Here, time seems to flow more slowly, and every corner of the village, every shingle-roofed house, and every mountain landscape tells a story of carefully preserved traditions and a deep connection with nature.

In Covasna, you won’t find just spectacular scenery, but also unique experiences such as staying in tastefully restored historic mansions, horse-drawn carriage rides through fairytale forests, baths with natural mineral water, or hikes through wild gorges. Here, rural tourism perfectly blends discreet luxury with respect for nature.

Among the places truly worth discovering are:

• The Kálnoky Count’s Estate in Micloșoara, a refined example of preserving Transylvanian noble heritage, supported personally by King Charles;

• The Vârghiș Gorges, a rare natural beauty area, ideal for hiking, spelunking, and wildlife observation;

• Balvanyos, a mountain resort with carbonated springs, mofettes, and coniferous forests — an ideal place for relaxation and natural treatments;
• Daniel Castle in Tălișoara, a building with Renaissance mural frescoes, which today hosts an elegant guesthouse and cultural events.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, an active holiday surrounded by nature, or a deep dive into Székely history and culture, Covasna County offers you a memorable and authentic experience. Below, we present the most beautiful destinations in this area — true hidden gems worth adding to your vacation list in Romania.

The Kálnoky Count’s Estate in Micloșoara

Hidden among the forested hills of the Székely Land, in the picturesque village of Micloșoara (Miklósvár), lies one of the most refined and authentic manor houses in Romania — the Kálnoky Count’s Estate. Here, history is not just a decorative detail, but a living element that shapes every corner of this enchanting place.

(Source: KÁLNOKY CASTLE ) 

The Kálnoky family has a noble history spanning over 750 years, and the residence, carefully restored by the current Count Tibor Kálnoky, has been brought back to life with deep respect for the traditional Székely style and local crafts. The manor has also attracted the attention of King Charles III, a supporter of preserving Transylvanian heritage, who frequently visits the area and supports restoration initiatives through his Foundation.

What makes this place so special?
Besides the beauty of the historic buildings, the interiors are decorated with period furniture, authentic textiles, and carefully collected artifacts, all arranged to recreate the atmosphere of a noble household from times past. Everything is restored using traditional materials, reflecting sustainability and local values.

Visitors can stay overnight in guest houses designed in a rustic-elegant style, enjoy refined meals prepared with local ingredients, and participate in authentic activities such as horse-drawn carriage rides, wine tastings, guided tours of the surrounding Székely villages, horseback excursions, or simply relax in the expansive gardens of the manor.

Nearby Attractions:
Just a few kilometers away, you’ll find Daniel Castle in Tălișoara, the Vârghiș Gorge—a paradise for nature lovers—and other Székely villages where traditions are still alive. The area is perfect for those seeking peace, authenticity, and a vacation pace that honors the values of the past.

Why add the Kálnoky Estate to your vacation list?

Because it’s not just a place to stay, but a complete cultural experience. Here, you can disconnect from the daily hustle and reconnect with history, nature, and a traditional way of life. It’s the perfect destination for a romantic getaway, for history and rural architecture enthusiasts, or anyone who wants to feel Transylvania as it once was.

Vârghiș Gorge

Vârghiș Gorge is one of the most spectacular and unexplored natural destinations in Covasna County, a true paradise for lovers of hiking, wild nature, and complete tranquility. Located in the Perșani Mountains, on the border between Covasna and Harghita counties, these gorges carved by the Vârghiș River into the massive limestone form an impressive defile, featuring over 100 caves, steep cliffs, suspended wooden bridges, and lush vegetation.

(Source: Blogul de călătorii )

The road to the gorge passes through authentic Székely villages, and once you arrive, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a fairy tale. The trail through the Gorge is approximately 4 km long and well-marked, making it accessible even for families with children or those less experienced in hiking. The suspended wooden bridges add an extra thrill and visual beauty, while offering spectacular views of the rocky cliffs and the rushing river below.

One of the area's highlights is its speleological diversity — the Vârghiș Gorge is home to the Mare Cave of Merești, one of the most well-known caves in the region, stretching over 1500 meters. The cave hosts impressive colonies of bats and plays an essential role in the region’s biodiversity.

Besides the dramatic landscapes and absolute tranquility, the area is ideal for nature photography, birdwatching, and outdoor educational activities. Nearby is the village of Merești, where tourists can experience authentic rural life and enjoy traditional local products.

Thanks to the strict protection of the local ecosystem, Vârghiș Gorge is a perfect example of ecotourism and environmental responsibility. Here you won’t find crowds, terraces, or kiosks — only the silence of nature, the rustle of leaves, and the sound of flowing water.

Why visit Vârghiș Gorge this summer?

