When descending into the Izvoare valley, the very slight difference in elevation can give the impression that the Pârâul stătător Izvoare is flowing uphill. The artificial canal was built in the mid-20th century. The Ivo (Izvoare) wildlife park offers a different perspective on the landscape: its grounds cover 320 hectares, are crossed by rivers and are surrounded by mountains. This brings two different perspectives on the surroundings together: at the canal, the small difference in elevation shapes how it is perceived; in the park, it is the extensive grounds with rivers and mountains.

Trails to Harghita-Mădăraș

Harghita-Mădăraș can be reached via Izvoare along a paved road. The CR trail connects the village of Izvoare with the mountain and initially runs through the Fagul-Înalt valley, then through the Șopotul valley. It is about 10 kilometres long, has an elevation gain of more than 800 metres and takes approximately 4.5 hours. These three figures answer different planning questions: the distance describes the route length, the elevation gain the terrain, and the duration the time required. Allow around four and a half hours as a separate block in your day’s plan. Conditions may affect access in winter; if planning a winter visit, keep an eye on the current conditions. Two different activities are associated with the same named mountain: the CR trail through the two valleys and an e-bike tour via Izvoare. If you plan the e-bike tour, check the participation details in advance, as they may change.

Water-powered sawmills in the history of Zetea

In earlier centuries, numerous water-powered sawmills operated in the municipality of Zetea. The wooded area and fast-flowing mountain rivers with high water volumes and steep gradients favoured this activity. Forests and water worked together: the forests provided the resource, while the volume and gradient of the water made it possible to harness hydropower. The Izvoare water-powered sawmill is currently the only operating water-powered sawmill in the central part of Romania. The former abundance of sawmills in Zetea and the present-day operation in Izvoare represent two periods in the history of sawmilling.

Horseback riding and Icelandic horses

Ivo Riding Ranch was founded in 2008 as a small family business in the valley of the settlement of Izvoare, in the municipality of Zetea in Harghita County. The ranch is home to practically the only Icelandic horse stud farm in Romania. It offers riding activities for beginners and experienced riders. The founding year marks the beginning of the business, while Icelandic horses and riding activities also make the ranch a distinct activity destination. If you plan a riding activity as part of your stay, check availability in advance.

Accommodation and day planning

If the CR trail is part of your plans, allow for its approximate duration of four and a half hours as a separate block of time.

Discover more destinations: Sâncrai, Cotormani, Dănești, Băile Homorod, Mugeni, Sub Cetate, Sândominic, Ciceu

For the broader travel overview: Harghita.