- STATUTUL UNITĂŢII ADMINISTRATIV-TERITORIALE
- “REGULAMENTELE PRIVIND PROCEDURILE ADMINISTRATIVE”
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- Regulament de organizare și funcționare CJH
- Regulament de ordine interioară
- Dispoziție nr. 125/2024
- Dispoziția nr. 9/2025_ROI – modificare(Program de lucru)
- Dispoziție nr. 125/2024
- Integritate Instituțională
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- HOTĂRÂRILE AUTORITĂȚII DELIBERATIVE
Geographical description
Hargitai “card index”
What do the data say about a county?
The same as a card index does about a person—everything and nothing. They flash the essence, but only point to what is unique and intangible.
About Harghita County we can write that it is located in Romania, in the eastern part of Inner Transylvania; it is no secret either that its area is 6639 square kilometers, with a population of 310867 in 2011.
It is customary, as card-index data, to list its 9 towns—4 of them municipalities—its 58 communes, and its 236 villages. When it was established in 1968, its chosen name was not ancient, yet it refers to the Harghita Mountains, where the county’s second-highest peak rises (Madarasi-Harghita, 1801 m); the highest peak as well, Rekettyés (Călimani Mountains, 2021 m), rises only slightly above that.
From here we can already descend into the depths, for even if the mountain range forming the county’s backbone—and the central group of the Eastern Carpathians marking its eastern border—has further peaks, the western part of the county is made up of gentler, rolling hill country (Udvarhely). Moreover, an important thread in the county’s life is the “Székely chain of basins,” which, from north to south, fits into a unified whole with ever more spacious basins along the Bélbor–Borsec–Gyergyó–Csík line.
Harghita County is at once gentle and harsh, depending on where one lives—closer to the sky or farther from it, within the gravitational pull of economic and social hubs, or sustained by the sparser but purer air of wise seclusion. Its climate can be described as temperate continental; winds usually blow from the west, yet Romania’s cold pole is also found here: Gyergyóalfalu, while Miercurea Ciuc at times competes for the primacy of −40°C, with alternating chances. Snow often lingers for 120–150 days, so the water balance is very rich. On the one hand, the sibling rivers rising within easy reach—the Mureș and the Olt—and on the other, the livable valley belts formed along the Târnava and Homorod rivers make this corner of the country attractive and sustaining.
Owing to the volcanic origin of its mountains, alongside extraordinary natural beauties—such as Lake Saint Anne, a crater lake in the Ciomad, or the Mohos peat bog—its hundreds of mineral water springs, together with its human reserves of value, are all riches that remain sources of local self-awareness and legendary Székely pride to this day. This is complemented, with its own history and scenery, by Lake Roșu (Red Lake) and its surroundings, offering on a platter the blessings of hopes invested in tourism for the region.
It does not lack flora and fauna, yet the rural climate of Harghita treats cultivated crops somewhat harshly; due to relatively little sunshine, a good portion of vegetables and fruits travels to the county’s markets from gentler, more generous regions. Potatoes, however, remain faithfully at the side of the people of Harghita and, as a useful barter good, not infrequently help out in times of need.
According to the eternal law of give and take, Harghita County gladly hosts its visitors, shares its natural and cultural values with them. The several hundred listed monuments can be admired and appreciated—indeed, even preserved—pleasant memories can be gained from its thermal baths and health resorts, lasting impressions from its customs and traditions, its cuisine—very tasty even in its simplicity—and from Székely hospitality.
The drive to create value is gaining ever more ground on both sides of Harghita; alongside technical progress, science, and the many indispensable challenges of the modern age, wood, construction raw materials, clay, and salt still represent this region’s “trump cards.”
It is in the nature of a card index that the data sheet fills up quickly; renunciation of completeness is already lodged in the text at birth. Yet every datum and sign finds its place in it with the hope that, behind the images lined up in the volume, the promising face of the Harghita people’s livable everyday life will come into view.
Cultural events contribute to the preservation of traditions, the education of young people, and the promotion of authentic values
More than 80,000 people showed interest in the events organized by the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center
Over the past year, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, a subordinate institution of the Harghita County Council, focused its activities on documenting, preserving, and promoting the authentic values of local cultural heritage. Its goal was to strengthen regional cultural identity and to expand the community’s access to cultural life.
According to Izabella Bartalis, director of the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, their aim was not only to promote cultural programs but also to improve their diversity and quality, expand institutional collaborations at the county, national, and international levels, engage young audiences, and build a loyal audience committed to traditional culture. At the same time, special emphasis was placed on developing online communication and increasing the institution’s visibility through media partnerships.
Over the past year, the cultural centre organized large-scale festivals and events, ethnographic and traditional art exhibitions, publishing programs and book launches, educational activities, craft workshops, and audiovisual productions on ethnographic topics.
In 2025, more than 60 cultural programs were organized, including around 15 festivals and major events, more than 20 exhibitions and public presentations, approximately 15 educational programs and workshops, and over 10 book launches, screenings, and other publishing events.
