Places to visit
Explore the quiet little Szekler and Saxon villages in the area! For castle enthusiasts and history lovers, we recommend visiting the castles, fortresses of Transylvanian nobility, and the fortified churches of the region. Those seeking a livelier atmosphere should explore the nearby Transylvanian towns.
The Visit Harghita website and app can assist you in your adventures: visitharghita.com
Nearby attractions
Filiaș (Fiatfalva)
Its sights include the medieval Unitarian-Reformed church and the Mud Volcanoes, a unique natural phenomenon located southwest of the castle. The Mud Volcanoes can be explored on a hiking trip or, for the more adventurous, by horse-drawn carriage.
Cristuru Secuiesc (Székelykeresztúr)
4 km from the castle
The town’s attractions are tied to Petőfi: the Gyárfás Mansion, which features Petőfi’s pear tree, and the Petőfi statue in the town center. Families with small children may enjoy visiting the Molnár István Museum in Cristuru Secuiesc, which showcases archaeological, historical, art history, and natural history collections from the region.
Sighișoara (Segesvár)
25 minutes drive from the Castle, 20 km
Take a historical walk in the Sighișoara Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with its fortress walls, cobblestone streets, old houses and towers. The Clock Tower at the main entrance to the Castle houses the History Museum. Its thematic rooms offer a journey back to the Middle Ages. Other historical landmarks include the Monastery Church and the Gothic Church.
Băile Seiche (Szejkefürdő)
35 minutes drive, 29 km
A must-see for families (and not only!) is the Mini Transylvania Park, featuring over 90 models of historic Transylvanian buildings and medieval castles, including a miniature replica of the Ugron Castle in Filiaș (Fiatfalva). Right next door is the Szekler Gates Gallery, which leads to the tomb of the greatest Szekler figure, Balázs Orbán. Nearby, you’ll also find the Visitor Centre named after him. At the Mineral Water Museum, you can learn about the healing properties of the mineral springs of Băile Seiche (Szejkefürdő).
Odorheiu Secuiesc (Székelyudvarhely)
35 minutes drive, 30 km
For centuries, it has been the centre of Szeklerland and the Szekler Seats. The town’s landmarks and historic buildings include: the Town Hall, the Memorial Park, the House of Culture, the Haáz Rezső Museum, the Tamási Áron High School, the Roman Catholic Parish Church of Miklóshegy, the Reformed Church, the Grey Friars’ Church, the Ugron Chapel, and the Heart of Jesus Chapel. For culinary enthusiasts, we recommend the Páva Restaurant, the Schwarz Bistro, and the Pethő Restaurant. Coffee lovers can enjoy specialty brews at the Vekker Coffee Community.
Criș (Keresd)
If you’re heading towards Sighișoara, we recommend visiting the Bethlen Castle in Criș, located a 30-minute drive from Sighișoara. It is one of the finest examples of Transylvanian Renaissance castle architecture. Like the Ugron Castle, its history dates back to the 15th century, making it an excellent destination for castle enthusiasts and history lovers.
Inlăceni (Énlaka)
30 minutes drive, 27 km
A charming little labyrinth-like village worth visiting for its late Gothic Unitarian church. It features a medieval village structure, and as you wander its winding streets, you’ll see traditional Szekler houses with porches and barn-style sheds.
Lupeni (Farkaslaka)
30 minutes drive, 28 km
he most significant attraction of the village is the tomb of the writer Áron Tamási, who was born here. Over the decades, it has become a pilgrimage site for visitors. We also recommend visiting the Heart of Jesus statue and lookout on Gordon Hill nearby. Adventurous visitors can climb to the statue's head using its metal staircase, where breathtaking views await. Hungry travellers should stop at the Kotyogó Restaurant, where they can enjoy local, homemade dishes with a modern twist.
Băile Homorod (Homoródfürdő)
For centuries, it has been a destination for those seeking healing and relaxation. But nowadays visitors come not only for the characteristic carbonated, iron-rich water of the Lobogó Spring but also for the wide range of activities available at the Lobogó Resort. In addition to a restaurant, the resort offers spa and wellness facilities, a ski slope in winter, pool and riding school in summer. For recreation, we can take a slide down the bobsleigh track.
Harghita-Mădăraș (Madarasi Hargita)
The Hargita Mountains, accessible from Ivó, are a popular destination year-round, offering a variety of activities.
Merești (Homoródalmás)
Explore the Vârghiș (Vargyas) Gorge, a natural reserve known for its rich and diverse flora and fauna. It is one of Transylvania’s most spectacular and frequently visited sites, featuring four caves open to visitors. However, proper equipment is recommended for those planning to explore the caves. For fans of local Szekler flavours, we recommend the Almárium Inn, where guests can enjoy a unique dining experience in a restored family home that beautifully blends past and present.
Crișeni (Kőrispatak)
40 minutes drive, 33 km
The Straw Hat Museum offers a delightful experience for visitors of all ages. Operating for over twenty years in this remote village, the museum, housed in a beautifully renovated traditional farmhouse, showcases the village’s history and the craft of straw hat making. It is also home to the largest straw hat in the country.
