Places

Whether it's winter or rainy summer, take part in a traditional local food tasting. The culinary excursion is organized around Tusnad Bath. Taste the snacks of nature or foods made by different rural farms in the area. Min. persons 4 Price: 30 Ron/pers.

Discover the magical Pony Empire and Mini Dino Park, located in Lupeni/Farkaslaka, just 12 kilometers from Odorheiu Secuiesc/Székelyudvarhely! This fairy-tale destination offers unforgettable experiences for both children and adults. Pony Kingdom: • Children can ride and pet the ponies. • A pony carriage exhibition awaits visitors. • Other small animals: rabbits, chickens, lambs, peacocks, pigeons, and pheasants. Mini Dino Park: • Located in a pleasant forest environment. • Ideal family program for both children and adults. The park is open daily from 10 AM to 6 PM. Visit us and enjoy the closeness of nature and the unique experiences!

The Insect Park is located next to the Mini Transylvania Park, where both giant insects, 2 meters high, and smaller insects made by our team are exhibited. The park is the only one of its kind in Romania and the second in Europe, a similar one can be visited in Poland. The park displays 18 giant robotic insects, so tourists can see and hear how they behave in nature. These insects originate from our country, ranging from the common tick to grasshoppers, ants, butterflies, ladybugs and even scorpions. Information: The park is located at Băile Seiche, near Odorheiu Secuiesc. Tickets:  • Adult ticket: 25 RON • Children's ticket (free for children under 3): 15 RON • Ticket for senior citizens: 15 RON • Group ticket (minimum 10 people): • Adults: 22 RON • Children / pensioners: 13 RON CAUTION! !!! People with disabilities are admitted free of charge if they have a document proving this!!! We look forward to seeing you at the Băile Seiche/Szejkefürdő near Odorheiu Secuiesc/Székelyudvarhely!

The most important destination for tourists visiting the Mureş Valley is the source of the Mureş/Maros river, named by some as the place where legends are born. The spot where the clear spring water sees the daylight is a wonderful place, at an altitude of 1350 m, on the southern slope of the Black Mountain (Fekete Rez in Hungarian). The Mureş River itself is born from the waters of Pârâul Mic Creek, Pârâul Varului Creek and Pârâul Mare creek. Photo source: www.triff.ro

Dear visitors! We are glad to guide you through the road of fruit transformation from the fruit tree to the glass. Our goal is to achieve the highest quality palinka, using the latest technology. You can find out the secrets of handcrafted fruit distillates in the category of base fruits : plum, cherry, Muscat grape, black grape, apple, sour cherry, apricot, Williams pear, quince, black currant, in the category of forest fruits: cornelian cherry, elderberry, blackthorn, Blue berry, Aronia, Raspberry and also mandarin.   Our products are 100% natural fruit distillates, we won several awards from World most appreciated spirit contests such as Destillata from Austria. During the visit we share our experiences and you can find out how sommeliers review the fruit spirits. VISITS ARE AVAILABLE BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT ONLY. For programming a visit to the distillery please feel free to call us on +40 744 795162 phone number, English tourist guidance is available on site. Our e-mail address: palincajamy@gmail.com. Come and feel the spirit!

The Iezer/Jézer Lake, also known as the pearl of the alps, is located in the Călimani/Kelemen Mountains at an altitude of 1730 m.  Some call it a bottomless lake. According to a legend, a lead duck was once thrown into the lake and found years later at the Black Sea. The depth of the water is between 3 and 5 meters. The lake has a triangular shape. Two brooks fed the lake, which flows into the Puturosul (Stinky) stream. The Lake Iezer Reserve in Călimani is a protected area of ​​national interest that covers a surface of ​​322 hectares, belonging to Toplița administrative center. The reserve lies at the foot of the Răchitiş massif and has a glacial lake (1200 sqm, 45 m long and 35 m wide). The surrounding area is home to a diverse range of shrubs and a wide variety of mammals. Photo: Amazing Nature/Páll Róbert

