Lakes, Rocks, Spirits – 6 Natural Wonders in Transylvania You Must See Before You Die

The highest peak of the Harghita Mountains (1801 m), often referred to as "the sacred mountain of the Székely people." A ski paradise in winter and a favourite destination for hikers, pilgrims, and nature photographers in summer. From the summit, there is a panoramic view of the main ranges of the Eastern Carpathians.

A cross and memorial stone stand at the peak, where festive events and national pilgrimages are often held. The volcanic soil of geothermal origin in the area is excellent for mushroom foraging, and the nearby mineral springs are also distinctive. The Madarasi Harghita is a landscape that uniquely combines cultural and natural values.

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Korond Snail Hill is an 8-hectare geological reserve located at the northern exit of Corund (Romania), at an altitude of approximately 643 metres. This site is home to Romania's largest deposit of aragonite, a metallic, semi-precious carbonate mineral. The area has been under national protection since 1980.

The nature trail is well-developed, with safety railings, benches, and information boards to guide visitors through the fascinating geological phenomena. Here, you can observe not only aragonite and calcite deposits but also, as a unique feature, fossil remains "frozen" in calcite.

(Photo: Visit Harghita FB page)

The Red Lake (Lacu Roșu) lies at the foot of the Bicaz Gorge, and its uniqueness comes from the tree trunks protruding from the submerged forest. It was formed in 1838 due to a sudden landslide. The reddish colour of the lake's water is due to sediment washed down from the Red Rock by rain.

The legend surrounding the lake's origin is both tragic and mystical. According to the tale, a young girl named Eszter was kidnapped by a tyrannical bandit leader. She prayed to God for deliverance, and the heavens responded with fury: a great storm arose, and the collapsing mountains buried the bandit, leaving the lake in its place. The protruding tree trunks are witnesses to the destroyed forest and the past.

The gorge carved by the Bicaz Stream is one of Transylvania's most renowned natural wonders. It is characterised by 200–300 m high rock walls and winding trails. The Bicaz Gorge is not only a natural attraction but also a popular training ground for climbers.

The gorge serves as a passageway between Moldavia and Transylvania, historically facilitating trade and cultural connections. The surrounding Nagyhagymás Mountains boast a rich endemic flora and fauna and are protected as an UNESCO biosphere reserve.

The lake formed in the crater of Mount Ciomad is the only intact volcanic lake in Central Europe. Its mirror-like surface is surrounded by pine forests, and its shores are lined with walking trails. Nearby, the Mohos Peat Bog, with its unique peatland ecosystem, is a true biosphere reserve.

A Székely legend is also tied to Lake Saint Anne. A cruel lord tried to force a young girl, Anna, into marriage. Anna prayed for salvation, and according to the legend, the heavens answered: the mountain split apart, swallowing the tyrant, and a crystal-clear lake formed in its place. Standing among the ancient pines, one can still sense the spirit of this story reflected in the lake's surface.

One of the most famous landmarks of the Hagymás Mountains. The Lonely Rock (Piatra Singuratică) is a solitary dolomite block rising to 1608 m, its distinctive shape recognisable from afar. It can be accessed from either the Bicaz Gorge or the Nagyhagymás area.

Its name comes from its solitary stance, like a sentinel overlooking the landscape. Naturally, a legend is associated with the site: according to one tale, a Székely warrior stood guard here in ancient times, waiting for his fallen comrades who never returned. The gods turned him into stone to stand as an eternal memorial. The nearby mountain hut is an excellent resting point for hikers.

(Photo: Dezső László / Visit Harghita)

These six natural wonders are not just visual spectacles but also journeys into the geological, cultural, and spiritual depths of Transylvania. Whether it's the power of nature (Red Lake, Bicaz Gorge), volcanic energy (Lake Saint Anne), or uplifting panoramas (Madarasi Harghita, Lonely Rock) – these locations keep calling visitors back time and again.

Travel responsibly – Harghita County is home to particularly sensitive natural treasures, so all visitors are encouraged to respect the trails, honour the locals' living spaces, and take nothing but memories with them.