Szekler & Saxon Land

Introduction
Transylvania Romania
A Place of Great History & Myth...

Transylvania is a place of great history and myth, which lends to the region a mysterious allure that attracts adventurous travelers and horseback riders from around the world. It is a land comprised of stunning natural phenomena combined with intriguing villages of ancient origin, hidden deep in its sloping valleys and impressive mountains. Transylvania’s landscape varies from the great river basins of Somes, Olt and Mures, to majestic stretches of vast plains (great for canters!), and of course the dramatic Carpathian Mountains. It is a paradise of discovery from the back of a horse, a chance to see the country from a vantage point reserved only for those who are willing to pass without vehicle. The local equestrian centre was established in 1995 with the aim to enable all people who love nature and horses to learn about the wonderful world of Transylvania: about the hidden secrets in the shadows of the mountains, about its culture, natural beauty and rural lifestyle of the common people. We cross trails in all three major territories under the rule of Transylvania: The Sezkler Land, Csangoland and Saxon Land.

On the Salt Way itinerary we follow the "route of the salt" over the Snowy Mountains (Havasok). These were the trails on which the Romanian's predecessors carried salt from the mines of Parajd on ox wagons to the Maros River, where it was loaded onto rafts and delivered to faraway cities. We will travel one part of the salt mine route on our riding tour while discovering the hidden Szekler farming villages and several "Esztena”s.

Accomodation

Accommodations
These are progressive rides so nights will be spent in different accommodations.
The Salt Way in the Mountains: Overnights are in guesthouses and small inns.
Pack Trip in Carpathian Mountains: 4 nights in guesthouses and 10 nights camping

Description
Overall, the accommodations are rustic in remote locations with true immersion into the local culture. Bathrooms are shared everywhere and all include hot water as well as flushable toilets.
Wi-Fi internet is almost never available and there are no laundry facilities.

Accommodations Itinerary for The Salt Way in the Mountains - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Guesthouse in Kovács Péter
Night 2: Farmhouse in Izvorul Muresul
Night 3: Guesthouse in Liban / Osztoros
Night 4: Tündérkert Panzio in Izvoreni
Night 5: Guesthouse in Székelyvarság
Night 6: Guesthouse near Borzont
Night 7: Guesthouse in Kovács Péter

Accommodations Itinerary for Pack Trip in Carpathian Mountains - subject to changes based on availability
Night  1: Guesthouse in Kovács Péter
Night  2: Camping in Fekete Rez
Night  3: Camping near Ördög Lake
Night  4: Camping in Madarasi Hargita
Night  5: Camping in Talabor
Night  6: Camping in Mitács
Nights 7 & 8: Guesthouse in Bixzad
Night  9: Camping on Pap Mountain
Night 10: Camping in Örálla
Night 11: Camping in Kőnyak
Night 12: Camping in Terkő-mező
Night 13: Camping in Poiana Albă
Night 14: Guesthouse in Kovács Péter



Guesthouse in Kovács Péter
This 120 year old rustic log cabin used to be a Csango farm. The traditional architecture was kept. It is hidden in the middle of the nature, far away from civilization. There is no electricity, no internet and no cell service here. The accommodation is simple and guest can choose to stay in shared rooms inside the log cabin or in a Mongolian yurt. Facilities are shared and there are flushable toilets. A fireplace keeps the house warm and the wood-heated outdoor showers provides a special experience.
In the evenings, you can relax in our warm, saltwater-filled bath barrel while enjoying great views of the surrounding mountain.

Tündérkert Panzio in Izvoreni
This charming wooden guesthouse welcomes you with their 11 double rooms, all equipped with a comfortable bed, free Wi-Fi access, heating and almost all rooms have a private bathroom. The guesthouse is surrounded by nature, allowing for a quiet night.

Guesthouse in Székelyvarság
This guesthouse used to be an old turbine house but has now been renovated in order to accommodate guests in 4 double rooms. The rooms are cozy and simply furnished. Bathrooms are shared. There are common areas where guests can relax including a living room with a fireplace and a lovely outside terrace.

Farmhouse in Izvorul Muresul
Tonight’s accommodation is in a simple farmhouse with shared bathrooms, flushable toilets and free Wi-Fi.

Guesthouse in Bixzad
This small Inn offers 13 cozy bedrooms decorated in a rustic style. The rooms have a TV, private bathrooms and heating. Free Wi-Fi is available in common areas. Guests are welcome to relax in the garden and use the sauna.

