Sovata: Lakes, Hiking Trails and Culture

Sovata combines salt lakes and forest trails with cultural sites and seasonal activities. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing the routes by their scenery and the stated walking times. For activities offered only at certain times of year, it is also advisable to check the latest dates and operating hours.

Salt Lakes and Landscapes

Lacul Ursu is the largest heliothermal salt lake in the world. It formed between 1875 and 1880: the salt deposit gradually dissolved, after which the ground collapsed. Lacul Mierlei, Sovata’s youngest salt lake, has a different origin. It formed in a salt sinkhole. The artificial Lacul Tivoli was created in 1975 and 1976 at the foot of Muntele Cireșelu.

These differences are also reflected in the routes around the lakes and through the wooded landscape. The Salt Eco-Educational Trail was created to showcase the special features of Sovata’s salt lakes, salt mountains and wetland habitats. It starts at Lacul Ursu, passes Lacul Șerpilor, Lacul Mierlei and Muntele de Sare, reaches Lacul Aluniș and returns to the starting point.

Choose Trails by Length and Landscape

The Ursu Eco-Educational Trail loops around Lacul Paraschiva, passes through a clearing and sinkholes in the deciduous forest, and leads back to Lacul Ursu. Stairs with handrails, rest areas, a covered viewing point and a forest school help visitors explore and observe the terrain. The Western Tourist Alley offers a different perspective: starting at Lacul Ursu, it crosses wooded hills to the edge of the protected area and passes through sinkholes in the salt mountain. From a viewing point, you can look out over the Verde and Roșu lakes.

For a shorter route, the 600-meter-long Aleea Tivoli connects Lacul Ursu with Lacul Tivoli; the stated walking time is about 20 minutes. A short hiking route from Lacul Ursu via Lacul Tineretului and Grota ursului to Vârful Cireșelu is listed as taking one hour. The self-guided “Relaxing Walk in Sovata” also takes about an hour and passes through the old town. Lacul Tivoli can be reached on foot or by car from the area around Lacul Ursu.

Activities by the Lake and in Nature

During the season, you can rent boats and pedal boats at Lacul Tivoli. The Adrenalin Plus adventure park, which operates seasonally, is right next to the lake. Check the latest operating hours before your trip. Swimming is possible at the beaches on Lacul Ursu, Lacul Aluniș and Lacul Negru; operations depend on the season. The ski slope also has seasonal operating hours: it has a 500-meter chairlift and a 200-meter ski lift for beginners.

Other activities include riding lessons and riding camps, as well as archery at the Amenus Equestrian Center. The Amenus adventure farm offers children and adults the chance to encounter domestic animals and other species. For these activities, which require booking, confirm current availability in advance. The barefoot path near Piroska Lake crosses a variety of surfaces that are intended to stimulate the reflex points on the soles of the feet while walking.

On off-road trips, visitors explore the surrounding hills and mountains in four-wheel-drive vehicles with experienced drivers. The Mocănița runs seasonally from spring to autumn on the 30-kilometer route between Sovata and Câmpu Cetății; the journey takes two hours. Check the latest departure times in advance.

Culture and Local Character

The Kusztos-Endre Memorial House is Sovata’s only art gallery and displays the artist’s well-known charcoal drawings. The Roman Catholic “Sacred Heart” Chapel was completed in 1939; its features include an aragonite altar and stained-glass windows. The “Géra” salt spring commemorates an earlier spring that supplied water to the first salt-bath facility.

In summer, cultural events featuring local and regional artists take place on the stage in Petőfi Park. These include light music concerts with performers from Hungary and Romania. Check the current summer program for your travel dates. At restaurants in the resort and microregion, you can sample typical regional dishes and drinks.

Discover more destinations: Targu Mures, Feleag, Rohrdachen, Ungheni, Lunca Bradului, Târnăveni, Săcalu De Pădure, Gorneşti.

Go to the main travel overview: Mures.