Best of Woodland
Woodland is a treasure for visitors. A sea of wildflowers, medieval fortified churches, colourful crafts, limestone gorge, Renaissance castles, gastronomic experiences and countless springs of mineral water. Did you know that even the King of England visits regularly?
1. Best of Woodland – Guided tour
What is the secret of the 15 generations of the Sütő family in Vargyas? The answer comes from woodcarver and furniture maker István Sütő. In their family home, we visit a small museum of painted furniture and carved objects, and in the workshop we discover the process of making furniture and the tools used to make it.
Did you know that traditional looms can be used to make all kinds of fabrics, from simple bed linen to rugs and the most complex fabrics for folk costumes? Learn the details in the only active weaving workshop in the Barót Basin. If you feel like it, you can even try it!
In Kisbacon, there is a unique place where a nearly 200-year-old water mill still grinds to this day. The mill building is a real curiosity, where you can watch how grain is turned into flour using the power of water.
The Unitarian fortified church in Nagyajta reminds the visitor of the peasant forths of the Saxon land. The fortifications are home to a rich exhibition of local history and ethnography.The Gothic church, hidden within the castle walls, also has a fresco depicting the legend of St. László.
The Kálnoky Castle in Miklósvár, once again in the care of the Count Kálnoky family, is one of the most beautiful museums in the region, with a rich collection of furniture, weapons and oriental carpets.
Price per person varies depending on the number of participants:
2 participants – 110 EUR/person, 3 participants – 80 EUR/person, 4 participants – 65 EUR/person, 5 participants – 55 EUR/person, 6 participants – 50 EUR/person, 7 participants – 45 EUR/person, 8-10 participants – 40 EUR/person
The prices include the guided tour, entrance fees, transportation (with departure from the Barót Region).
Duration: 5-7 hours.
2. Hiking in the Vargyas Gorge
Legendary caves and rock shelters tell the story of Székely ingenuity and the Tatar invasion hundreds of years ago. A total of 122 caves, 19 bat species and many protected plants and animals can be found in this rocky forest environment. If you visit, you’ll be convinced that the Vargyas Gorge is one of the most unique places in Szeklerland.
Körtövés guest village is a holiday village of farmhouses, a gathering place of old times and traditions, with no electricity, telephone signal or internet access. Everything you find here is largely local, handcrafted products. While enjoying a coffee or a drink, you can also wander around this charming place.
Price per person varies depending on the number of participants:
2 participants – 90 EUR/person, 3 participants – 60 EUR/person, 4 participants – 50 EUR/person, 5 participants – 40 EUR/person, 6-7 participants – 35 EUR/person, 8-9 participants – 30 EUR/person, 10 participants – 25 EUR/person
The prices include the guided tour, entrance fees, transportation (with departure from the Barót Region).
– The hike takes 4-7 hours. This largely depends on you, as there are several easier or more difficult hiking trails in the gorge. Let’s decide together which one to choose.
– We will try to introduce you to the herbs and wildflowers of the season.
– In the Orbán Balázs cave you can even spot a few species of bats.
– Many legends are woven through these places. Climbing up the two sides of the gorge, you can imagine how the ancestors of the ancient Saxons watched over their enemies from behind the cliffs and in the crevices of the caves.
– You’ll also encounter curiosities such as a stream hiding under rocks or stalactites.
– In the holiday village of Körtövés, you can experience a form of hospitality that doesn’t use modern facilities, as there is no internet, electricity or even telephone in the guest rooms.
– In this off-line atmosphere we enjoy a delicious drink.
Duration: 4-7 hours.
3. Bear watching in the valley of the Kormos river
We know that bears could be seen in the outskirts of villages in Szeklerland nowadays. But an afternoon spent in a bear reserve is a completely different experience. You can observe the often playful bears up close. You can learn a lot of interesting facts about the forest dwellers from the local ranger and see other wildlife on the way to the observation point.
Price: 80 EUR/person
The price includes transport, departing from the Barót Region.
