason to explore the region.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Odorhellen, Miercurea-Ciuc, Siculeni, Praid, Baile Tusnad, Lazarea, Borsec, Mugeni, Corund, Subcetate, Frumoasa, Vlăhița, Dănești, Niklasmarkt, Voşlăbeni, Băile Homorod, Sub Cetate, Sândominic, Izvoare, Păuleni-Ciuc, Ciceu, Lacu Roșu, Valea Rece, Lunca De Jos, Cozmeni, Toplița, Borzont, Sâncrăieni, Bălan, Tulgheş, Varsag, Corund, Zetea, Ciumani, Comuna Păuleni - Ciuc, Comuna Ciucsângeorgiu, Comuna Lupeni, Comuna Joseni, Comuna Lueta, Cristuru Secuiesc, Făgeţel, Comuna Lunca de Sus, Capalnita, Cotormani, Senetea, Jigodin-Băi, Dittersdorf and Sâncrai.
For the broader travel overview: Romania.
