Covasna: Nature, spa traditions and cultural heritage

In Covasna, geological features sit alongside churches, museums and reminders of the region’s industrial history. Nature lovers can explore mofettas, a gorge with opportunities for hiking and caving, as well as paths for walking and jogging. Those who prefer a more cultural stay can explore Transylvanian architectural and craft traditions, religious architecture and historical collections. The region’s spa tradition is also part of its character and may factor into choosing a suitable hotel.

Geology and nature experiences

Muntele Puturosu, also known as Puciosu, reaches an altitude of 1,143 metres and is part of the Ciomad-Balvanyos Massif. In the Eastern Carpathian range, it is the southernmost above-ground occurrence of post-volcanic phenomena. Puturosu Cave, also known as Grota Puturosu, is a 14-metre-long natural mofetta and is considered the largest natural mofetta in Europe. Balta Dracului offers another geological feature: a gas eruption keeps a whirl of mud and mineral water in motion.

Cheile Vârghișului lies in the northern part of the Perșani Mountains, where the Vârghiș stream runs through the gorge. There are opportunities for hiking and caving. Valea Zânelor, meanwhile, has trails suitable for walking and jogging. These varied natural attractions offer a practical starting point for planning your days: the gorge and caving appeal to different interests than a stroll or a jog.

Museums, crafts and churches

The Haszmann Pál Museum in Cernat is housed in the neoclassical Damokos family manor house. Exhibits on the grounds include Transylvanian houses and gates, a watermill, and carved wooden and stone gravestones. The museum also runs traditional craft workshops, including furniture painting, woodcarving and decorating Easter eggs. The collections and hands-on craft activities offer different ways to engage with the region’s culture.

The Church of St. Emeric in Ghelința dates back to the 13th century and preserves architectural elements from the Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque periods. As a fortified Roman Catholic church, it is among the most valuable religious buildings in Covasna County. The fortified Unitarian church in Aita Mare offers a different impression: its surrounding walls are five metres high and are complemented by two opposing bastions. The church also features a stone pulpit made of four carved panels and a stone balustrade dated to 1710. The churches thus differ not only in their architectural styles but also in the details that have been preserved.

Kálnoky Castle, dating from the 17th century, houses the Museum of Transylvanian Life. The exhibition includes original weapons, reconstructions of period clothing, aristocratic books and old musical instruments. Together with the churches and the Haszmann Pál Museum, it forms a varied cultural offering, spanning architecture and fortifications, everyday objects, collections and traditional crafts.

Railway and spa traditions as travel highlights

The narrow-gauge Covasna–Comandău forest railway was built in 1882 and is a testament to the region’s industrial heritage. Some sections are currently used for tourism. An excursion train hauled by a steam locomotive also runs in Valea Zânelor. If you plan a tourist ride, check the current timetable in advance.

The spa tradition may also be an important factor when choosing where to stay. Covasna is a balneoclimatic spa resort, and hotels here offer therapy facilities, wellness and spa areas, as well as private mofettas. Check current availability before travelling. In Covasna County, mineral water is used for internal or external spa treatments, while carbon dioxide emissions in mofettas are used for balneotherapy. For other kinds of trips, the nature and culture on offer may be the deciding factor: options range from geological features and outdoor activities to museums, churches and industrial history.

Explore more destinations

Explore more destinations: Covasna, Ozun, Târgu Secuiesc, Întorsura Buzăului, Dalnic, Bita, Moacşa, Comandău, Zăbala, Baraolt, Ilieni, Sfântu Gheorghe, Turia, Bățanii Mici, Micfalău, Dobârlău Commune, Sfântu Gheorghe Municipality.

For the overarching travel guide: Romania.