Corund (Korond)
45 minutes drive, 41 km
One of the outstanding figures of the pottery tradition in Corund is Antal Páll, whose ceramics collection can be admired at the Páll Ceramics Folk Art Workshop. For nature enthusiasts, a short drive will take you to the Fenyőkút Peat Bog or the Snail Hill, both fascinating natural attractions.
Bezid Rezervoir Lake (Bözödújfalu)
50 minutes drive, 41 km
Adventurous visitors can take to the water with a kayak or SUP on Lake Bezid (Bözöd). Nearby, the Lavender Hill offers a unique and picturesque view with the lake as a stunning background.
Sângeorgiu de Pădure (Erdőszentgyörgy)
The jewel of this town is the Rhédey Castle, built in the Neobaroque style. Advance booking is recommended to visit the castle. Before or after the castle tour, visitors can stroll around the recently renovated one and a half hectare castle garden.
The Reservoir Lake from Sub Cetate (Zeteváralja)
1 hour drive, 52 km
This Y-shaped artificial lake, located not far from Odorheiu Secuiesc (Székelyudvarhely), offers opportunities for fishing, kayaking, camping, and SUP activities.
Praid (Parajd)
1 hour drive, 52 km
In the heart of the Salt Region, you’ll find the Praid Salt Mine, home to the largest rock salt deposit in the Praid Basin. Visitors can explore this unique attraction through guided Salt Canyon hiking tours. Other points of interest in the area include the Butterfly House and the Upside-Down House.
Sovata (Szováta)
1 hour 10 minutes drive, 63 km
The largest town in the Salt Region is worth visiting for its saltwater lakes and spa tourism. The jewel of Sovata is Bear Lake, the largest heliothermic lake in Europe. It got its name from its shape, resembling a stretched-out bear skin. Other saltwater lakes, such as Bear Lake’s “little sibling,” Lake Aluniș (Mogyorósi), and Lake Mierlei (Rigó), are also popular among visitors and open for swimming.
Further destinations
Târgu Mureș (Marosvásárhely)
1 hour 30-minutes drive, 73 km
During a cultural walk in Târgu Mureș, you can visit the city’s main attractions: the Teleki Library, the “Bolyai” Reformed College, the Medieval Fortress and Fortress Church, the St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, the Palace of Culture and the County Hall. For dinner, head to the Petry Bistro near the Fortress or to the Laci Csárda, which is within walking distance of the city centre.
Miercurea Ciuc (Csíkszereda)
1 hour 30-minutes drive, 82 km
The historical landmark of the town is the Mikó Castle, now serving as a cultural centre and museum. A popular tourist destination is the Pilgrimage Church in Șumuleu Ciuc (Csíksomlyó), not only during the famous Pentecost pilgrimage. The Statue of the Virgin Mary of Csíksomlyó is surrounded by legends of miracles. It is also worth visiting the Csíksomlyó Saddle on foot, a site for many Szekler heritage events and celebrations.
Sibiu (Nagyszeben)
2 hours drive, 110 km
Known as the "capital" of the Transylvanian Saxons, the city boasts a stunning historic centre with landmarks such as the Gothic Cathedral, the Brukenthal Museum, and the Council Tower. Just 4 km away, you’ll find the Astra Village Museum, an open-air ethnographic museum.
Băile Tușnad (Tusnádfürdő)
2 hours drive, 114 km
Often referred to as a four-season resort, this charming town is close to Lake Saint Anne, one of Transylvania's most captivating natural attractions.
Brașov (Brassó)
2 hours drive, 116 km
Known as the "Crown City" of Transylvania, Brașov is considered an unmissable tourist destination. Its most famous landmark is the Black Church. Other attractions in the old town include the Council Square at the city's centre, the cobblestone Rope Street, Catherine’s Gate, the White Tower, the Black Tower, and the Weavers’ Bastion. Hikers and tourists often visit the Citadel and Mount Tâmpa, where the Hollywood-style “Brașov” sign is located. Brașov is also a delight for culinary travelers, offering a variety of traditional and international dining options in the heart of the city.
The Ghimeș Region (Gyimesek)
2 hours drive, 117 km
The Thousand-Year-Old Border, marking one of the easternmost points of historic Hungary, is located at the edge of the village Ghimeș-Făget (Gyimesbükk). For adrenaline seekers, we recommend Transylvania’s longest bobsleigh track, which is situated in Lunca de Jos (Gyimesfelsőlok) and is open year-round. Another unique attraction is the Gyimesi Skanzen Guesthouse in Valea Boros (Borospataka), a collection of 13 restored traditional farmhouses. Since 2022, it has also been the venue for the Taste of Transylvania Gastronomy Festival.
The Red Lake (Gyilkos-tó)
2 hours 30 minutes drive, 118 km
Located in the Bicaz Gorge-Hășmaș National Park, this lake is a true natural rarity. Visitors can hike the trails encircling the lake or rent a boat and go for a ride on the lake. The Bicaz Gorge (Békás-szoros) is just 5 km away from the lake. For adventurers, there are several marked hiking routes to Piatra Singuratică (Egyes-kő), including both easy and challenging trails. There is also the possibility to join guided tours on request.