Salt lakes and nature trails shape the range of activities in Sowata. Around Lacul Ursu, there is a purpose-built running track and routes with a variety of landscape highlights. There are also cultural activities, seasonal outings and regional cuisine. Hiking trails focus on lakes, forests, sinkholes and viewpoints.
Salt lakes and how they formed
Lacul Ursu is the largest heliothermal salt lake in the world. It formed between 1875 and 1880: first, the salt deposit gradually dissolved, and then the ground collapsed. Lacul Mierlei, Sowata’s youngest salt lake, has a different origin. It formed in a salt sinkhole.
Lacul Tivoli was artificially created in 1975 and 1976 at the foot of Muntele Cireșelu. A visit to the lakes therefore offers a chance to discover different aspects of the landscape: the geological formation of Lacul Ursu, a sinkhole at Lacul Mierlei and the man-made lake at Tivoli.
Trails around Lacul Ursu
The Salt Eco-Educational Trail starts at Lacul Ursu, passes Lacul Șerpilor, Lacul Mierlei and Muntele de Sare, reaches Lacul Aluniș and returns to its starting point. The trail was created to showcase the special features of Sowata’s salt lakes, salt hills and wetland habitats. The route links several of the area’s defining landscape features.
The Ursu Eco-Educational Trail loops around Lacul Paraschiva, passes through a clearing and sinkholes in the deciduous forest, and then returns to Lacul Ursu. Stairs with handrails, rest areas, a covered viewpoint and a forest school make it easier to travel through and observe the area. Trail conditions may change due to weather or maintenance work; check them before setting out.
For a shorter stated walking time, consider Aleea Tivoli: the 600-metre trail leads from Lacul Ursu to Lacul Tivoli and takes about 20 minutes. Another short hiking route leads from Lacul Ursu via Lacul Tineretului and Grota ursului to Vârful Cireșelu; its stated duration is one hour.
The Western Tourist Alley starts at Lacul Ursu, crosses forested hills to the boundary of the protected area and reaches a viewpoint overlooking the Verde and Roșu lakes. Sinkholes in the salt hill are also part of the route. Those who prefer a running track to a hiking trail will find a purpose-built track around Lacul Ursu.
Culture and seasonal outings
The Kusztos-Endre Memorial House is Sowata’s only art gallery and displays the artist’s well-known charcoal drawings. The Roman Catholic “Sacred Heart†Chapel was completed in 1939. Its distinctive features include an aragonite altar and stained-glass windows.
Local and regional artists perform as part of the summer cultural programs on the stage in Petőfi Park. The program also includes light-music concerts featuring artists from Hungary and Romania; check the current summer calendar before your visit. Another seasonal activity is a ride on the Mocănița: it operates from spring to autumn and covers the 30 kilometres between Sowata and Câmpu Cetății in two hours. Check the current departures in advance.
More activities and regional cuisine
Visitors can rent boats and pedal boats at Lacul Tivoli during the season. Adrenalin Plus Adventure Park is located right next to the lake and operates seasonally; check current opening hours before visiting. The ski slope also operates seasonally. It has a 500-metre chairlift and a 200-metre ski lift for beginners.
Swimming is possible at the beach areas of Ursu, Aluniș and Negru lakes; access is seasonal and may depend on current operating conditions. In Valea Sărată, the western promenade of Drumul Sării leads to small saltwater pools, which visitors can use for bathing alone or in pairs. Check local conditions before use.
For more activities, Amenus Equestrian Centre offers riding lessons, riding camps and archery; these activities require booking, and availability should be confirmed in advance. At Amenus Experience Farm, children and adults can meet domestic animals and other species. Restaurants in the resort and microregion serve typical local dishes and drinks.
Discover more destinations: Chibed, Eremitu, Weichseldorf, Rohrdachen, Feleag, Lunca Bradului, Targu Mures, Târnăveni.
See the broader travel overview: Mures.
