Mini Transylvania Park

The idea for the park was initiated by the Szekler Legion Association and a team of local young people, led by Szabolcs Fazakas (the visionary behind Legendarium). The goal was to create an experience-based educational and tourism centre that would bring Transylvania's rich history closer to young people and visiting tourists.

The park, which opened in 2020, was deliberately located in Szelykefürdő, where the famous Szekler storyteller and ethnographer, Balázs Orbán, is also buried. The project is continuously expanding: the models are crafted with incredible precision and detail by Szeklerland and Transylvanian artisans, artists, and architects.

Mini Transylvania Park has grown into a truly complex experience park, offering meaningful recreation for all age groups.

• Over 120 miniature monuments: Visitors can stroll among Transylvania's most famous castles, fortresses, fortified churches, and historic buildings (such as Bran Castle, known as "Dracula's Castle", Corvin Castle, the Black Church in Brașov, or the Clock Tower in Sighișoara).

• A working miniature steam train and garden railway: One of the park's biggest attractions is the real steam-powered miniature locomotive and garden railway. Riding in the open carriages, both children and adults can travel around miniature Transylvania.

• Legendarium and children's programmes: The park is closely linked to the Legendarium team, which brings Szekler folklore to life, so characters and stories from the animated films also come alive on-site.

• Interactive education: An excellent outdoor history lesson venue for school and kindergarten groups, where children can learn about Transylvanian architectural styles and the history of the Carpathian Basin through play.

The park's operation and daily life are guided by the principles of sustainability and responsible tourism. The main mission here is to authentically preserve the rich cultural heritage and Szekler traditions and to pass them on as an experience to future generations. When designing the park's green spaces, special attention was paid to the local ecosystem, with native plants adorning the walkways and the surroundings of the models. These plants blend perfectly with Szelykefürdő's natural landscape and protect the local mineral springs.

The park's area and operations are closely integrated with the local community. A conscious and strong partnership has been established with local and nearby entrepreneurs, artisans, and hospitality providers. This direct collaboration ensures that visitors encounter genuine, authentic Szeklerland experiences and products, while the values generated by tourism remain local and directly contribute to the region's development.

Visitors can actively contribute to preserving the values of the park and its surrounding landscape. A conscious tourist stays on designated paths to protect the carefully maintained native vegetation and the delicate models, while bringing their own reusable bottle to enjoy the natural, fresh water from local mineral springs instead of disposable plastic bottles. By choosing local artisan products and services from nearby family businesses, visitors directly support the community of Odorheiu Secuiesc. The park also offers intellectual takeaways: the experience of respecting culture and nature, which we can all share with our environment upon returning home.

- Editorial content -