Highlighted events included the Siculus Festival, Secler Days, and the Transylvanian Dance House Meeting, which attracted thousands of participants and significantly contributed to promoting the county’s traditional values.
According to data provided by Izabella Bartalis, the estimated total number of participants in the programs organized in 2025 exceeded 80,000, including both audiences present in person at events and those reached via online platforms.
The target audience of the programs was extremely diverse: children and students, young people, families, teachers, cultural professionals, artisans, as well as the general public interested in traditions and local identity. The activities had a significant impact on the community, strengthening the sense of belonging, expanding access to culture, encouraging intercultural dialogue, and contributing to promoting Harghita County as an active and attractive cultural space.
Feedback from the community was overwhelmingly positive, as reflected in the continuous growth in participant numbers, lively interactions online, and numerous requests to repeat and expand successful programs.
In parallel, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center also participated as a partner in other cultural projects in the Udvarhely region. In total, they supported 30 cultural projects, worth 372,000 lei. These included “In the Footsteps of the Values of the Gagy Stream Valley,” the “Slam Poetry Championship,” and the “dramaMA” contemporary theatre festival.
The list of winning projects in the Udvarhely region can be found at the following link: https://hagyomany.ro/palyazatok/
– The Harghita County Tradition Resource Center is a custodian of cultural memory and local identity. Through our activities, we strive to contribute to the preservation of traditions, the education of young people, and the promotion of Harghita County’s authentic values – stated Izabella Bartalis.
Through its events and programs, the Centre continues to play a key role in the cultural development of Harghita County, providing the community with identity, continuity, and dialogue between the past, present, and future.
Nearly 3,700 visitors attended the exhibitions organized by the Cultural Center of Harghita County in 2025
As is known, the County Hall Gallery and the ground-floor exhibition space of the County Hall had to find a new location from May this year due to the building’s energy renovation works. The exhibitions found a home in several locations.
During this year, within the framework of the Exhibition Program, the Cultural Center of Harghita County organized a total of 19 visual arts exhibitions across seven fields: painting, sculpture, installation, photography, enamel art, aircraft models, ship models and car models, as well as visual arts. Most exhibitions were related to visual arts (8) and photography (5).
The exhibitions attracted nearly 3,700 visitors, including 30 student groups from ten schools in Miercurea Ciuc who participated in guided visits, which significantly contributes to increasing students’ interest in visual arts.
The exhibitions were open to visitors at several locations: until the end of April at the County Hall Gallery, as well as in the Csíki Cinema building, the building of the Cultural Center of Harghita County, and the House of Arts.
Currently, two exhibitions are still awaiting visitors:
- “Autumn Salon” – at the Csíki Cinema, open until January 27, 2026;
- “Post Ignis” – at the Cultural Center of Harghita County, open until January 15, 2026.
Information about the exhibition program and further details are available at the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/Megyehaza.Galeria
Miercurea Ciuc, December 15, 2025.
The 4th Regional Tourism Conference concluded successfully in Miercurea Ciuc
The fourth edition of the Regional Tourism Conference was held on October 15–16, 2025, once again hosted by Miercurea Ciuc. As one of the most important professional gatherings in the region, the event brought together nearly 200 tourism entrepreneurs, experts, educators, students, and decision-makers to jointly reflect on the future of tourism, innovation, and opportunities for regional cooperation.
Digitalization, AI, and Cooperation in Focus
The first day of the conference was dedicated to innovation and cooperation. Experts from Booking.com and Travelminit presented concrete examples of how artificial intelligence is transforming the travel experience and guest relations. Norbert Fejér, CEO of HelixSoft, highlighted in his presentation that digitalization is not only a technological issue but also a strategic opportunity to increase competitiveness. The presentation of the România Atractivă project also emphasized the importance of digital development and data-driven decision-making in tourism.
The afternoon continued with two sections: in the TDM section, representatives of several Transylvanian tourist destinations – including Brașov, Mureș, Sibiu, Covasna, and Harghita counties – shared their good practices and future plans, while the parallel communication section focused on practical marketing and visual strategies. Erzsébet Kádár (SmartADDs) spoke about the role of database building, Jenő Nagy (OptiBoost) about online advertising strategies, and Ioana Mihaela Cobiliță (Sinaps) about digital trends – including voice search and AI targeting. In the field of visual communication, photographer and graphic editor László Mihály and László Olasz (Alpix Visual Studio) presented the importance of professional photography, while Zoltán Pál (Magenta7) shared practical experiences on creating tourism program packages. The section concluded with a presentation by Zelinda Páll, marketing communication specialist at Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), who introduced a new community platform designed for entrepreneurs and organizations interested in tourism.
Gastronomy and Local Values
The second day of the conference focused on the diversity of Transylvanian gastronomy and the future of hospitality based on local ingredients.
