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Covasna
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Explore Covasna in eastern Transylvania for mineral springs, Szekler culture, forested Carpathian landscapes, historic towns and rural food traditions.

Covasna County occupies a green, upland corner of eastern Transylvania, shaped by the Carpathian arc and by a long cultural connection with the Szekler communities of Romania. Its landscape alternates between wooded mountains, volcanic plateaux, broad river valleys and small market towns. The county seat, Sfântu Gheorghe, lies on the Olt River and provides the strongest base for understanding the region's Hungarian-speaking heritage, museums and performing arts. Further east, Târgu Secuiesc retains an elegant historic centre, while Covasna town is known for mineral springs, mofettes and a long-established spa tradition.
Read more about Covasna
The region's natural character is closely linked to its geology. Carbonated mineral waters rise in several localities, particularly Covasna and Balvanyos, where visitors encounter mofettes: natural emissions of carbon dioxide associated with the area's volcanic past. The surrounding forests support walking, wildlife watching and winter activities, although the higher Carpathian slopes require proper preparation in poor weather. The Buzău Valley and the approaches to Întorsura Buzăului provide a more open, mountainous landscape than the gentler agricultural country around Sfântu Gheorghe and Târgu Secuiesc.
Covasna's cultural identity is layered rather than uniform. Hungarian is widely used in everyday life in much of the county, alongside Romanian, and Szekler customs remain visible in architecture, food, folk arts and village traditions. The Székely National Museum in Sfântu Gheorghe offers valuable context, while local theatres, craft collections and village churches reveal a culture that has developed at the meeting point of Central European, Romanian and Transylvanian influences. Historic manor houses at places such as Micloșoara and Zăbala add an aristocratic thread to the rural landscape.
The county is rewarding for visitors who prefer a measured itinerary to a checklist of major sights. A day in Sfântu Gheorghe can combine museums, cafés and performances with a short excursion into the countryside; Covasna town works well for spa treatments and woodland walks; and the eastern districts lead towards Balvanyos, Comandău and the Buzău mountain passes. Nature reserves around Reci protect unusual sandy habitats and birch woodland, contrasting with the darker forests of the Carpathian foothills.
Food reflects both the region's agricultural setting and its Szekler heritage. Expect soups, breads, pastries, smoked products, potatoes, cabbage, dairy produce and carefully prepared game or freshwater fish, with local mineral water and fruit-based drinks also part of the regional table. Rural guesthouses and market towns are often the best places to encounter these traditions. Covasna is not a place of concentrated urban spectacle; its appeal lies in the relationship between mineral springs, historic communities, forested mountains and a distinctive bilingual culture.

When is the best time to visit Covasna?

Best: June–August · 24–27°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January235
February430
March1040
April1550
May2070
June (best)2480
July (best)2780
August (best)2670
September2160
October1650
November840
December335

Getting to and around Covasna

How to get there

Covasna has no major international airport. Most international visitors arrive through Bucharest or Brașov, both outside the county, and continue by road or rail; Târgu Mureș and Sibiu are further alternatives depending on the itinerary. Sfântu Gheorghe is connected by railway with Brașov and other Romanian cities, while Târgu Secuiesc and Covasna are generally reached by regional road and rail connections. Check current services before travelling, as rural routes and direct trains can change. The main road approaches follow the Olt Valley from the west and the routes through Târgu Secuiesc and Întorsura Buzăului from neighbouring areas.

Transportation

Sfântu Gheorghe is the county's most useful public-transport base, with local and regional buses and railway connections towards Brașov. Târgu Secuiesc and Covasna also have road and rail links, but services to mountain resorts, villages and dispersed attractions are less frequent. A car is particularly useful for Balvanyos, Comandău, Micloșoara, Zăbala and rural nature sites; winter conditions can make mountain roads slow or demanding. Taxis are available in the principal towns, while walking and cycling work best around towns and selected rural routes rather than as a complete county-wide transport solution.