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 formed in 1837, when part of the Mount Ghilcoş slid down towards the foot of the Suhard massif after storms and torrential rains, blocking the Bicaz river valley. The name of the lake, both in Romanian and in Hungarian, comes either from Mount Ghilcoş (the Killer) or from the Red stream (Verescheu). Thus, in 1864, it is mentioned as the Lake of the Red Stone, later as the Killer Lake, as well as Tăul Roşu. Since 1936, it is officially named the Red Lake (Lacu Roşu). The red color is due to the clays rich in iron oxides, brought by the Red Creek and deposited in the lake. At the same time, the red rocks of the Suhard massif accentuate the color of the lake. The view is spectacular due to the submerged forest, the trunks of the spruce trees still piercing the water here and there, giving the lake a unique appearance in the Romanian water landscape. The lake is L-shaped and has two arms: the Oii Valley, 900 m long, and Suhard Valley, which measures 438 m. Formed at an altitude of 983 m in a depression with a predominantly subalpine climate, the lake has an area of ​​12.6 ha, a length of 2.5 km and a width of 100-200 m, a volume of 680.000 cubic meters and a maximum depth of 10.5 meters. The surface of the lake decreases every year because of the alluvial deposits of the rivers flowing into it. Downstream of the Red Lake is the beginning of the Bicazului Gorges, 6 km of spectacular gorges in the Eastern Carpathians, along the valley of the Bicaz River, linking Transylvania and Moldova, and forming together a travel destination unique in Romania Here, a resort with the same name is built. It benefits from the subalpine climate and offers attractive trails to the amateur hikers. Cover photo: Mihálydeák Antal  Photo: Zomborácz Zsolt, Szőke Éva

Do you like taking photos and videos? Do you love special places? An unforgettable experience - 5 themes! Take photos of yourself and your friends and share them online!

The windmill in Călugăreni/Homoródremete is a monument of local importance. The building from the 19th century is unique in Harghita county. Another curiosity is that at that time a water mill was built next to it. The monument changed its owner in 2001, and the new owner transformed the building in a romantic style. The two-levels building has a round shape and is covered with shingles. The first floor has stone walls, which are divided by simple windows with square closure. At the top of the walls there is only a semicircular window. The windmill, considered a local curiosity, does not work since the 19th Century - it is just a special attraction of the region.

Orbán Balázs was born in Polonita village near Odorheiu Secuiesc, in an old Szekler family. He studied in Odorheiu Secuiesc, but in the spring of 1846 he left his native lands to return only in 1859. During the years of absolutism and the relatively short relaxation period after that, he traveled to the Szeklerland. He arrived in every locality, visited all the ruins and natural attractions, taking notes and immortalizing them with a camera. Between 1868 and 1873, Orbán Balázs published the six volumes of his trademark "Historical, Archeological, Geographical and Ethnographic Description of the Szekler Land". He died without descendants, leaving all his inheritance to the Szekler people. Respecting his last wish, Orbán Balázs was buried at Seiche. In front of his grave is a row of Szekler gates, the first of which is the gate of his house.

Route: Lunca de Jos/Gyimesközéplok - Valea Rece/Hidegség (Jávárdi creek) – esztena (sheepfold) visit   Program description:  • history lesson 1000 years-old border of the Hungarian Kingdom • travel by cart to the sheepfold • getting to know the operation of the sheepfold (livestock breeding, petting, milk processing, cheese-making, cheese tasting, etc.) • spring water tasting • In closing, "partying" to Csango folk music Optional program: dressing in Csango folk costume. Program location: Harghita county Destination: Ghimes/Gyimes Valley Program price: 60 RON / person in case of application of min. 10 - 25 persons, 55 RON / person in case of application of 25 persons

The "creek that flows backwards" or "The Stagnant Creek Izvoare", which the locals have named so because it has no "flow", is actually an artificial channel. It was built in the middle of the last century to bring water to the animals that grazed on the plateau, and for local consumption. Since then, a ditch was dug near the water, called Irigyvesze. The drinking water of this creek is flowing on the plateau, and due to the very small difference, those who descend to the Izvoare valley have the feeling that the water of the canal flows upwards! Photo source and text: https://pensiuniharghitene.ro/

