Special Attractions in Mures County

Today we head towards the main objectives in Mureș county

Daniel Onea, 18.10.2023, 00:38

Starting from Târgu Mureș, a representative city for Secession or Art Nouveau architectural styles, we head towards the main objectives in Mureș county. Thus, we arrive at the largest continuously inhabited medieval fortress in Europe, and, at the same time, a UNESCO heritage site: Sighisoara. Then, passing Ursu Lake, the largest heliothermal lake in the world, we reach the Mureș Valley. It has often been likened to the Loire Valley due to its many castles and mansions.

Tourist visits should start with the county seat town, Târgu Mureș, which, according to tourists, is a chic, beautiful, well-kept and quiet town, says Dana Matic, head of the Visit Mureș Tourist Information Bureau.

“In addition, it has a pearl of Secession or Art Nouveau architecture, the Palace of Culture, which also represents kilometer zero for a tourist visit to the city. We are lucky that our tourist information office is right in the building of the Palace of Culture. We are very conveniently located around the corner from the Palace of Culture, and from here we can send them on a city tour. We have paper materials with the city tour where there are explanations of the buildings, our suggested routes, and what to visit and a brief description of each tourist attraction in the city center.”

If tourists have accommodation in Târgu Mureș and want to get to know the area better, Dana Matic recommends day trips in the surroundings.

“First of all, I would recommend they go to Sighisoara, which is the pearl of medieval architecture in Romania. I am convinced that it is present in the recommendation of any tour operator in Romania that offers services to tourists from abroad. It is part of the classic tour of Romania. Sighisoara is a UNESCO objective and is the best preserved medieval fortress in the eastern part of Europe. I would combine Sighișoara with other fortified churches. Basically, the area around Sighisoara is the border area of Mureș county. Here I would also recommend a visit to Saschiz, which has both a fortified church and a fortress on the hill next to the church. Tourists could also go to Archita, which is also a very nicely preserved fortified church, and why not to Bethlen Castle in Criș, which is about 15 km from Sighisoara.”

Dana Matic, head of the Visit Mureș Tourist Information Office, recommends tourists also visit Sovata, which is at the top of the national ranking of the most beautiful spa resorts.

“At Sovata, they will see Ursu Lake, which is the largest heliothermal lake in Europe and the second in the world. Also, the resort is very nicely laid out. In recent years, a lot has been invested and many ideas have been put into practice. Around the lake, some eco-didactic paths have been set up, through which, on paths equipped with benches, rest stops and informative panels, people can walk through the protected area around Lake Ursu. Here you can see other salt lakes or fresh water lakes, and you can get right above the lake to one of the highest points in the resort, where there is a climbable tower. There the panorama is 360 degrees.”

According to the National Heritage Institute, in Romania there are over six hundred castles, mansions and estates. Of these, approximately fifty are found on the territory of Mureș county, being part of the architectural heritage left behind by Transylvanian aristocracy throughout history. This year, the Visit Mureș Information Office focused its promotion strategy on the castles in Mureș County. Here is Dana Matic.

“In Romania, Mureș is able to boast the largest number of castles and mansions. Practically, we can almost draw a parallel with the Loire Valley. We also have the Mureșului Valley, where there are many castles. These can also be seen in other valleys of the county. Although there are dozens, not every one can be visited, some being in an advanced state of decay. We focused on promoting castles that can be visited, where a museum or hotels operate. We have spoken to each individual castle, and we even have a promotion strategy. We have printed materials where the castles are listed, with descriptions about them, how they can be visited, but we also organize different events at the castles. We have entered into partnerships with the representatives of these castles, and the idea is that they promote each other, because together they can be more successful. We, at Visit Mureș, even organize the open day at Degenfeld Castle in Cuci. We also want to raise funds to support the running of the castle.”

Recently, the 17th edition of the “Hot Air Balloon Parade” event ended in Mureș County. After a short break during the pandemic, everyone was happy to see the colorful balloons rise again. And, if in the summer, Mureș comes alive around the Awake or Vibe music festivals, in the fall the Sovata Pumpkin Festival begins. Last but not least, in Theater Square in Mureș, for several years, a very beautiful Christmas Fair has been organized, where you will also be able to see craftsmen. In fact, you can find them in various specific places in the county, says Dana Matic, head of the Visit Mureș Tourist Information Office.

“In Câmpenita there are people who make objects from straw, like hats or bags. We also have luthiers from Reghin. We are proud of the fact that Reghin is the only town in Romania where stringed musical instruments are manufactured, and, apart from the classic instrument factories, there are many small luthiers workshops that tourists can visit, and, why not, order parts from them. We are awaiting all curious people to Mureș county, because our county has been blessed with all forms of relief. Here you can exercise in the open air, you can go hiking in the mountains, we have pastures with centuries-old oak trees, we have a very high ecological diversity. We have built heritage, UNESCO heritage, and castles. We have everything for everyone, to satisfy everyones tastes.”

By visiting visitmures.com, you can find detailed information on sights and tourist routes. The site is available in Romanian, English, and Hungarian.