Top city travel guides in Covasna

The cities of Covasna, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Covasna

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Covasna

Covasna's attractions combine living culture, mineral-water traditions and accessible mountain scenery rather than a single concentration of monumental sights. In Sfântu Gheorghe, the Székely National Museum provides a strong introduction to local history, ethnography and art, while the town's theatres and cultural venues reflect the county's bilingual character. Târgu Secuiesc rewards a slower exploration of its historic centre and craft heritage, and Covasna offers spa facilities, mineral springs and the distinctive mofette phenomenon. Around Balvanyos, wooded slopes, volcanic geology and wellness traditions create a different kind of visitor experience, with walking routes leading into the Carpathian foothills. The historic churches of rural settlements, the manor houses at Micloșoara and Zăbala, and the railway and forestry heritage around Comandău add architectural and industrial interest. Nature lovers can visit the Reci protected area, known for sandy habitats and birch woodland, or seek longer excursions towards Întorsura Buzăului and the eastern mountains. Conditions and access vary considerably, so local advice is useful for remote paths and seasonal activities.

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Best landmarks in Covasna

The most recognisable landmarks of Covasna are closely tied to its towns, mineral springs and Szekler cultural landscape. In Sfântu Gheorghe, the Székely National Museum complex is an important architectural and cultural reference point, while the town's historic civic buildings and churches express its long urban development. Târgu Secuiesc is distinguished by its central square and distinctive connected courtyard passages, known locally as udvarterek, which recall the town's historic craft and trading life. Covasna's spa landscape includes mineral-water installations and the natural mofette tradition for which the town is widely known. In the countryside, the church at Ghelința is notable for its medieval fabric and historic wall paintings, and the manor complex at Micloșoara represents the former estate culture of the region. The forested volcanic setting around Balvanyos and the historic inclined railway infrastructure at Comandău provide geographical and industrial landmarks rather than conventional monuments. Together these places show how geology, settlement and local culture have shaped Covasna's visual identity.

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Explore Covasna on the map

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Best restaurants in Covasna

Dining in Covasna reflects the county's Szekler and Transylvanian setting, with substantial soups, stews, potatoes, cabbage, smoked meats, dairy products and pastries appearing alongside Romanian regional cooking. Kürtőskalács, the spiral chimney cake associated with Hungarian-speaking communities, is common at fairs and outdoor events, while breads, fruit preserves and cakes are often made according to household or village traditions. Sfântu Gheorghe and Târgu Secuiesc offer the widest choice of cafés, restaurants and contemporary interpretations, whereas Covasna and the mountain resorts combine hotel dining with traditional menus and guesthouse cooking. Local mineral waters accompany meals, and forest districts may feature mushroom, berry or game-based specialities when legally sourced and seasonally available. Farmers' markets and small food shops are useful for cheese, honey, smoked products and baked goods, although labels and opening patterns can vary. In rural areas, meals may need to be arranged in advance, making guesthouses an important part of the region's food culture.

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Best bars in Covasna

Evenings in Covasna are generally sociable but measured, centred on cafés, restaurants, hotel lounges, wine bars and traditional pubs rather than a large club circuit. Sfântu Gheorghe has the broadest choice, with cultural events, theatre performances, live music and late-opening cafés providing alternatives to drinking-focused nightlife. Târgu Secuiesc offers a smaller town atmosphere, while Covasna's evening life is closely connected with spa hotels, restaurants and seasonal visitors. In Balvanyos and the mountain villages, rural guesthouses and resort establishments are more relevant than dedicated nightclubs. Local beer, wine, fruit brandies and non-alcoholic mineral waters may appear on menus, but the region's evening culture is equally suited to conversation and food. Opening hours, performances and seasonal activity change, so checking current local listings or asking accommodation staff is more reliable than expecting a fixed nightlife district.