If you are interested in the life of the wild animals in their natural environment, if you want to take a picture of film them, we recommend the Ivó (Izvoare) wildlife park. The Wildlife Park in Ivó (Izvoare) stretches over an area of 320 hectares, crossed by rivers and surrounded by mountains. Deer, stags and mouflons live in their natural environment in this picturesque region. The few paths and fences were our minimal and necessary intervention in the wild beauty of the nature. The Wildlife Park in Ivó / Izvoare, Harghita county, is located in the heart of the Eastern Carpathians. Its purpose is to restore the natural environment of these animals. Prices: • Two-hour guided tour in the park - 20 RON • Two-hour guided tour in the park for children - 10 RON • Guided tour, then product tasting at the Honor Villa - 45 RON • Guided tour for children, followed by product tasting at the Honor Villa - 20 RON • A day of photography. Special photos for commercial use. - 400 RON

We are very pleased to have been able to create a place in Harghita County that provides meaningful leisure for all ages. Children and adults can get close to the animals living in the park, and they can touch and pet them. In many cases, contact with animals can be a therapeutic nature, as it has a beneficial effect on our physical and mental health.  Nowadays, fewer and fewer pets are kept by families, so one of our goals is to introduce backyard animals and some exotic species, especially to children. The petting zoo is constantly being expanded. We also provide horseback riding and carriage rides with our beautiful pony horses. We welcome all those interested in the “Babusgató” petting zoo and animal park in Subcetate Zetea/Zeteváralja. Tickets: • Adult ticket: 35 RON • Child ticket (3-14): 30 RON

Pro Odorhei Foundation built the Memorial Park. The statues represent 12 famous historical and cultural personalities: Kós Károly, Bethlen István, Wesselényi Miklós, Bethlen Gábor, Fráter György, King Szent László, Prince Csaba, Hunyadi János, Báthori István II. Rákóczi Ferenc, General Bem, Nyírő József, and the thirteenth is the anonymous Wandering Szekler. The sculptors are: Blaskó János, Hell Tibor, Krisztiáni Sándor, Lessenyei Márta and Tóth Emőke. Text and photo source: https://tourinfo.ro/

Discover Transylvania in one day! 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. In the area of about 8000 square meters we recommend to our visitors: • our open-air exhibition, which presents scale models of more than 80 of the most significant castles, fortified churches, mansions and other monumental buildings in Transylvania; • most of them are part of the national heritage and UNESCO World Heritage; • a mini-Szekler train tour;  • buffalo carriage rides; • the Mineral Water Museum; • exhibition of the Szekler gates; • the Orbán Balázs Visitor Center; • playground. Tickets: • Ticket for adults: 40 lei • Ticket for children (free for children under 3 years): 25 lei • Ticket for retirees: 25 lei • Adult group ticket (minimum 10 people): 35 lei • Group ticket children / pensioners (minimum 10 people): 20 lei * Ticket price for the Mini Transylvania Park includes admission to the Orbán Balázs Visitor Center. Tickets for the Mini Secler Steam:  • Adult ticket: 10 lei • Children's ticket: 5 lei The idea of the Transylvanian mini-park came from Szekler Legendarium's team. The scale models exposed in our park present the most important buildings of the region's nationalities, in their golden age. The scale models were made by Németh Hajnal Auróra and Vajda Domokos born in Cristuru Secuiesc, with the contribution of historical graphic artist Gyöngyössy János.

On the outer side of the curve, the Tolvajos brook eroded the rock wall. After a while, the volcanic rock with a less resistant structure no longer supported its own weight and fell into the brook. In this place, the stream flowed under the fallen rock, which resembles a small cottage, a "hut". According to tradition, the place was named "The Hut Stone". It is accessible from the national road 13A to the Chirui Baths.

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 chalet built at the feet of the Lonely Rock is an important meeting point of several hiking trails, and it offers a fascinating view over the Ciuc depression, Ciucaş mountain, Bucegi and Piatra Craiului Massifs. The marked hiking routes are easy to follow and can be safely traveled by any hiker who is accustomed to the mountains. The same is not true about the escalation of the chimney leading to the top of the Lonely Rock. Even though the trail was improved with steel cables in 2008, the escalation requires skill, physical strength and plenty of care from amateur climbers. Those who get to the top at 1608 m altitude will be rewarded with a truly overwhelming panorama. Photo: Dezső László

Snowcat tours in Bath Tusnad Min. persons: 5  Max. persons: 8 Duration: 1.5 h  Price: 50 RON/pers. without picnic and 80 RON/pers, with picnic

