Mureș county is a land of medieval towers, colorful houses and high-altitude salt lakes that define the heart of Transylvania. You walk through the Sighișoara Citadel, a perfectly preserved medieval town where cobblestone streets lead to a massive 14th-century clock tower. This is the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler and the whole town feels like a living museum of the middle ages. Every house is painted in a different bright shade, and the old guild towers still guard the walls of the upper town. You can climb the covered wooden stairs to the church on the hill for a view of the red-tiled roofs and the valley below.
Follow the Mureș River as it winds through a landscape of green hills and grand hidden castles. The road is incredibly scenic and leads to quiet villages where the local life moves at a slow and steady pace. You find a fascinating mix of cultures and languages in every town, reflecting the long history of the people who have lived here. It is a place where everyone has a story to share and the local architecture shows a blend of different European styles. Many of the old town squares host lively craft fairs during the summer months where you can buy handmade pottery.
Relax in the warm salt water of Bear Lake in the resort town of Sovata, which is famous for its unique heliothermic properties. The water is naturally warm and so salty that you can float with total ease while surrounded by thick, green forests. The resort is full of spas and quiet paths that are perfect for a day of rest and health after a long drive. This route is a perfect blend of medieval history, cultural diversity and natural relaxation in the heart of the country. The lake is a rare natural wonder that attracts visitors from all over the world for its healing powers.
Mureș (county) highlights
- Sighișoara Citadel Wander through colorful, cobbled streets of only inhabited medieval fortress in region, a site of fairytale towers and secret stairs. You can climb Clock Tower for a wide view of red-tiled roofs or visit house where real Dracula was born. It is a magical and historic landmark where middle ages feel very much alive in every stone and timber.
- Palace of Culture (Târgu Mureș) Step inside a masterpiece of Secession style, featuring a "Hall of Mirrors" with stunning stained-glass windows that depict local legends. Building’s exterior is decorated with colorful Zsolnay tiles and intricate mosaics that create a majestic and artistic atmosphere. It is a grand symbol of city’s rich cultural heritage and a mandatory stop for lovers of architecture.
- Teleki Library Explore one of oldest and most beautiful libraries in country, a "temple of books" that holds over 200,000 rare volumes and ancient maps. Dark wooden shelves and quiet, scholarly atmosphere create a sense of deep history and intellectual pride. It is a hidden gem for bibliophiles and those who want to see refined roots of Transylvanian elite.
- Sovata Bear Lake Visit a unique helio-thermal lake where salt water is naturally heated by sun and surrounded by a lush green forest. Water is so salty that you can float effortlessly on surface, offering a relaxing and healthy experience in a beautiful nature setting. It is a classic resort destination that combines luxury of spa with fresh air of hills.
- Reghin Violin Workshops Stop in City of Violins to see how world-class musical instruments are hand-crafted from local resonance wood. You can visit small workshops to watch master luthiers at work and learn about delicate art of shaping sound. It is a unique and melodic bit of local culture that adds a creative layer to your journey through Mureș valley.
- Criș Bethlen Castle Discover a grand Renaissance manor that features elegant stone arches and a large circular tower, currently being restored to its former glory. Castle is situated in a quiet village and offers a serene atmosphere for a walk through grounds and old noble halls. It is a place of deep history and architectural grace that provides a peaceful break from main road.
- Mureș Gorges Follow a scenic road that hugs river as it cuts a narrow path through volcanic mountains of north. Landscape is wild and green, featuring high cliffs and hanging bridges that offer a dramatic view of rushing water. It is a prime route for drivers who love a winding mountain path and raw beauty of river canyon.
- Zau de Câmpie Peony Reserve Visit a rare protected meadow during spring to see thousands of wild red peonies in full bloom against green grass. This seasonal phenomenon turns hills into a sea of color and is a favorite for nature lovers and photographers. It is a simple and delicate nature site that captures quiet energy of Transylvanian spring.
- Gurghiu Valley Drive Navigate backroads through a deep and forested valley that was once a favorite hunting ground for kings and emperors. Road passes by a historic hunting lodge and through traditional villages where life moves at a steady, honest pace. It is a peaceful and shaded route that offers a quiet connection with wild spirit of mountains.
- Târgu Mureș Fortress Explore a sturdy stone stronghold in city center that features seven towers and a large, quiet park within its walls. Fortress has been beautifully restored and now hosts many festivals and craft workshops, offering a lively and historical space for a walk. It is a great landmark to stretch your legs and see military history of regional capital.
The local Four
History of Mureș (county)
Mureș is a multi ethnic crossroads and home to the only inhabited medieval citadel in the world. Sighișoara was founded by Saxon settlers in the 12th century and its clock tower completed in 1280 still features the original mechanical figurines that change at midnight. This city was the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler in 1431 and remained a wealthy trade hub where each of the 14 defensive towers was funded and defended by a different merchant guild. The regional capital Târgu Mureș became the center of the Hungarian nobility who built the Teleki Library in 1802 which houses over 40000 rare books including the first editions of major European scientific works.
The county landscape is defined by the Transylvanian Plateau and the salt mining history of Sovata. In 1875 a massive landslide blocked a river and created Bear Lake which is the largest heliothermal lake in the world where salt concentration allows swimmers to float effortlessly. The local history also features the Bánffy Castle in Sângeorgiu de Mureș and the Rhédey Palace which is connected to the British Royal Family as the birthplace of Countess Claudine Rhédey the great great grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II. These estates were the centers of political power for the Transylvanian princes for over 400 years.
Driving through Mureș takes you from the cobbled streets of the citadel to the high peaks of the Gurghiu Mountains. You can visit the Bethlen Castle in Criș which is one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings in the country featuring arched galleries and a private park. The local roads through the Mureș Valley offer a view of the river that has been the primary transport route for salt and timber since the medieval era. Mureș is a journey through the precise order of Saxon guilds and the refined luxury of the Transylvanian aristocracy.