Kőrispatak

Kőrispatak (in Romanian: Crișeni) is a small Székely village on the western edge of Székelykeresztúr, in Harghita County, nestled in the hilly landscape of the Nagy-Küküllő Valley. The village is widely known for its straw hat-making tradition, which dates back centuries. The Straw Hat Museum is the most famous attraction in the area, where visitors can marvel at hats of various sizes and shapes, and also gain insight into the techniques of weaving, pressing, and decorating. The museum's Guinness World Record piece, a giant hat with a diameter of over 2.5 metres, symbolically represents the unity of the community. Kőrispatak is a small, tranquil settlement where most locals still engage in agriculture, animal husbandry, and crafts. On traditional Székely homesteads, you’ll often find homemade cheese, jam, honey, or pálinka, which visitors can purchase directly from the producers. The village is surrounded by hills, pastures, and wooded areas, offering excellent opportunities for peaceful rural relaxation, gentle hikes, or exploring traditional countryside life. The nearby Székelykeresztúr also boasts cultural attractions (Petőfi Memorial Site, Molnár István Museum) that are easily accessible. Accommodation options include a few guesthouses and rural inns, providing rooms in a friendly atmosphere, often complemented by homemade breakfasts and local flavours. Kőrispatak is a place where the whole world of a small village fits under a straw hat – simple, value-preserving, and surprisingly inspiring.