The Fairy Glade is a group of mineral springs, which flow in open-air pools. The place has a wardrobe and resting points. In 2009, the Ars Topia Foundation decided to build traditional baths in Borsec, using voluntary work. For ten days, young people from Hungary and Transylvania worked together with the locals to arrange these baths. Since then, the baths enjoyed great success among visitors. The project achieved several goals, such as: building swimming pool with mineral water, foot baths, changing rooms, gazebo, sunbeds. There are indicator panels in widely circulated languages, hand-painted on wood and decorated with floral motifs specific to the area. Year after year, the number of tourists visiting these baths is on the rise, but locals also use these mineral waters for different treatments. The Fairy Glade also has belvedere points and picnic or sunbathing areas.  There is no program or entrance fee. 📷 Rédai Botond

Step back in time and learn about the traditional cheese making in the wonderful world of the Gyimes/Ghimes Hills! Here we discover a typical traditional farm as our host guides us on his subsistence farm. We visit a Kaliba, which is a typical summer shelter up in the pasture and we try cheese making. In a walking tour we visit the ruins of the Rakoczi fortress, and with the help of our host, we can learn about the biodiversity of meadows, herbs and mushrooms. At the fortress we will recall the events from of the First and Second World Wars. Program duration: 4-5 hours

The foundation stone was laid in September 1895, and the most impressive building of the former Lower Market, the current Town Hall, was commissioned in 1897. The former headquarters of Odorhei County was built in eclectic style, according to the plans of the architect Sztehló Ottó. Its constructor was the engineer Ferenczi Endre, but an important role was given to Haberstumph Károly, the city’s main architect. As for the construction of the rooms, the conference room, located at the end of the enclosed courtyard, richly ornamented with wall and ceiling paintings, has a special value and since 2003 it has been named Szent István (St. Stephen). It is the most representative hall in the city, which hosts symposiums, conferences, high-quality concerts, festivals and other events. Text and photo source: http://www.odorhei-turism.ro/

RIBON Factory Tour: A Journey into the World of Fruit Processing and Dietary Supplement Production We invite you to a special experience in Csíkmadaras: a guided tour of the RIBON factory, where the rich fruit treasures of the Transylvanian forests are transformed into high-quality, natural dietary supplements. During this modern factory visit, you'll gain a comprehensive overview of the entire production process from the arrival of the fruits through processing, freeze-drying, extract preparation, and bottling, all the way to the finished product.  You'll also get a behind the scenes look at the expertise and careful work that goes into every RIBON product. A highlight of the program is the forest-like culinary experience: the flavors and scents of blackcurrant, wild blueberry, lingonberry, and raspberry, combined with all-natural ingredients, create a delight for the senses. The program includes: • Insight into the secrets of fruit processing and supplement manufacturing; • Tasting: blackcurrant juice, fruit jelly, freeze-dried fruits: pure flavors straight from the forest; • Visit to a plant micropropagation lab, where the plants of the future are born; • Visit to a local artisan carpentry workshop, where wood, creativity, and tradition meet. Further information: • Duration: approx. 40–50 minutes • We can host 40–50 people per session; for larger groups, visits will be split into parts • Prior registration is required • Participation fee: 39 RON/person Discover with us how nature’s treasures are turned into natural natural health products. A rich, tasty, and educational experience for all ages! VISITS ARE AVAILABLE BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT ONLY. Contact and booking: •  +40 720 110 777 •  office@ribon.ro

RideMore Center is a unique sports center in Romania specially designed to facilitate development in several sports disciplines.  The center covers an area of ​​1,600 square meters and includes a skate park, trampolines with ninja warrior area, climbing board, yoga room, crossfit room, as well as accommodation rooms.  The space is dedicated to the training of athletes, as well as those who want to initiate themselves in these sports or those who just want to exercise and have fun.

