Transylvania Ride

Introduction
Transylvania Romania
Enjoy Transylvania’s historical landscape of endless rolling hills adorned by wild flower meadows, forests and tiny villages, set against the backdrop of the Carpathian mountain range. This may well be Europe’s last riding heaven! Transylvania may be closely associated as the homeland of Count Dracula, but is also part of the dramatic history of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and boasts well-preserved Medieval villages and excellent Romanian wines. We invite you to discover Transylvania as it once was in the 1800's.

The concept of our treks is to introduce our guests right into the heart of our culture – where horses have kept their original role. The ride is led through unmarked terrain, over hills and through forests, connecting one small village to another by unnoticeable tracks used by horses and carts. Up to 8 riders are led by 2 local guides. The small groups (often made up of a number of people who have booked separately) make for friendly and interesting riding.

The rides have often been described as a Tolstoy-esque experience, being accommodated at Count Kalnoky’s Castle and at King Charles III’s private retreat; but our guests are also fond of getting an insight into the reality of the region by staying 2 nights in villager's homes during the 5-day ride. Evening meals are served together as table d’hôte at the accommodations.

You ride out of Miklósvár (Micloşoara), a remote village situated in the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains, from which you will be able to explore Transylvania freely, past and present. Miklósvár is the oldest documented settlement of the region. Its castle was first mentioned in 1211 AD as a border fortress between the territory donated to the Knights of the Teutonic Order and the rest of the of the Kingdom of Hungary. Today's castle was started in the 1500s as a hunting manor for the family and still contains many Renaissance elements, including its lovely painted wall decorations. It has been abandoned during the last fifty years and is currently under restoration.

Your hosts, the Kálnokys, are one of the most ancient families of Transylvania! Their history reaches back to obscure medieval times. In 1252 AD the family was documented in this eastern part of Transylvania. The current 25th generation came back after 50 years of exile in the West and are now reshaping their lost heritage.

Accomodation


Accommodation 

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


Riding Experience
To participate in these rides you should have a reasonable amount of previous riding experience. The minimum requirement is that you are comfortable and secure in the saddle at a walk, trot and canter and are used to riding in open country and over different types of terrain. You should also be reasonably riding fit to take part and we recommend you ride regularly at home before you go to accustom yourself to the hours you will spend in the saddle.
The horses used are sensible and well-mannered to ride so they are well suited to people of intermediate riding ability and above.

Terrain
The area you ride through is very unspoilt and little touched by tourism. Some of the riding is through forest and up and down mountains and there are one or two places where riders might need to dismount to walk over rough ground, depending on conditions - a good chance to stretch your legs! However overall the area is excellent for riding, with plenty of space, wonderful open mountain pastures full of wild flowers in the spring, varied scenery and many wonderful views.

Pace
The full trail ride takes 5 days in the saddle, a shorter 3-day version and day-rides are also possible.
Riding days are generally between 3 and 6 hours in the saddle, with breaks to rest and for lunch.
The rides are at a moderate pace overall, with routes taking you through forest and up and down mountain tracks. There are many opportunities for trots and canters each day as much of the riding is across open grassland. There is a little road work each day (some on tar roads) in the vicinity of the villages you pass through, but roads are generally very quiet with little motorized traffic.
The terrain is varied and you cover about 150km during the course of the week.

Horses
Our current breeds are Shagya-Arabian, Gidran, Lipizzaner and Lipizzaner cross with Hutzuls, the Carpathian mountain ponies. They range from around 14.2hh to 17hh.
They are keen and spirited, adaptable and well suited to the trails, which can get rough and steep in places. They are also of calm temperament and sensible to handle.
As every horse and every rider are different, we match horse-rider couples during a personal meeting before the trek.

Tack
English general-purpose saddles are used and saddle bags are provided.  The horses are ridden in snaffle bits.
Please note that there are NO Western Saddles available. However, we have some American style saddles.

Guides & Staff
Rides are led by two guides (one English speaking). When moving accommodations, luggage is transported for you by back-up vehicle.
In 2023, many rides will be guided by the Kálnoky family’s eldest son, 28-year-old certified riding guide count Mátyás Kálnoky, who is eager to show you the marvels of the wonderful region he has grown up in and calls his home.

Non-Riders
Non riders are welcome on this trip. We can arrange activities such as walking, cycling, bird watching and traveling by horse-drawn carriage. Specialist guides can be provided for walking and cycling. Riders and non-riders stay in the same overnight accommodation, and on some days meet for lunch.