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Best nightclubs in Covasna

Evenings in Covasna are generally sociable but measured, centred on cafés, restaurants, hotel lounges, wine bars and traditional pubs rather than a large club circuit. Sfântu Gheorghe has the broadest choice, with cultural events, theatre performances, live music and late-opening cafés providing alternatives to drinking-focused nightlife. Târgu Secuiesc offers a smaller town atmosphere, while Covasna's evening life is closely connected with spa hotels, restaurants and seasonal visitors. In Balvanyos and the mountain villages, rural guesthouses and resort establishments are more relevant than dedicated nightclubs. Local beer, wine, fruit brandies and non-alcoholic mineral waters may appear on menus, but the region's evening culture is equally suited to conversation and food. Opening hours, performances and seasonal activity change, so checking current local listings or asking accommodation staff is more reliable than expecting a fixed nightlife district.

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Best shops in Covasna

Shopping in Covasna is strongest in market towns, small food shops and cultural craft outlets rather than large retail districts. Sfântu Gheorghe has the widest selection of everyday shops, books, galleries and locally made goods, while Târgu Secuiesc is known for its historic town setting and independent businesses. Markets and seasonal fairs can be good places to look for honey, jams, cheeses, smoked products, herbal goods and baked specialities from the surrounding countryside. Visitors may also find embroidered textiles, carved wood, ceramics and other Szekler-inspired crafts, although quality and provenance vary, so ask whether an item is locally made. Covasna's mineral waters and spa products can make practical souvenirs, and small producers sometimes sell regional drinks or preserves directly. Rural shopping is limited and many villages have only basic provisions, so buy specialist food gifts and cash before leaving the principal towns.

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Covasna essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Romanian leu, abbreviated RON, as throughout Romania. Cards and contactless payments are commonly accepted in hotels, supermarkets, restaurants and established visitor facilities in Sfântu Gheorghe, Covasna and Târgu Secuiesc. Carry some Romanian cash for small cafés, village shops, markets, local transport and rural guesthouses, particularly in mountain districts. ATMs are more readily available in towns than in remote villages, and prices may be displayed in Romanian lei even where Hungarian is also used.
Safety
Covasna is generally suitable for ordinary independent travel, but normal precautions apply in busy stations, accommodation and car parks. Outdoor risks are more relevant than serious urban hazards: forest paths may be slippery, weather can change quickly in the Carpathians, and winter driving requires care. Stay on authorised paths around springs, mofettes and protected areas, and do not enter abandoned industrial or railway structures. In rural districts, mobile coverage can be inconsistent, so carry water, suitable clothing and an offline map for longer walks.
Emergency Situations
Dial 112 anywhere in Romania for police, fire and ambulance emergencies; operators can route the call to the appropriate service. For incidents in the mountains, explain the exact trail, settlement, road or landmark, and request mountain rescue through the emergency system when necessary. The national emergency arrangements are not specific to Covasna County. Keep identification, accommodation details and any relevant medical information accessible, and ask accommodation staff or local authorities for help if language makes an emergency call difficult.
Do's and Don'ts
Use Romanian or Hungarian place names respectfully, as both languages are part of public life in much of the county, and ask before photographing people, private homes or religious ceremonies. Dress modestly in churches and follow instructions at museums, spa facilities and protected natural sites. In the countryside, keep gates closed, remain on marked paths and avoid disturbing livestock or collecting plants. Tipping is customary for good service in restaurants and cafés, but it is discretionary; check the bill before paying and do not assume that every small establishment accepts cards.
Local Tips
Sfântu Gheorghe is the strongest cultural base, while Covasna is more closely associated with spa treatments and mineral-water traditions. Combine a town visit with one rural or woodland excursion to appreciate the contrast between the Olt Valley, the Szekler market towns and the eastern mountains. Ask locally about seasonal produce and village events rather than relying only on city restaurants. If visiting manor houses, small museums or remote attractions, confirm access in advance and allow extra time for mountain roads.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloBună[Boo-nuh]
GoodbyeLa revedere[Lah reh-veh-deh-reh]
YesDa[Dah]
NoNu[Noo]
Please/You're welcomeTe rog/ Cu plăcere[Teh rog/ Koo plah-cheh-reh]
Thank youMulțumesc[Mool-tzoo-mesk]
Excuse me/SorryScuză-mă/Îmi pare rău[Skoo-zah-mah/ Uhm pah-reh rah-oo]
How are you?Ce mai faci?[Cheh my fahch?]
Fine. And you?Bine. Și tu?[Bee-neh. Shee too?]
Do you speak English?Vorbești engleză?[Vor-besht eng-leh-zah?]
I don't understandNu înțeleg[Noo uhn-tzeh-leg]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAș dori să văd meniul, vă rog[Ash doh-ree sah vehd men-yool, vah rog]
I don't eat meatNu mănânc carne[Noo mah-nank kar-neh]
Cheers!Noroc![No-rok]
I would like to pay, pleaseAș dori să plătesc, vă rog[Ash doh-ree sah plah-tesk, vah rog]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Ajutor![Ah-joo-tor]
Go away!Du-te![Doo-teh]
Call the Police!Sună Poliția![Soo-nah Poh-lee-tsee-ah]
Call a doctor!Sună un doctor![Soo-nah oon dohk-tor]
I'm lostM-am pierdut[Mahm pyehr-doot]
I'm illSunt bolnav[Soont bol-nahv]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Aș dori să cumpăr...[Ash doh-ree sah koom-par]
I'm just lookingMă uit doar[Muh oo-eet doar]
How much is it?Cât costă?[Koot koh-stah?]
That's too expensiveAsta e prea scump[As-tah eh preh-ah skoomp]
Can you lower the price?Poți să reduci prețul?[Pots sah reh-dooch preh-tsool?]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Cât e ceasul?[Koot eh chah-sool?]
It's one o'clockE ora unu[Eh oh-rah oo-noo]
Half past (10)Jumătate peste (10)[Joo-mah-tah-teh pes-teh (10)]
MorningDimineața[Dee-mee-neh-ah-tsah]
AfternoonDupă-amiaza[Doo-pah ah-mee-ah-zah]
EveningSeara[Sear-ah]
YesterdayIeri[Yair]
TodayAstăzi[As-tahz]
TomorrowMâine[Mih-neh]
11[Unu]
22[Doi]
33[Trei]
44[Patru]
55[Cinci]
66[Șase]
77[Șapte]
88[Opt]
99[Nouă]
1010[Zece]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Unde e...?[Oon-deh eh...?]
What's the address?Care e adresa?[Kah-reh eh ah-dreh-sah?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Îmi poți arăta (pe hartă)?[Uhm pots ah-rah-tah (peh har-tah)?]
When's the next (bus)?Când e următorul (autobuz)?[Kund eh oor-mah-tor-ool (ow-toh-booz)?]
A ticket (to ....)Un bilet (la ....)[Oon bee-let (lah....)]