Challenge your inner explorer with a day trip to the Transylvanian countryside to an off-the-beaten-path location where you can meet talented craftsmen, visit locals in their homes, learn about the local lifestyle, then join a bear watching tour in the wild at dusk. Life in the dispersed mountainous village of Varsag is fascinating and harsh in the same time. People still live like 50 years ago, earning a living from subsistence agriculture and forestry. Many houses are scattered in the heart of nature kilometers away from any facility like a school, a shop or a church. Neighboring houses can be separated from each other by a forest or by a field or meadow. The landscape is breathtaking with numerous mineral spings, crystal clear streams rich in trouts, pastures covered by wild flowers, glimmering waterfalls and dense forests rich in game. Step back in time and experience the greatness and simplicity of the locals living in Varsag, then see wild brown bears in their natural habitat from the security of one of the many wildlife hides operating in the area. Highlights of the tour:  Explore the dispersed mountainous village of Varsag (79 km from Sighisoara)  Get acquainted with the old craft of shingle-roof making and other traditional crafts  Ride on a horse-drawn cart to absorb the local atmosphere  Visit the picturesque 7 m high Csurgoko waterfall  3-hour close encounter with native wildlife in their natural environment  Spot brown bears and possibly other species like deer, wild boar, fox, badger or game birds  Enjoy the Carpathian forests silence and the excitement of waiting for bears to come  Informative, friendly and professional guide  Small group ensures personal service  Flexibility to customize your itinerary to your own preferences  Meet your guide in Odorheiu Secuiesc (47 km from Sighisoara) and ride almost an hour to one of the most dispersed villages of the Eastern Carpathians, to Varsag, where 60% of the area is woody and the inhabitants live kilometers away from each other. Along the way you will ride through colorful Szekler villages by the Tarnava Mare River, pass by the picturesque Zetea dam lake, then wind through a narrow road leading among dense forests until you arrive to Varsag. Here a horse drawn cart will await you to start your discovery tour. Visit a local pub and spend some time interacting with the locals. This isolated community with its friendly and welcoming locals will fascinate you. Enjoy some snacks and local brandy while they tell you about their daily lives and amuse you with some funny stories. According to local legends, the village covers an area comparable in size to the territory of the Romanian capital with only 1500 inhabitants living there. Ride the cart and visit traditional craftsmen like the blacksmith, the shingle-roof maker and a wood carver, watch them at work and listen to their stories. Taste delicious local produce, visit a 100 year old still-functioning watermill, capture the 7 m high Csurgoko waterfall and climb up on a 3 m high look-out tower which offers panoramic views of the dispersed houses and farms and of the surrounding Carpathian Mountains in the distance.  One-hour before dusk an experienced local ranger, will take you with his 4wd car deep into the forests of the Eastern Carpathians which have one of the largest population concentration of brown bears in Romania. Occupy your place in the hide, stay quiet, listen to the forest wildlife sounds and enjoy the excitement of waiting for bears to come. Usually we are successful in seeing bears, but as there are wild animals involved, nothing is guaranteed. If you are lucky, you may observe bears feeding themselves, playing together, courting and mating, and even other species like wild boars, roe deer and red deer, fox, badger and some game birds. After approximately 3 hours watching, head back to the car accompanied by your guide and ride back to Odorheiu Secuiesc. The entire trip takes 9 to 10 hours. Be prepared and wear hiking boots, weatherproof clothing and bring binoculars, camera, extra battery and memory card to record this unique experience.

At the request of our guests, we organize cultural and artistic events. Dancers and musicians will present traditions from the local folklore, and the interested guests will have the opportunity to learn how to dance on folk music. Gyimesi Skanzen Guesthouse

In 2011, the largest statue of Jesus in Eastern Europe was built on Gordon hill in Harghita, between Odorheiu-Secuiesc and Praid. Called “the Heart of Jesus”, the statue is about 22 meters high, and is made of iron and stainless steel. The statue costed 200,000 EUR and was paid by donations gathered by the Lupeni village hall. Inside the statue, there are metallic spiral staircases up to the head, from where you could admire the wonderful view around. Photo: Mihálydeák Antal, Fülöp Attila