Because it is a natural oasis of coolness, a place where you can reconnect with nature in an authentic way, far from classic tourist routes. It’s the kind of destination that surprises not through grandeur but through its simplicity and purity, making it perfect for a one-day getaway or an active weekend in the heart of nature.

Bálványos

Bálványos is one of the most fascinating and unusual vacation destinations in Covasna County, a place where nature, mythology, and thermal relaxation come together in a spectacular mountain landscape. Located at the foothills of the Bodoc Mountains, between Covasna and Harghita, the Bálványos resort is about 10 km from Lake Sfânta Ana and is an ideal choice for those seeking tranquility, fresh air, and a unique natural setting.

(Source: Balvanyos Resort ) 

The resort has a long history, being known since the 19th century for its mineral waters and natural mofettes, used to treat various respiratory, rheumatic, and circulatory conditions. Today, nestled in the heart of the forest, visitors can explore naturally captured mineral springs, carbon dioxide springs, and post-volcanic emission zones. The Bálványos mofette, one of the most famous in the country, attracts tourists every year eager to experience natural gas therapy in a wild and authentic environment.

Besides its healing benefits, the area is also known for its unique landscape. Mountain trails starting from Bálványos lead to Lake Sfânta Ana, Romania’s only volcanic lake, as well as to Tinovul Mohoș, a spectacular natural reserve where you can discover carnivorous plants and rare vegetation. Dense forests, alpine meadows, and scenic viewpoints make Bálványos a paradise for hiking enthusiasts and photographers.

Accommodation in the resort ranges from rustic guesthouses to modern hotels with spa centers, and the local cuisine is influenced by Székely culinary traditions — rich in authentic flavors, with dishes made from natural, locally sourced ingredients.

Another highlight is the Bálványos Resort, an elegant complex offering wellness facilities as well as direct access to mountain trails and nature experiences suitable for all ages.

Why visit Bálványos in August?

Because the temperatures are cool and perfect for hiking, the mofette is ideal for relaxation and revitalization, and its proximity to natural attractions like Lake Sfânta Ana and Cheile Vârghișului gives you the chance to turn a weekend into a complete adventure. Bálványos is a destination where you can rediscover your balance and zest for life, surrounded by the authentic nature of the heart of Transylvania.

Daniel Castle in Tălișoara

Daniel Castle in Tălișoara is a true hidden gem in the heart of the Székely Land, a place that combines the noble charm of centuries past with modern comfort and genuine hospitality. Located in the village of Tălișoara, just a few kilometers from Baraolt and not far from Cheile Vârghișului, the castle stands as a symbol of Transylvanian refinement and a return to authentic values.

(Source: Daniel Castle )   

Built in the 17th century by the noble Daniel family, the castle still preserves original elements of Renaissance and Baroque architecture. What truly makes it special are the rare, carefully restored mural paintings depicting mythological themes and symbols of aristocratic life. These offer visitors a unique glimpse into the mindset and tastes of the era, transforming each room into a vivid visual story.

Today, Daniel Castle operates as a boutique hotel, with each room individually decorated, inspired by the historical heritage of the place. Guests can enjoy meals prepared with local ingredients, served in the old noble dining hall, as well as unique experiences such as hay baths, sauna in a wooden barrel, or carriage rides through the surroundings.

Beyond the beauty of the building itself, the castle is an excellent starting point for exploring the area. You can visit local artisans’ workshops, nearby traditional villages, or hike in the Baraolt Mountains. In summer, the surrounding landscapes offer a calm beauty, with forested hills, orchards, and fragrant hayfields—perfect for relaxation and reconnecting with nature.

Why include Daniel Castle in your August vacation? Because it is the ideal place where history comes alive in an intimate and elegant way. Here, you are not just a visitor but part of a living story, experienced in an authentic setting with deep roots in Transylvanian history. If you seek a refined, peaceful refuge full of meaning, Daniel Castle is undoubtedly a memorable choice.

Conclusion

Covasna County is much more than just a mountainous region – it is a land where tradition blends harmoniously with elegance, and untouched nature perfectly complements the historic stories of noble manors and castles. Whether you choose to explore the peaceful wilderness of the Vârghiș Gorge, relax in the fresh air and refreshing mineral waters of Bálványos, or indulge yourself in an aristocratic old manor like the Kálnoky Count’s Estate or Daniel Castle in Tălișoara, Covasna offers an authentic vacation, far from the crowds, yet full of refinement and meaning.

It is an ideal destination for those seeking genuine experiences, tranquility, pure nature, and a connection to the living history of Transylvania. Whether you plan a summer weekend or a longer holiday, Covasna welcomes you with open doors, old stories, and warm-hearted people. Add it to your list – it might just become one of your favorite places in Romania.