Guesthouse in Liban
This fairly recent accommodation is set in a beautiful area and offers amazing views of the surroundings. Amenities are recent and include two modern bathrooms (shared) with hot water and flushable toilets. Each bedroom can accommodate a maximum of 3 people. Wi-Fi is available at this property.

Guesthouse near Borzont
This lovely country house is surrounded by nature and offers simple and comfortable accommodations. The 6 bedrooms all offer views of the surroundings and feature free Wi-Fi access. Facilities are shared and guests are welcome to use the common areas.



Camping
When camping, there are no facilities so guest can choose to bathe in a nearby river or lake and toilets consist in a hole in the ground.
During camping nights, we provide you with the following gear:
 “Quechua 2 second tent” for 2 persons (2.10 x 1.40 m).
 “Quechua” sleeping bag (-5°C)
 “Quechua” air mattress (5 cm x 200 cm x 80 cm).

Room Occupancy
Single rooms are not available.



Meals
All meals are included with this trip and you will have the opportunity to taste local Romanian dishes.
Alcoholic drinks are not included, but guests are welcome to bring their own if they want.

We serve 2 warm meals (rich breakfast and 2-course dinner) & a saddle bag picnic for lunch everyday.
The ingredients used for our dishes are of sustainable, ecological and regional origin.
Our vegetables and fruits come from the weekly market in Gheorgheni. Cheese and milk are supplied to us by the neighboring farmers and the meat comes from animals that were allowed to grow up in peace on the lush meadows. No antibiotics, no genetic engineering, natural food and happy animals!
We also use trout from nearby fish farms, wild boar and deer products from the nearby forests.
Finally our self-collected porcini mushrooms, chanterelles and blueberries also contribute to a colorful, biologically oriented cuisine.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to vegetarians & vegans and we are always trying very hard to put together a varied menu for you! We also cater to guests with food intolerance or allergies; just let us know if you have any dietary restrictions at the time of booking.

This trip includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


On the week-long trip, you will be riding for 6 days, spending about 6 hours in the saddle every day and covering about 170 km total.
On the 2-week trip, you will be riding for 12 days, spending about 6 hours in the saddle every day and covering about 330 km total.

Horses
The horses are mostly crosses between Lippizans and indigenous breeds (Szekler horses & mountain ponies). We breed our own horses. All are calm, mentally balanced, not overbred or nervous, and live in freedom without any kind of force or negative pressure.
At a very young age, our horses already learn how to proceed securely on broken, slippery and rocky land since they take part on the tours following their mothers.
The studs are kept on the pasture, so their nervous system is stable and calm and they are glad to fulfill their daily tasks.
We start training our horses when they are 4-5 years old and mostly all of them can be used under saddle or as pack-horses.

Tack
Our saddles are comfortable, remodeled, German military saddles that have been specially developed for a high level of comfort for riders and horses over long distances. If required, our guests can get a lambskin seat cushion for their saddle.
The self-designed, leather saddlebags are made by hand and are used to safely carry the guests’ belongings while on the trail (max. 8 kg).
The saddlebags and the packs were modified in order to enable the packhorses to follow the team, even at a canter.

Riding Gear
Some of our guests do not want to give up their usual equipment during their holidays. It is okay to bring your own stirrups, saddle cushions, reins or your own tent. Please, let us know in advance!
However, riding with your own saddle is not possible for the benefit of our horses. Our horses wear saddles that are specially tailored to their individual back shape.

Weight Limit
Out of consideration for our horses, our weight limit is 90 kg. However, some exceptions can be made depending on various factors – please inquire

Tour Leader
Csaba’s love for the mountain, horses and riding tour started in his childhood. He feels most at home when he can be close to horses and nature. He knows the trails inside and out, even the most isolated tracks. I also know many of the locals there.

Insurance
All participants must have their own insurance to take part in this trip.

Solo Travelers
Solo travelers and women traveling alone should feel safe while travelling through Romania. Although public transport is slower than in Western Europe, it is safe and our guests have never had any problems in the past.