The pig is usually slaughtered on Christmas Eve or in the frosty days of January, this activity becoming the most popular traditional event. For the city folks, it is a tourist attraction and a possibility to cultivate folk traditions. The event consists in slaughtering the pig raised around the farmer's house, processing the meat, and attending the traditional dinner - where different types of sausages (caltaboși, sângerete, cârnați), stew and soup prepared with pickled cabbage are served. The pig slaughtering begins in the morning with a quick drink, then the fire is lit in the hearth and the water is boiled. The actual work starts with stabbing the pig, where the protagonist is the butcher, who has a special knife to commit the "murder." The aids try to hold the agitated animal. The blood is collected in a saucepan, since it will be the raw material for “sângerete”. Afterwards, the pig is placed in a tube, where the hair is removed by scalding. First, the pig is sprinkled with resin (this makes the hairs stick to each other). Then, the animal's hair is removed with a special tool, by rubbing the pig's skin. After the hair is removed, the pig is burned with straw bundles. After the pig's skin browned beautifully, it is washed and cleaned thoroughly. After another round of drinks and best wishes for the health of those present, the pig is lifted on a table to be cut into pieces. The butcher cuts the hams, removes the intestines, the guts, the pig's head and the lard. The ribs are cut with a hatchet in three equal parts, making sure that the meat is not completely removed, but holds the ribs together, which are then salted and smoked. The bacon is cut in desired sizes, salted and smoked. Processing the scapula is done in two ways: after removing the bone, it is either cut off as ham, or used to prepare the sausages. The ham will be smoked. The intestines are cleaned and readied for the sausage preparation (caltaboși, sângerete, cârnați). After cleaning the skin pieces, some of the skin goes to boil and will be the basic material for “sângerete” and ”tobă” (which is a kind of sausage made from swine’s entrails). The sausages will be made from square bacon pieces without rind, and small pieces of meat. Another part of the bacon will be cut into squares, from which, after melting, a white and tasty pig lard is obtained. Entrails - liver, heart, lungs, spleen, kidneys, tongue - are cooked in 95 ° C water. Boiled meat, cooked rice and the blood of the animal collected at slaughtering are added to the mix. Everything is chopped and stuffed in the intestines, to obtain the “sângerete” and “caltaboș”. Seasoning is done to the taste of each farmer. The unused bits of meat, along with gristle are boiled, to form the stuff for ”tobă”. The sausages are made from minced raw meat, seasoned with paprika, pepper and garlic. The sausages, the bacon, the ham, the ”caltaboși” and ”toba” are smoked. Thus, these products prepared by salting, brining, boiling and smoking are preserved for more than half a year, either in the pantry or in the attic of the house. For details regarding the cost and other details, please call the host of the program at the following phone numbers: Ivó/Izvoare – Botházi András: +40741232744 Tusnádfürdő/Băile Tușnad: +40749066008 Szentegyháza/Vlăhița: +40744680753 Borszék/Borsec: 0266337001 Csíkrákos/Racu: +40745180649 Gyergyócsomafalva/Ciumani: +40746337722

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. Originally the popes gave the golden roses to persons of great merit serving the Church. The custom was first mentioned in 1049, in the context that the Pope had donated the rose to an eminent official. Later the kings received the honour, then different bodies, and in the 13-14th century it was given to churches. The first woman to take over was Joanna I of Naples in 1368. From the 17th century onward, the Pope predominantly bestowed the honour on women of royal families for their virtues, and for their church service. Since the mid-20th century, the Pope has honoured with the Golden Rose the Queen of Heaven, the Virgin Mary, at the most important shrines of Mary. Pope Paul VI awarded a church in Bethlehem in 1963, the Fatima in 1965 and the Guadalupe Shrine in 1966. Among others, John Paul II awarded the Golden Roses to the Shrine of Mary in Czestochowa, Loreto and Lourdes. Pope Benedict XVI honoured most of the Mary's shrines when he visited them (including Aparecida and Mariazell, the Immaculate Conception Church in Washington, the Nostra Signora di Bonaria in Cagliari, the Rosary of Pompeii, and the Basilica of the Rosary). Pope Francis also donated Golden Roses to the Mary's shrines in Fatima, Turin, Guadalupe and Czestochowa. The Golden Rose is a symbol of joy and love, a symbol of Christ, according to old ceremonies, and thus its giving is not only a simple acknowledgment but also a mission: the honoured ones must bring Christ into the world. The rose given by Pope Francis to the Virgin Mary of Șumuleu Ciuc/Csíksomlyó is made of silver with 24 karat gold plated stems. It is about 84 cm tall and weighs 1,200 grams. The Golden Rose was placed next to the statue of Virgin Mary, which having a height of 2.27 meters is the largest votive wooden statue in the world.

An information point with an exhibition hall about human-bear coexistence at Băile Tușnad/Tusnádfürdő for tourists and locals set up as part of the project entitled “WatchBear & AdvoCity – bears and people for a common future”. For reservations (maximum 15 people), further details and to book a visit, please call +40 743 775 213.

