Szejkefürdő Mineral Water Museum

The waters of the Szeklerland region have various mineral chemical profiles: alongside the acidic, carbonated Sarolta Spring, there are also springs with rheumatic and dermatological benefits, as well as peat mud mofettas. The region's mountain streams, springs, and mofettas remain natural resources to this day – a true treasure discovered and popularised by Balázs Orbán (1829–1890) in the 19th century. The water was transported in urban jugs on carts, with the buffalo-drawn mineral water cart becoming an iconic symbol.

The Szejkefürdő Mineral Water Museum was built with unique architectural solutions, using natural materials. The building blends harmoniously into the surrounding landscape: its wooden, porch-style, two-storey structure reflects the characteristics of Szekler folk architecture. The exhibition space, with its approximately 270 square metres, is spacious yet welcoming and human-scaled, combining modernity with tradition.

The museum's interior spaces are bright and clearly organised. The ground floor mainly showcases the natural, geological, and medicinal aspects of mineral waters, while the upper floor displays ethnographic and bathing culture-related objects, documents, and photographs associated with mineral water. One of the museum's most striking features is the buffalo-drawn mineral water cart displayed in the courtyard, which was once loaded with jugs and sent off from the surrounding villages to deliver mineral water to the towns.

As part of the exhibition, visitors can also see the Sarolta Spring, which is still active today. The spring's water can be tasted on-site, allowing visitors to directly experience the unique taste and characteristic smell of the mineral water. The spring's surroundings have been carefully arranged, with small walking paths, benches, and informational boards enhancing the experience. The museum courtyard also serves as an outdoor extension of the exhibition space, from where visitors can explore the row of Szekler gates in Szejke and visit Balázs Orbán's memorial tomb.

Visitors' convenience is supported by a multilingual information system. Exhibition texts are available in Hungarian, Romanian, and English, accompanied by clean and sophisticated graphic designs. Modern museum education tools – such as interactive maps and digital displays – ensure that the visit is enjoyable for all age groups. The museum is an ideal destination for families, school groups, tourists interested in local history, and anyone drawn to a deeper understanding of Szekler mineral water culture.

The exhibition space is open from 1 May to 30 September, during weekdays and weekend mornings. A visit typically lasts around 45–60 minutes, but many enjoy spending more time around the spring or on nearby walking trails. At certain times of the year, such as during the Szejkefürdő May Day celebrations, the museum offers free programmes, craft workshops, and guided tours for visitors.

• Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Experience in one place: showcasing the characteristics, uses, and historical background of mineral waters

• A Fusion of Health and Cultural Tourism: the springs and museum offer a holistic experience for visitors

• A Nature-Connected Experience: through the water springs, mini forest, Szekler gates, and nostalgic exhibitions, visitors gain insight into the geological, ethnographic, and literary world of Szeklerland