Itinerary


Sample Itinerary: The Salt Way in the Mountains - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Gheorgheni to Kovács Péter
Arrival at “Gheorgheni”, in the afternoon. From here on we go with an all-terrain-vehicle to the horse ranch (15 km). Afterwards we have a dinner, followed by a conversation about the upcoming tour.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Kovacs Peter

Day 2 (Monday): Kovács Péter to Borzont
After breakfast, we will pack our day’s luggage into the saddlebags and we will start the first part of our tour, on which you can get to know your horse a bit better. We will follow a small path that will lead us to the source of the Olt River, the second largest river in Romania. There, we will water our horses and continue to ride uphill through dense spruce forests and towards Mount Sípos. Once we have reached the summit (1568 m), we will stop for lunch and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Harghita Mountains. Strengthened and full of energy, we will then ride downhill over flowering mountain meadows and into the Gheorgheni valley, where the open plains are ideal for short canters. We will spend the night in a comfortable mountain guesthouse.
Riding approx. 5.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Borzont

Day 3 (Tuesday): Borzont to Szekely Varsag
Today will be our longest day in the saddle.
After a rich and typical Romanian breakfast, we will ride up a steep trail to the summit of the mountain “Del Hegy” (1650 m). The intricate path promises to be adventurous. Occasionally we will need to dismount and lead our four-legged friends. We might spot some fresh bear tracks along the way. For lunch we will stop on a meadow with view of the snow-covered peaks of the “Kelemen Alps” (2100 m). Once we are back in the saddle, we will be heading towards a volcanic mountain plateau, which offers a spectacular view of the village “Szekely Varsag”. We will be staying here for the night. In the pension you will be indulged with local specialties and a roast lamb from the oven.
Riding approx. 7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Szekely Varsag

Day 4 (Wednesday): Szekely Varsag to Izvoreni
In the morning we will ride around the area surrounding the village. Having passed fields and cultivated land we will reach another wild mountain range. In former times the “Road of the Salt”, an old trade route, led through this area. You will experience how difficult it was to pass through this terrain. In continuation of this path, we will ride through thinly distributed forests and reach a wide, open plain where numerous shepherds keep watch over their flock. You will spend the night in a former riding-stable, which has been converted into a cozy guesthouse. After having been greeted by our host Istvmn with Palinka and homemade cheese pastries, you will be taken on a bear safari. From a safe distance, you will observe the brown bears while they are feeding, playing or even mating. Back in the pension a hearty dinner will be awaiting you: goulash, homemade dumplings and fresh porcini mushrooms as well as chanterelles will invite you to feast and enjoy.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Izvoreni

Day 5 (Thursday): Ride to Liban
In the morning, we will say farewell to our host Istvmn and his team and continue our trail-ride. Today we will reach the Harghita plateau, where we will have the opportunity to trot and canter. Once we have passed the Zetelaki water reservoir and the Sikasszó brook we will be in the southern part of the Gheorgheni-Alps. On our way to our accommodation in Liban, we will be riding through dense pine forests.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Liban

Day 6 (Friday): Liban to Marosfö
After having had breakfast and saddling our horses we will once again return to the wilderness. On small paths we will ride uphill to the summit of the “Ostorosz”, from which you will enjoy the breathtaking view of the Madarasi Mountain Range. After having crossed the Maros River, we will arrive in the tranquil village Marosfö, where we will be accommodated in a small family-run guesthouse.
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Marosfö

Day 7 (Saturday): Back to Kovács Péter
On your last riding day, you will once again ride up to the summit of Mount Sipos. From there, we will ride along a clear mountain stream which will guide us back to the ranch. After having released the horses, you will have time to relax, review the week and to talk to your fellow riders around the campfire. Our cook will be preparing fresh trout for dinner.
Riding approx. 4 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Kovacs Peter

Day 8 (Sunday): Departure
After breakfast homeward journey.
Meals included: Breakfast



Sample Itinerary: Pack Trip in Carpathian Mountains  - subject to changes

The first week of this tour goes totally through the main ridge of Hargita Mountains touching the most noteworthy peaks: Osztoros (1374 m), Ferto (1589 m), Madarasi (1801 m) Kakukk, Mitács and Nagypiliske. This is the tour of us which touches the most deeply Hargita’s several times mentioned ancient pine forests. During our journey we will set up camp on picturesque clearings and we will ride through wild lands.