History of Covasna

Early settlement and the Carpathian frontier

The valleys and plateaux of present-day Covasna have supported human settlement since prehistoric times, with archaeological evidence from several periods showing the importance of agriculture, craft and movement through the eastern Transylvanian landscape. Later communities used the area as a passage between the inner basin of Transylvania and the Carpathian routes leading towards Moldavia and Wallachia. The region's geography, rather than a single early political centre, shaped its historical importance: river corridors, wooded passes and upland clearings connected otherwise separate communities.

The medieval Szekler settlement

From the medieval period, much of the area became associated with the Szeklers, a Hungarian-speaking population whose communities formed part of the defensive and administrative system of the Kingdom of Hungary and later the Principality of Transylvania. Villages, parish churches and market settlements developed across the valleys, while customary landholding and military obligations influenced local society. The legacy remains visible in the county's bilingual public life, village layouts, historic churches and strong cultural links between rural settlements and towns such as Sfântu Gheorghe and Târgu Secuiesc.

Fortified churches, estates and religious change

Between the late Middle Ages and the early modern period, communities built stone churches, defensive enclosures and substantial manor houses in response to political insecurity and changing patterns of power. The Reformation also reshaped religious life, with several local communities adopting Protestant traditions while others remained Roman Catholic or Orthodox. Historic churches in villages such as Ghelința preserve evidence of this layered past through their architecture, furnishings and wall paintings. Manor estates at places including Micloșoara and Zăbala reflect the role of noble families in the county's rural economy.