Itinerary
 

Sample Itinerary: Long Ride Program - subject to changes

This is the standard itinerary available from the beginning of April to the beginning of November. Around 4-6 hours are spent in the saddle daily and a variety of terrain is traversed as you travel through wild hills and forest landscapes. The villages are situated at 450-700m, the hills reach 800-900m. This whole region is called Erdővidék, or “Woodlands”, and has been looking very much the same for the last centuries.

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
You will arrive at Miklósvár / Miclosoara after being transferred from the airport/station.
The village of Miklósvár was part of the Kálnoky family estate and the old hunting manor is on the edge of the village. The area was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire and became Romanian during the 1st World War. A number of the traditional houses in the village have been carefully restored in order to preserve their original Transylvanian charm. .
Meet Countess Anna Kálnoky to discuss about the horses you will be riding during the tour.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Count Kalnoky’s Castle in Miklosvar

Day 2 (Monday): Ride to Malnas Bai
Transfer to the riding centre at Valea Crisului (Sepsikőröspatak, “Round Brook”), 40 min. by car. The ride starts ascending slowly onto a ridge, where we are heading north on high pastures with magnificent views stretching to the high Carpathian Range. We leave the villages of Kálnok and Zalán to our right below us down in the valley, meet shepherds and their flocks on the pastures. At the end of the day, we descend through the forest to reach Malnas Bai (Málnásfürdő, “Raspberry Baths”), where the riders stay for the night as guests of a local hunter’s family (bathrooms might have to be shared). It is a thriving spa village with plenty of mineral water springs and typical wooden turn-of-the-century Transylvanian architecture.
Riding approx. 4-5 hours (21 kn)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Malnas Bai

Day 3 (Tuesday): Malnas Bai to Batanii
We ascend back up into the deep forests of the Hatod region, where 6 villages share the same woods (hatod = “one sixth”). We travel along a quiet forest track, where bear traces are often to be found. After having ridden around the extinct volcano called “Murgó”, we descend on gentle grassy slopes to the Batanii villages (“Big Bacon and Little Bacon”) to reach our accommodations in village houses at lovely “Little Bacon” where we shall have common dinner at a local family. The villagers here are known to be especially hospitable and friendly, and before dinner they will take pride at showing you their still functioning watermill and traditional looms.
Riding approx. 5 hours (22 km)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Malnas Bai

Day 4 (Wednesday): Batanii to Miklosvar
We head northwest through forests and hay meadows, to climb up to Szép Arca (“Pretty Face”) hill on the southern slopes of the Hargita Range. Wide views open out on distant Barót and Olt Valley. We descend south and cross a valley to reach the hills south of Barót where we will have our picnic at a small lake. It is the result of a collapsed mine and is situated at the old mining settlement 'Köpecbánya' which is now mainly populated by gypsies. From here, we follow the lower line of the forest along the beautiful valley of the Olt river, reaching Miklosvar's manor grounds and stables in the afternoon. Visit the castle, its museum and park in the afternoon and hang out at the Stone Pub for pre-dinner drinks in the evening.
Riding approx. 6 hours (25 km)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Count Kalnoky’s Castle in Miklosvar

Day 5 (Thursday): Miklosvar to Valea Zalanului
We leave Miklósvár and head east along forests and pastures, passing through Szárazajta / Aita Seaca (‘Dry’ Ajta village), to climb up to the ridge above Zalánpatak valley. Wide views open out on the distant Carpathian mountain range. We descend southeast to the village of Zalánpatak / Valea Zalanului, which was part of the Kálnoky family estate as a glass manufacture and now harbours H.R.H. King Charles III's private retreat. Several traditional houses in the village have been carefully restored, where you will be accommodated for the next 2 nights. Before dinner, you will have a walk in the evening on the estate to watch wildlife venturing out onto the meadows at sundown.
Riding approx. 5-6 hours (21 km)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Valea Zalanului

Day 6 (Friday): Back to the Stables
From Zalánpatak, we return to Kőröspatak crossing the hills and brooks. This trip was very common for many a generation of the Kálnoky family who had to ride often between the two villages. It is a medium ride through spectacular surroundings with wonderful views from the high pastures. After crossing the ancient village of Kálnok, the final canter will reach the ruins of the old tower above Kőröspatak. Before reaching the stables you will dip the horse's legs in the little stream crossing the village. You will be transferred back to Zalánpatak guesthouse for the evening. 
Riding approx. 4 hours (19 km)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Valea Zalanului