The second week of this tour have triple character. The triple character of this tour is given first of all by the 3 mountains: Csomád Mountains, Csiki Snow-covered Mountains (Havasok), Gyergyó Snow-covered Mountains (Havasok); secondly by the geographically bounded ethnical groups: the székelys of Háromszék, the csángó of Gyimes, and the székelys of Gyergyó. The change of the landscape is showing the same trinity during the journey, first is the thick forest, which afterwards turns to wide mild pastures and meadows and finally the gloomy rock-blocks, cliff edges and steep rock-paths.

Day 1 (Sunday): Gheorgheni to Kovacs Peter
Arrival to Gheorgheni in the afternoon. From here, transfer with an all terrain-vehicle to the horse ranch (15 km). Dinner, conversation about the tour in the evening.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Kovacs Peter

Day 2 (Monday): Ride to "Magas Büc"
After a hearty breakfast, we will go on a short ride to discover the area around the ranch. This will allow you to get to know your horse and the equipment. We will be riding through small mountain streams and pass through vast meadows in order to reach the summit of Mount Magas Büc. Once we’ve reached the peak and had lunch, we will return to the ranch. Here, you will receive a short instruction on how to set up the tents in preparation for the upcoming pack trip.
Riding approx. 2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse in Kovacs Peter

Day 3 (Tuesday): Kovacs Peter to Fekete Rez
Our adventure begins! After leaving our Csángo ranch we arrive to the source of the Olt River. From here, the trail leads us to the Sóveto snow-covered Mountain (Havasok) and we eventually arrive to the tope of Sipos Mountain. The biggest part of today's journey will be done in the forest. We will take the midday break on the Peak of Sipos Mountain (1568m) where we will have sight towards the North Hargita. We will then descend to the Lok ridge and make our way to the Fekete Rez’s puszta where we will set up night camp nearby an esztena (pastoral quarters).
Riding approx. 8 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at camping in Fekete Rez’s puszta

Day 4 (Wednesday): Fekete Rez to Ördög Lake (Devil Lake)
After leaving the huge puszta we descend to Marosfo. Here, we will cross the Maros/Mures River and enter in the Hargita mountains. Our first peak is the Csik Magasa (1153m) and from here, we continue our journey towards the Osztoros (1384m). We will take our lunch break in a special place where on our right we can see the basin of Gyergyó and the Görgényi snow-covered mountains (Havasok), on our left the Csiki basin and in the background the Csiki snow-covered mountains (Havasok). Once, well rested, we ride in the direction of Ölyves peak and turn towards the main ridge of the Hargita from where, through a wind-cut path, we descend to our camp near the Ördög lake. While waiting for dinner, we can have a short walk in the swamp of the Ördög Lake.
Riding approx. 7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at camping near Ördög Lake

Day 5 (Thursday): Ördög Lake (Devil Lake) to Madarasi Hargita
This is our hardest day of the tour as we will ride over the Hargita’s highest peaks: the Ferto teto (1589m) and the Madarasi Hargita (1801). We will take our midday break on the Ferto’s wide pasture where we have beautiful sight towards the Hagymás Mountains imposant blocks, and in the distance we can see the cones of the Dancurás and the Likas peaks. Descending to the Ferto ridge, we go along a carbonated-water source where we can fill up our water bottles. From here, we enter into the vast pine forest of Hargita where we can often see bear’s footprints and young pines with bear scratches.
Our overnight is spent in a guesthouse in the middle of the mountains at 1700m above sea level.
Riding approx. 6.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Mountain Guesthouse

Day 6 (Friday): Madarasi Hargita to Talabor
Through the Rákosi Hargita (1756m) we arrive to the village of Bad Hargita, where we take our midday break. In the afternoon, we make our way to Tolvajos peak, cross the main road and immediately after enjoy a brisk gallop on Talabor puszta towards our night camp, surrounded by cow and sheep pastures.
Riding approx. 7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping near Talabor puszta

Day 7 (Saturday): Talabor to Mitács
In the morning, we pass by the peat bogs of Lucs and trot towards the szent Imrei Büdös fürdo (saint Emeric stinky bath). From here, we enter a vast pine forest and make our way to the caldera of the Kakukk mountain (1557m). At this point, the landscape is changing and the pines turn in beeches. Your overnight stay is close to a traditional alpine hut (esztena) located in Mitács puszta. There, you can watch the shepherds milking the sheep and taste the locally produced cheese.
Riding approx. 7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping near Mitács puszta

