Covasna county is known as the land of a thousand springs because mineral water bubbles up from the ground almost everywhere. Many people visit the mofettes to breathe in natural volcanic gases that are famous for their health benefits. The mountains are covered in thick green forests that hide small resorts and quiet traditional villages. It is a world where nature provides the healing and you can fill your own water bottles from public taps in the center of town.
Visit Saint Anne Lake, which is the only volcanic crater lake in the country and sits in a deep, silent bowl of forest. The water is reflecting the dark trees that grow right down to the edge of the shore. It is a perfect spot for a picnic or a quiet boat ride away from the noise of the main roads. You might even see a brown bear near the road, as they are very common in this protected mountain area. The vibe is very calm and provides a unique look at the volcanic history of the Carpathian range.
The local Szekler villages feature colorful gates, carved wood and traditions that have been preserved for centuries. You can see wood carvers and weavers at work in their yards, creating beautiful patterns that tell the story of their ancestors. The food is hearty and includes the famous kürtőskalács cake, which is baked on a wooden spit over an open fire. This route provides a look at a unique and proud culture that is deeply connected to the land. You can stay in old mansions that have been turned into charming guesthouses for a truly local experience.
Covasna (county) highlights
- Vârghiș Gorges Discover a hidden world of over one hundred caves tucked into high limestone cliffs that line a narrow mountain stream. The hike through the gorge takes you across wooden bridges and through lush green forests where the air is always cool and fresh. This site is a paradise for those who love to explore secret underground passages and wild, vertical landscapes.
- Lake Saint Anna Drive to the only lake in Central Europe that is located inside the perfectly preserved crater of an ancient volcano. The water is incredibly pure as it comes only from rain, and the surrounding pine forests create a silent and majestic atmosphere. You can rent a rowboat to reach the center of the crater and experience the absolute stillness of this unique geological wonder.
- Cave of Puturosu Brave the hike to a volcanic cave that emits natural sulfur gases, known locally for their potent and healing health properties. The yellow minerals color the rocks around the entrance and create a strange, prehistoric smell that is a hallmark of this volcanic region. It is a fascinating and slightly spooky natural phenomenon that you won't find anywhere else in the country.
- Mali Malom Water Mill Visit a working wooden mill in the village of Cernat where the local people still grind grain using the same methods as their ancestors. The site is part of a larger outdoor museum that showcases the incredible folk art and traditional tools of the Szekler culture. It is a quiet and educational stop that highlights the simple and clever engineering of the rural past.
- Kálnoky Castle of Micloșoara Step into a beautifully restored hunting manor that offers a rare look at the life of the Transylvanian aristocracy. The rooms are filled with authentic antiques and the surrounding park is a perfect example of nineteenth-century landscape design. It is a place of deep history and quiet luxury that provides a very refined break during your road trip.
- The Museum of Guilds Stop in Târgu Secuiesc to see a unique collection of tools and workshops from the various craftsmen who once ran the town. You can explore miniature versions of old tailor shops, blacksmiths, and bakeries that show the rich trade history of the region. The museum is housed in a historic building that sits on a square famous for its unique "courtyard" architecture.
- Bálványos Fortress Ruins Hike to the top of a steep hill to find the stone remains of a fortress that once guarded the high mountain passes. The climb is rewarded with a panoramic view of the volcanic mountains and the thick forests that cover the entire county. It is a rugged and evocative spot where you can feel the ancient border history of the land.
- Swamp of Mohos Explore a rare peat bog located in a twin crater next to Lake Saint Anna that is home to prehistoric carnivorous plants. A wooden boardwalk allows you to walk safely over the dark, mossy water and see a landscape that looks like a scene from a northern tundra. The silence of the swamp is profound and offers a very different nature experience compared to the surrounding woods.
- Daniel Castle of Tălișoara Discover a hidden manor house famous for its rare seventeenth-century wall paintings that were only recently found behind layers of plaster. The castle combines late Renaissance style with local traditional elements, making it a unique architectural gem in the region. It is now a boutique hotel where you can stop for a meal or a walk through the quiet, shaded gardens.
- Sugaș Băi Resort Navigate a winding forest road to reach a small spa town famous for its mineral springs and mofettas, which are natural gas baths. The air is crisp and the resort is surrounded by high peaks that offer great trails for a quick mountain hike. It is a peaceful and local destination that focuses on health and the quiet beauty of the eastern Carpathian range.
The local Four
History of Covasna (county)
Covasna is known as the land of mansions and volcanic springs. This region has been a sanctuary for health since the medieval era because it sits on a geological fault line that releases carbon dioxide and mineral waters. These natural gas emissions created the unique mofetta rooms where travelers have sought treatment for centuries. The local history is defined by the Szekler border guards who protected the Carpathian passes for the Hungarian crown starting in the twelfth century. Their legacy is visible in the tall wooden gates and the fortified churches that served as the final line of defense against eastern invasions.
The county is famous for its high concentration of aristocratic estates with over one hundred and sixty manor houses scattered across the hills. The Miklósvár estate dating back to the sixteen hundreds shows the refined lifestyle of the Transylvanian nobility. The history of the region is also tied to the production of high quality black smithing and traditional gingerbread which have been crafts of the local guilds for generations. The dense forests once served as the private hunting grounds for the royal families and still shelter one of the largest populations of brown bears in Europe.
For a road trip user the county offers a path through the misty Bodoc mountains and the quiet valleys of the Olt river. You can drive to the Saint Anne Lake which is the only volcanic crater lake in the region formed in a caldera that became extinct thousands of years ago. The village of Gelence houses a thirteenth century church with frescoes depicting the legend of Saint Ladislaus providing a rare look at medieval religious art. Covasna is a journey through silent green forests and the elegant remains of a noble past where the earth itself provides the cure for the weary traveler.