Harghita, European Region of Gastronomy
Harghita also has many historical attractions, such as fortified churches and medieval fortresses
Daniel Onea, 27.02.2025, 13:31
Harghita County has been awarded the title of “European Region of Gastronomy” for 2027 by the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism. A jury from seven countries praised the area for its impressive landscapes, rich culinary traditions and commitment to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity. In addition to its wild nature, Harghita also has many historical attractions, such as fortified churches and medieval fortresses. To begin with, we learn from Mezey Zsolt, project manager at Visit Harghita, about the forms of tourism we can practice in the area.
“I invite you to take a little virtual tour of Harghita County, a family-friendly destination, recently awarded the title of European Region of Gastronomy in 2027. Harghita County has a great tourist potential, famous tourist towns and recreational areas, including the spa resorts of Băile Tușnad, Borsec, Lacu Roșu, Izvorul Mureșului, or natural reserves and natural monuments, such as Lake Sfânta Ana, Cheile Bicazului, Poiana Narciselor, and the protected area of the Călimani Mountains. Then, we have cultural and ecumenical objectives such as the Church of Şumuleu Ciuc, an important pilgrimage center for Catholics, the fortified church of Dârju, included in the UNESCO heritage, the Lăzarea castles or Mikó Castle. Let’s not forget about the mofetta, mud, peat and saltwater baths. Mineral waters can be found in any part of the county you go to, in over 2,000 springs. Some of them are bottled, but the unique experience is to taste the water directly there, when it bursts out of the ground.”
In a dreamlike natural setting, traditions and customs have remained alive, being passed down from generation to generation. These can be seen by visiting craftsmen, participating in local events, or visiting museums.
“Folk art and music are important in everyday life. Traditional evenings, countryside events and various festivals are great opportunities to honor or get to know the folkloric artistic pillar. Folk clothing is, in turn, a reason for local pride and admiration, with the county’s museums presenting them in detail. In some cases, museums have found their place in monumental buildings. Thus, the Szekler Museum of Ciuc in Miercurea Ciuc is hosted by the Mikó Fortress, and the Haáz Rezső Museum, in Odorheiu Secuiesc, has moved to the Haberstumpf Villa.”
Harghita County is notable not only for its cultural activities. Mezey Zsolt, project manager at Visit Harghita, says that tourists who prefer to follow tourist trails through the mountains will feel truly spoiled.
“There are many marked trails in the Harghita Mountains, Hășmaș, Călimani, or in the Ciuc Mountains. If you arrive in these mountains in winter, you will find ski centers offering various options for winter sports lovers. The most beautiful and popular are Harghita-Băi and Harghita Mădăraș, Bucin, Ciumani, Băile Homorod, Versag, but more information can be found in the “Ski Harghita” submenu on the Visit Harghita website. In the county, we have over 100 tourist programs. I would highlight the bobsleigh slopes, the vast majority of which are family friendly, as follows: Ski Ghimeș in Lunca de Sus, with an all-season bobsleigh track, a total of 1,800 meters. Bob Vărșag with almost 1,500 meters of bobsleigh track. Oxygen Bob, at Pasul Pângărați, with a 1,260-meter track, the bobsleigh track in Lacul Roșu is almost a kilometer long, right in the forest. A similar track awaits you at Lobogo Bob, in Băile Homorod. The bobsleigh track in Toprița is the longest in Romania, with a length of over 1,900 meters, and the summer bobsleigh track in Borsec has a length of almost 1,500 meters, being open in the spring-autumn seasons.”
In Harghita, you will find two famous and special lakes. Of these, Lake Sfânta Ana is formed in a volcanic crater and is unique in Europe.
“Another beauty is Lacu Roșu, which was formed after a landslide blocked the path of a river. To this day, traces of the forest that was flooded can be seen. A special experience can be visiting Cheile Vărghișului. Here, the adventure includes a series of bridges that pass over water, over rocks, or climb to limestone caves. Nature was also generous when the hills of Praid were formed, where salt deposits accumulated in large enough quantities to be exploited. This is how the Praid salt mine appeared, where you can find a whole world underground. In the immediate vicinity of the salt mine, the salt canyon was formed where even the mountains are made of salt.”
The gastronomy of Harghita County is a real calling card. You can indulge in international recipes, but traditional main courses are the ones that will win you over, as we learn from Mezey Zsolt, project manager at Visit Harghita.
“The tastes that can caress your taste buds during your walks through this county are rich and heavy, hearty and smoky, warm and sweet. Whether we are talking about sauerkraut soup or gypsy steak, paprikash or goulash, each is just half of a whole that can only be completed with a fruit pálinca. People have understood that quality products, especially those prepared in small households, mean value. Thus, they have built a brand around the idea of a Szekler product: cozonac, plum pálinca or craft beer, but also cheeses, jams, honey, and homemade syrups. And, around them, there are also occasions for celebration and joy, such as the Borsec Cauliflower Festival, the Polenta Cheese Festival, the Miercurea Ciuc Potato Festival, the Plum Days, or the Stuffed Cabbage Festival. The Harghita Intercommunity Development Association, Visit Harghita, launched the candidacy in 2023, and the jury of the International Institute of Gastronomy, Culture, Arts and Tourism, following a visit in October 2024, became familiar with the local gastronomic values, community initiatives, and strategies based on sustainable tourism. The President of the Harghita County Council was officially handed the title of European Region of Gastronomy, during a ceremony. Preparations for 2027 have already begun, and the organizers aim for Harghita County to proudly represent its culinary and cultural heritage under the title of European Region of Gastronomy.”
Harghita will be promoted internationally, not only as a tourist destination, but also as a successful model in terms of sustainable development and the protection of culinary heritage.