Day 8 (Sunday): Mitács to Tusnad Fürdö
We continue our journey in beech forests until the Nagy Piliske (1374m). After leaving the peak, we arrive to a beautiful belvedere where, in the distance, we can see the Csukás Mountain (1954m), Nagykohavas, Keresztényhavas (1800m), Bucsecs (2505m), Királyko and the Fogarasi snow-covered mountains (2500m). From here, we leave the main ridge, cross the river Olt and go through the Bixad basin to arrive to our guesthouse near Tusnad Fürdö. We enjoy a well-deserved hot shower and enjoy dinner on the terrace with freshly caught trout and other local delicacies.
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse near Tusnad Fürdö

Day 9 (Monday): Visit of St. Anna Lake (no riding)
Today we will take a break from riding and we will visit St. Ana Lake. The lake is formed in the crater of a former volcano called Ciomatu, which erupted for the last time thousands of years ago. It was the last active volcano from Eastern Europe. The mineralization level is extremely low and the water’s purity is close to that of distilled water. Nowadays, the entire area is declared a natural reserve. In the twin crater, there is a swamp, called Mohos, of a divine beauty.
In the evening, a very special experience awaits you: a bear safari. You can observe the native brown bears in their natural habitat.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Guesthouse near Tusnad Fürdö

Day 10 (Tuesday): Bixad to Pap Mountain
The day starts with breakfast as usual. Then you swing back into the saddle. We climb to Bolondos peak (1082 m), where we can already feel the nearness of the Büdös (smelly) Mountain. The air is full of sulphur which smells like rotten egg. We will ride along the Buffogó swamp and ride up into the mountains on steep paths. Arriving to Géczi hilltop we can have beautiful view over the basin of Háromszék and in the distance the mountains: Nemere Mountain, Háromszék snow-covered mountains (Havasok), Csukás Mountains. Climbing through the steep paths of the Közteto (1087 m) we arrive to the sub-ridge of the Csiki snow-covered mountains (Havasok) and pass by the Cecele peak (1173 m) where the Lenkert tableland we will spice up the journey with frequent gallops. Beside the Nyerges peak’s monument, we take a short break. Afterwards we go through flowery pastures to our camp, located close to Pap Mountain (1165 m).
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping near Pap Mountain

Day 11 (Wednesday): Pap Mountain to Örálla
We leave our campsite through colorful meadows and pastures. Along the way, we enjoy views over the Csiki basin and the Hargita to our left, as well as the Kászoni basin and Nemere Mountain to our right. Once in Botsarka, we join the main ridge and from here the trail goes mainly through pine forests. Tonight, we camp next to a clear, bubbling mountain stream.
Riding approx. 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping near Örálla

Day 12 (Thursday): Örálla to Konyak
Leaving behind us the Tomotok brook, we ride towards the side of the Szello enjoying beautiful views of the Szépviz reservoir. From here starts the world of the Gyimes alias the csángó-land. We ride along structured pastures and meadows, populated with animals and hard-working csango people. Tonight, we pitch our tents next to an old farm where we can watch the farmers driving in the harvested hay with horse carts.
Riding approx. 5.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping

Day 13 (Friday): Ride through Csángó pastoral quarters
We lead our horses through the csángó pastoral quarters (kaliba). Today again, we enjoy beautifull views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Our campground is located on a plateau with many limestone and picturesque rock formations.
Riding approx. 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping

Day 14 (Saturday): Ride back to Kovács Péter
Today we arrive in the Hagymás Mountain, which we had already admired from far away earlier on our trip. At the top of Öcsém peak (1707 m) we can delight in a view over the Nagy Hagymás (1792 m), the Fekete Hagymás (1777 m) and the Csalhó’s imposing rock blocks. At times, we will have to lead our horses. Then ride over the Pongrácz Tetö (1321m) back to the ranch, where your hosts have prepared for you a great farewell party with a traditional music group.
Riding approx. 7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at the Guesthouse in Kovács Péter

Day 15 (Sunday): Departure
After breakfast we say our goodbyes to the horses, new friends and the beautiful Szekely region.
Meals included: Breakfast

Rates and Dates for Szekler & Saxon Land

Dates Note:

Other Info
Meeting: Gheorgheni
Airport: Targu Mures - Transilvania International Airport
Transfer: Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca airport, Targu Mures airport, Sibiu airport, and local hotels

Climate:
                                            Miercurea Ciuc area