Day 7 (Saturday): Departure
Depart after breakfast, or adding on a few days of relaxation and tours based at Count Kalnoky’s Guesthouses in Miklosvar. 
Meals included: Breakfast



Sample Itinerary: Short Ride Program - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
You will arrive at Miklósvár / Miclosoara after being transferred from the airport/station.
The village of Miklósvár was part of the Kálnoky family estate and the old hunting manor is on the edge of the village. The area was part of the Austro-Hungarian empire and became Romanian during the 1st World War. A number of the traditional houses in the village have been carefully restored in order to preserve their original Transylvanian charm. .
Meet Countess Anna Kálnoky to discuss about the horses you will be riding during the tour.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Count Kalnoky’s Castle in Miklosvar

Day 2 (Monday): Sightseeing (no riding)
Discover the estate and its craftsmen who will help you create your own Transylvanian crafts item which you can take back home. Then, the cooks will help you make our traditional Szekler 'Chimney Cake' over open fire. Your own cake will be served for desert or tea. The local blacksmith will show you how he beats hot iron into shape in the old smithy.
The rest of the day will be spent at the renaissance manor which has recently been restored. Discover its interiors which reflect lifestyles of past centuries. Have tea on the southern terrace sheltered by the manor's towers and ancient elmtrees, discover the english park or relax at the pond or the formal garden.
Meet your guide or Countess Anna Kálnoky to discuss about the horses you will be riding during the tour.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Count Kalnoky’s Castle in Miklosvar

Day 3 (Tuesday): 'Middle Ajta' Ride
Transfer to the riding centre at Valea Crisului (Sepsikőröspatak, “Round Brook”), 45 min. by car. The ride starts ascending onto a ridge with a good canter, where we are heading west on high pastures with magnificent views stretching to the high Carpathian Range. We will meet shepherds and their flocks on the pastures and at the end of the day we descend into a meandering valley to reach the picturesque village of 'Middle Ajta'. From there, a short way over the hill will lead us back to Miklósvár. Pre-dinner drinks in the Stone Pub, then dinner in the wine cellar.
Riding approx. 6-7 hours (25 km)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Count Kalnoky’s Cottage in Miklosvar

Day 4 (Wednesday): Miklósvár to Zalánpatak / Valea Zalanului
We leave Miklósvár and head east along forests and pastures, passing through Szárazajta / Aita Seaca (‘Dry’ Ajta village), to ascend the ridge above Zalánpatak valley. Wide views open out on the distant Carpathian mountain range. We descend southeast to the village of Zalánpatak / Valea Zalanului, which was part of the Kálnoky family estate as the region's first glass manufacture and now harbours H.R.H. King Charles III's private retreat. Several traditional houses in the village have been carefully restored, where you will be accommodated for the next 3 nights. Before dinner, you will have a walk in the evening on the estate to watch wildlife venturing out onto the meadows at sundown.
Riding approx. 5-6 hours (21 km)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Valea Zalanului

Day 5 (Thursday): Ride back to Stables
From Zalánpatak, we return to Kőröspatak crossing the hills and brooks. This trip was very common for many a generation of the Kálnoky family who had to ride often between the two villages. It is a medium ride through spectacular surroundings with wonderful views from the high pastures. After crossing the ancient village of Kálnok, the final canter will reach the ruins of the old tower above Kőröspatak. Before reaching the stables, you will dip the horse's legs in the little stream crossing the village. You will be transferred back to Zalánpatak guesthouse with a stopover at the local spa 'Raspberry Baths' for a refreshing dip in mineral water (bring your swimming gown!).
Riding approx. 4 hours (19 km)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Valea Zalanului

Day 6 (Friday): Relax (no riding)
Relax at the estate with the villagers by carving your own walking stick from hazel branches, helping to make hay, discovering the tiny village museum or going to the bear-hide in the evening. It's the perfect place to unwind after 3 days in the saddle!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Valea Zalanului

Day 7 (Saturday): Departure
Departure after breakfast. You can also add a few days of relaxation and discovery based at Count Kálnoky’s Guesthouses in Miklósvár or at King Charles III's private retreat.
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Transylvania Ride

Dates Note: Short rides are available on request only (depending on availability) - please inquire

Other Info
Meeting: Miklosvar
Airport: Bucuresti Otopeni
Transfer: Brasov train station

Climate:
                                        Miercurea Ciuc area