Szeretne találkozni a Csíkszentgyörgyi Székely Góbékkal? Megnézné egy előadásukat, és uzsonnázna is velük? Amennyiben a válasz igen, ez az ajánlat Önnek szól. A program tartalmaz egy előadással egybekötött uzsonnázást Csíkszentgyörgyön, egy rusztikusan berendezett vendéglőben. Az uzsonna tartalmazni fogja azokat a hagyományos ételeket, amelyeket a filmjeik során is fogyasztanak: szalonna, hagyma, túró, főtt pityóka, vaj és házikenyér egy kis pálinka kíséretében. A csomag ára: 74 lej/fő. Időtartam: 2–3 óra. A programon való részvétel előzetes egyeztetéshez kötött: +40 724 158 230.

3 kilometres from Porumbenii Mari/Nagygalambfalva, on the “Várfele” hillside, rising above the valley of the “Vágás” stream, there was a castle in ancient times and in the Árpád era. In the 13th and 14th centuries it served as a refuge for the villagers. On the banks of the “Vágás” stream, the locals joined forces to build an imaginary replica of the former fortress in 2023. The building, called “Várféle” (meaning: castle-like), is located next to the Spring of the Sad Princess and also serves as an observation tower. The building incorporates the style of the old church forts, castles and medieval fortifications of Szeklerland. A small fish pond has been created nearby.  The “Várféle” can be visited any time for free. According to legend, the castle on the “Várfele” hillside, whose remains are now only relics and artefacts, was built by Prince Csaba (in Hungarian mythology, the youngest son of Attila, King of the Huns) and left to one of his daughters. From the tears of Csaba's orphaned granddaughter sprang the spring that is now called the Spring of the Sad Princess. Another legend tells that there was a lake near the castle, at the bottom of which a huge white snake holds fabulous treasures.  Photos: Mihálydeák Antal

The Caracău Viaduct is a railway viaduct on the Miercurea Ciuc - Ghimeș section, which was put into operation on 18 October 1897. The viaduct was completely destroyed in 1944 as a result of World War II battles. From December 1944 until 12 February 1945, the Romanian engineers built a provisional, completely wooden (3,600 cubic meters) wooden viaduct. This was a unique performance in the history of railway constructions. In parallel, a new viaduct was built, and it was put into operation on 14 September 1946. The new construction of the viaduct was the largest railway bridge made of reinforced concrete in Romania. The total length of the viaduct is 264 m, the vault has an opening of 100 m and the arrow is 37 m. The width of the vault is 6.50 m at the top and 10 m at the base. The vault section has 2.5 m at the top and 4.8 m at the base. Photo: Bartalis Zsombor

Visit the Krausz chocolate workshop, where you can learn how artisan chocolates are made, and how a little cacao bean makes its way into an elegant box. You will also taste different flavoured chocolates made with carefully selected and local ingredients. The small family business welcomes visitors to its workshop in Sântimbru/Csíkszentimre! The visit takes about 40-60 minutes. The manufactory can be visited daily, from 10 am to 7 pm. Location: Sântimbru/Csíkszentimre, Malom str. 118 

During the Csíki Chips factory tour, visitors can gain insight into the world of artisan chip production while learning about the factory’s history, development, and modern manufacturing processes. During the program, guests can discover how the uniquely flavored Csíki Chips products are made. The visit includes a technological presentation and a chips tasting, where visitors can sample several different products. A special children’s program package is also available, which includes the factory tour and a meal. At the end of the program, visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs and products related to Csíki Beer and Csíki Chips. Offer 1: •  125 g CSÍKI chips •  Price: 55 RON/person Offer 2: •  Price: 110 RON/person Offer 3: •  Price: 120 RON/person For children: Factory visit and technology presentation Chicken bites with French fries and sauce Price: 50 RON/person Csíki Chips Factory entrance fee: 30 RON/person Booking: +40755 030 895, latogatokozpont@csikisor.hu VISITS ARE AVAILABLE BY PRIOR APPOINTMENT ONLY. Registration is considered a definite booking after confirmation by phone or e-mail. We want your visit to be a lasting memory, so you have the opportunity to purchase souvenirs related to Csíki Beer and Csíki Chips in our gift shop. We offer also: • Visiting and tasting tour at a local brewery