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Discover the Sustainable Wonders of Harghita County – 7 Locations, 7 Experiences, 4 Seasons

Harghita County is the sustainable heart of Székely Land: a place where time slows down, nature comes closer, and culture is not a museum exhibit but a living reality. While the closure of the Praid salt mine left many uncertain, this period truly highlights the diverse and rich offerings of the region.

Whether you're planning a family holiday or a themed tour, Harghita County offers multi-day, four-season sustainable programmes. The following seven locations are just a modest, subjective selection of the wonders the county has to offer visitors. 

What do you think about Harghita County's tourism offerings? Fill out our survey! https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/hargitamegye/

1. Lake Saint Anne and Mohos Peat Bog – Exemplary Nature Conservation

Lake Saint Anne, nestled in the depths of the Ciomad Crater, is Europe's only volcanic crater lake. It is not only visually stunning but also an ecologically sensitive habitat. Swimming and boating are prohibited, and the water quality and lake ecosystem are protected through targeted interventions. Nature-friendly trails, noise-reduction rules, and the sustainable operation of the sledding track are all exemplary solutions.

The nearby Mohos Peat Bog, a remnant of another former crater lake, can be explored via guided tours on wooden walkways. The bog's carnivorous plants, rare moss species, and cranberries are ice age relics that are strictly protected.

Sustainability Focus: water and ecosystem protection, guided tours, noise reduction, education

Related SDGs:

  • SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

  • SDG 13 – Climate Action

  • SDG 15 – Life on Land

  • SDG 4 – Quality Education (environmental education)

Learn more about Lake Saint Anne! Find out more about the Mohos Peat Bog
1. Lake Saint Anne and Mohos Peat Bog – Exemplary Nature Conservation

2. Szejkefürdő Mineral Water Museum – Respect for Natural Mineral Waters

The mineral waters of Szejkefürdő have played a vital role in the lives of locals for centuries. The Mineral Water Museum uniquely showcases this natural and cultural heritage, where visitors can ride a buffalo cart through the history of the springs and even taste the local mineral water. The exhibition is interactive, multilingual, and accessible to all ages.

Harghita County boasts over 2,500 known mineral water springs – their protection and conscious use represent sustainable water management in the long term.

Sustainability Focus: utilisation of local natural resources, water protection, education
Related SDGs:

  • SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation

  • SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

  • SDG 4 – Quality Education

  • SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

Learn more about the museum
2. Szejkefürdő Mineral Water Museum – Respect for Natural Mineral Waters

3. Székely Border Guard Memorial Centre, Szépvíz – Historical Knowledge in a Modern Format

The Szépvíz Border Guard Memorial Centre features a modern, three-storey exhibition showcasing the history of the Székely border guards. The display includes interactive elements, multilingual explanations, and educational programmes, building genuine community knowledge.

Here, sustainability is realised in a cultural sense: through knowledge of the past, strengthening community identity, and preserving historical memory.

Sustainability Focus: cultural heritage, community knowledge, school collaborations
Related SDGs:

  • SDG 4 – Quality Education

  • SDG 11.4 – Protecting the World’s Cultural Heritage

  • SDG 16.7 – Inclusive, Participatory Decision-Making

  • SDG 17.17 – Partnerships for the Goals (institutional collaborations)

More information
3. Székely Border Guard Memorial Centre, Szépvíz – Historical Knowledge in a Modern Format

4. Varság – Nature-Inspired Experiences Year-Round

Varság is the highest settlement in Székely Land, where nature surrounds you in every direction. From spring to autumn, hiking trails, waterfalls, viewpoints, and forest paths await those who love active recreation. In winter, horse-drawn sleigh rides reveal the snowy landscape, and the small ski slopes provide family-friendly options.

Special attention should be given to the living tradition of shingle-making, which several families still practice today. Preserving this craftsmanship is a tangible form of sustainability.

Sustainability Focus: preserving traditions, seasonal tourism, protecting craftsmanship
Related SDGs:

  • SDG 8.9 – Sustainable Tourism Supporting Jobs and Culture

  • SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

  • SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities

  • SDG 9 – Sustainable Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (e.g., small-scale rural development)

Discover the Csorgókő Waterfall! Learn more about the Székelyvarság Lookout
4. Varság – Nature-Inspired Experiences Year-Round

5. Székelyderzs – World Heritage and Community Hospitality

The Unitarian fortified church in Székelyderzs is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, exemplary not only in architecture but also in community spirit. Every Wednesday, "Bacon Day" is held around the church, offering traditional local flavours and warm hospitality to visitors.

The bacon is not just for show but a genuine local experience that strengthens the community dimension of sustainable tourism.

Sustainability Focus: heritage-based tourism, local products, community participation
Related SDGs:

  • SDG 11.4 – Protecting Cultural Heritage

  • SDG 8.9 – Developing Sustainable Tourism

  • SDG 12.7 – Sustainable Procurement and Preference for Local Products

  • SDG 2.4 – Sustainable Food Production Systems (local gastronomy)

All about the church
5. Székelyderzs – World Heritage and Community Hospitality

6. Madarasi Harghita – The Active Mountain for All Seasons

Madarasi Harghita is a haven for winter skiing, summer hiking, spiritual retreats, and nature exploration. Its viewpoints, ski slopes, pilgrimage routes, and accommodations have been developed to harmonise with the landscape, without causing harm.

The mountain is managed on a community basis, with local associations and businesses aiming to ensure long-term sustainability.

Sustainability Focus: green tourism, community management, nature-friendly infrastructure
Related SDGs:

  • SDG 9.1 – Reliable, Sustainable Infrastructure

  • SDG 11 – Sustainable Communities

  • SDG 15 – Ecosystem Conservation

  • SDG 3.4 – Healthy Lifestyles and Well-being (nature-based recreation)

6. Madarasi Harghita – The Active Mountain for All Seasons

7. Csíksomlyó – Spiritual Tourism and Cultural Continuity

The pilgrimage site of Csíksomlyó is Transylvania's most significant pilgrimage destination, welcoming visitors year-round. The basilica, the statue of Mary, the Stations of the Cross, and the pilgrimage paths offer both spiritual reflection and natural beauty.

Tourism in Csíksomlyó is based on principles of silence, respect, and pedestrian access – ensuring the spirit and physical environment of the place are preserved for the long term.

Sustainability Focus: spiritual values, slow tourism, preserving traditions
Related SDGs:

  • SDG 11.4 – Protecting Cultural and Spiritual Heritage

  • SDG 3.4 – Mental Health and Well-being

  • SDG 8.9 – Sustainable, Inclusive Tourism

  • SDG 12.8 – Promoting Sustainability Awareness

Learn more about the basilica
7. Csíksomlyó – Spiritual Tourism and Cultural Continuity

The Praid salt mine was important to many – but Harghita County is actually full of experiences that are deeper, more authentic, and far more sustainable. Whether it's water conservation, pilgrimages, craftsmanship, or community museums, this region keeps calling you back – in every season.

Travel slower, stay longer, experience deeper – Harghita County awaits.

What do you think about Harghita County's tourism offerings? Fill out our survey! https://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/hargitamegye/

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