Muntele Puturosu combines a striking elevation with a distinctive geological classification: At 1,143 metres, the mountain is part of the Ciomad-Balvanyos Massif and is also the southernmost above-ground occurrence of post-volcanic phenomena in the Eastern Carpathians. Puturosu Cave, also known as Grota Puturosu, is part of this unusual natural phenomenon. The 14-metre-long natural mofette is considered the largest natural mofette in Europe.
Geology and outdoor trails
Another geological phenomenon is Balta Dracului: A gas eruption keeps a vortex of mud and mineral water in motion. This brings two distinct phenomena together: the natural mofette of Puturosu Cave and the gas eruption at Balta Dracului, where mud and mineral water are set in motion.
The region also offers specific opportunities for hiking and caving. Cheile Vârghișului lies in the northern part of the Perșani Mountains and is traversed by the Vârghiș stream; the gorge offers opportunities for hiking and caving. In Valea Zânelor, there are trails suitable for walking and jogging. These are different ways to enjoy the outdoors: hiking and caving in the gorge, and walking and jogging on the trails in Valea Zânelor.
Museums, churches and architectural history
The Haszmann Pál Museum in Cernat is housed in a Neoclassical mansion belonging to the Damokos family. The grounds display Transylvanian houses and gates, a watermill, and carved wooden and stone funerary monuments. The mix of buildings, everyday and craft objects, and funerary art brings together different aspects of Transylvanian cultural heritage. The museum also organises traditional craft workshops on furniture painting, wood carving and decorating Easter eggs.
The region’s churches reflect architecture from different periods. The Church of Saint Emeric in Ghelința dates from the 13th century and preserves Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. It is among the most valuable religious buildings in Covasna County. In Aita Mare, the fortified Unitarian church has five-metre-high perimeter walls and two opposing bastions. Its distinctive details include a stone pulpit made of four carved panels and a stone balustrade dating from 1710.
Another window onto history is the Museum of Transylvanian Life in 17th-century Kálnoky Castle. Its collections include original weapons, reconstructions of period clothing, books from the aristocracy and old musical instruments. Together with the churches and the Haszmann Pál Museum, these offer different ways of exploring the past: through architectural styles, exhibited objects and traditional craft techniques.
Forest railway and regional spa tradition
The narrow-gauge Covasna–Comandău forest railway was built in 1882 and is an industrial heritage attraction. Some sections are currently used for tourism. An excursion train pulled by a steam locomotive also runs in Valea Zânelor. The railway adds a theme of industrial history to the region’s natural and cultural experiences.
Wellness and spa traditions are also part of Covasna’s appeal. The balneoclimatic spa resort of Covasna has hotels with therapy facilities, wellness and spa areas, and private mofettes. Across the county, mineral water is used in treatments for internal or external application, while carbon dioxide emissions in mofettes are used for balneotherapy treatments. The theme therefore ranges from the hotel facilities mentioned in the spa resort to the use of natural resources across the county.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Ilieni, Sfântu Gheorghe, Covasna, Ozun, Târgu Secuiesc, Dalnic, Bita, Moacşa, Comandău, Întorsura Buzăului, Zăbala, Baraolt, Micfalău, Comuna Dobârlău, Municipiul Sfântu Gheorghe, Turia, Bățanii Mici.
For the broader travel overview: Romania.