The early modern borderland

Covasna lay within the shifting political world of Transylvania, influenced by the Habsburgs, the Ottoman Empire and the neighbouring Romanian principalities. Trade and seasonal movement used the mountain passes, while local settlements experienced the consequences of military campaigns and border administration. Târgu Secuiesc grew as a market and craft centre, and villages continued to combine agriculture, forestry and small-scale production. This period helped establish the regional pattern of compact towns surrounded by farming communities and mountain settlements connected through difficult but important routes.

1848 and the transformation of political life

The revolutionary year 1848 brought debates about national rights, representation, social reform and the future of Transylvania. As elsewhere in the region, the events affected relations between Hungarian, Romanian and imperial political projects, while the abolition of feudal obligations began to alter rural society. The later nineteenth century brought stronger bureaucratic integration, improvements in roads and railways, and an expanding civic culture in towns. Public buildings, schools, associations and printing activity from this era contributed to the urban character still visible in Sfântu Gheorghe and Târgu Secuiesc.

Mineral springs and the rise of spa tourism

The carbonated springs of Covasna, Balvanyos and other localities became increasingly important during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. Physicians, entrepreneurs and travellers promoted the waters and mofettes for therapeutic purposes, leading to the development of hotels, treatment facilities, parks and bathing infrastructure. Covasna town in particular acquired a national reputation as a spa destination. The tradition continues today, although visitors should distinguish between supervised medical or wellness facilities and untreated natural sources.

Twentieth-century borders and industrial change

After the First World War, Covasna became part of Romania, while the interwar period brought new administrative and political arrangements. The Second World War and its aftermath again altered borders and public life. Under communism, towns expanded, agriculture was reorganised and forestry, food processing and light industry became significant employers. State investment also enlarged spa facilities and urban housing. These changes left a mixed landscape of historic centres, planned neighbourhoods, industrial sites and rural communities, rather than erasing the county's earlier cultural divisions.

Post-1989 cultural renewal

Since 1989, Covasna has experienced the wider Romanian transition towards private enterprise, tourism development and renewed local cultural activity. Museums, theatres, heritage associations and rural guesthouses have helped present Szekler and Transylvanian traditions to visitors, while former industrial and railway infrastructure has acquired new historical interest. The county's contemporary identity continues to be shaped by Romanian and Hungarian institutions, bilingual public life, spa tourism and efforts to balance economic development with the conservation of forests, villages and historic buildings.

Covasna in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Covasna, Romania

Download Evendo, the 100% free app-based travel guide to Covasna. Discover and book attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more.

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Discover the hidden gems of Covasna with Evendo, your comprehensive and free travel guide. From famous landmarks to local eateries, plan your dream trip effortlessly.

  • History of Covasna and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • Easy navigation and 'Near me' feature
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs

Embark on an unforgettable journey to Covasna, Romania with Evendo, your all-in-one travel companion. Whether you're here to explore the therapeutic volcanic mud baths or to marvel at the local architecture, Evendo has you covered.

Start your adventure at the Mocănița Steam Train, a historic attraction that offers scenic views of the region. Discover the beauty of the Covasna Natural Park, a haven for nature enthusiasts. For a taste of local culture, visit the fortified church of Sfântu Gheorghe, an architectural marvel.

When hunger strikes, Evendo will guide you to the best restaurants in town. Savor traditional Romanian dishes at ‘Hanul Balaban’ or enjoy a fine dining experience at ‘Casa Cu Flori.’ The app also features local tips, ensuring you won't miss hidden gems like the artisanal shops and vibrant nightlife.

With Evendo, booking hotels, tours, and experiences is a breeze. No more fussing over multiple websites; everything you need is in one place. The app's easy navigation and 'Near me' feature make it simple to find attractions, restaurants, and activities around you. Plus, it's 100% free to use with no in-app purchases or hidden costs. Download Evendo today and make the most of your trip to Covasna!

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