The day opened with Előd Szőcs (Csíkcsomortán Abattoir – Butcher Manufactory), who spoke about the value of traditional, locally sourced ingredients under the motto “Only from pure sources.” He was followed by Adorján Trucza, founder of Taste of Transylvania, whose presentation titled Pizza or Polenta? explored the search for identity in Transylvanian gastronomy. István Becze, president of the Association of Székely Farmers’ Organizations, highlighted the role of local producers and the opportunities within gastro-tourism, while Károly Szabó, Executive Director of Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), spoke about the long-term impacts of obtaining the title of European Region of Gastronomy in his presentation What Will Happen in 2027? Is It the Promised Land?
Szilamér Cseh, founder and head sommelier of the Fine Service Academy, shared his experiences on the art of service and creating guest experiences in his presentation The Secrets of Guest Experience, followed by Domokos Bándi (Gastrobun), who presented the future of gastronomy and strategies for sustainable development. Within the framework of the Food Savers project, Claudia Popa, food engineer at Boroinfo, presented concrete solutions for reducing food waste in the HoReCa sector.
The afternoon program highlighted artisanal gastronomy and creative approaches: photographer Zoltán Biró’s presentation The Photographer’s Coffee in Practice brought the role of coffee preparation closer to the world of gastronomy. István Bocskor, founder of Bocskor Bakery, spoke about the secrets of sourdough preparation and the art of good bread in his presentation Our Sourdough. Judit Potyó, founder of the Sasfészek Gastro Point, shared her experiences in creating and operating a gastro point based on local ingredients.
During the panel discussion Transylvanian Gastronomy Books, participants gained insight into gastronomic publications from the region, including the 100 Recipes – 100 Housewives series and the preparation of the Food Saver Book (Food Savers project).
The two-day event was initiated by the tourism organizations of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna counties, with the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) acting as the main organizer this year. The event was supported by the Pro Economica Foundation, Liliac Winery, Bocskor Bakery, as well as the County Councils of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna.
At the closing of the conference, it was announced that the main organizer of the 5th Regional Tourism Conference in 2026 will be Visit Covasna. The organizers emphasized that next year’s event will continue in the spirit of regional cooperation and the shared vision of developing tourism.
An increasing number of family-friendly destinations welcomes visitors in Harghita County
This year, thirty-seven family-friendly tourism providers received the Visit Harghita – Family-friendly certificate on Saturday, October 11, at the Eskaperdo Resort in Zeteváralja.
The certificates were presented by Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, Károly Szabó, Executive Director of the Harghita Community Development Association, and Răzvan Pascu, Harghita County’s official tourism ambassador.
The Family-friendly program was launched in 2020 by the Visit Harghita team with the aim of making Harghita County a family-friendly tourism destination. The initiative brings together accommodations, restaurants, programs, attractions, and events that adopt a family-centered approach and meet the requirements for obtaining the certificate.
To earn the certification, service providers must hold an official license and meet the criteria outlined in the Family-friendly Handbook. Visit Harghita staff personally visit each applicant and, if any shortcomings are found, provide a deadline for their correction.
“In difficult times, supporting communities is especially important, which is why the County Council continuously works to strengthen local tourism. In 2027, Harghita County will be Europe’s Gastronomic Region, which will further increase our region’s visibility and tourist appeal – creating new opportunities for all service providers,” said Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council and the Development Association.
With this year’s award ceremony, a total of 225 tourism services with family-friendly certification are now available to visitors in Harghita County. According to the organizers, every family can find the ideal accommodation, restaurant, program, or attraction for themselves.
The Family-friendly offerings are available on the Visit Harghita website (www.visitharghita.com) and mobile app, and an annual printed guide is also produced, presented at tourism fairs and events.
The Harghita Studio compilation can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com
The following providers received the certificate:
ACCOMMODATION:
- Orgona Apartments – Miercurea Ciuc
- N37 – The Other House – Jigodin Ciuc
- Nova House Apartments – Delnița
- Casa de oaspeţi Sófalvi Guesthouse – Sântimbru
- Pensiunea Lali – Mădăraș
- Villa Bellini – Borsec
- Pensiunea Veranda – Remetea
- Pensiunea Romantika – Odorheiu Secuiesc
- Pensiunea Szeltersz – Lăzarea
- Eskaperdo Resort – Subcetate
- Pensiune & Camping Zetavár – Subcetate
- Flow House – Satu Mare
- Pensiunea Erdély Kincse – Sicasău
- Pensiunea Kovács – Praid
- Relax House Studio – Praid
- Pensiunea Farkas – Praid
- Pensiunea Molnár Guesthouse – Praid
- Prosilva House – Toplița
- Pensiunea Izabella – Toplița
- Casa Alex – Gălăuțaș
RESTAURANTS:
- Bellini Bistro – Borsec
- Restaurant Veranda – Remetea
- Restaurant Ski Varsag – Vărșag
FAMILY-FRIENDLY TOURISM PROGRAMS:
- Siberian Angel – Băile Harghita
- Magic Selfie House – Praid
- Club Sportiv Szirtisas Archery Club – Ocna de Sus
- Atelier de țesut / Weaving Workshop – Nicoleni
- Lobogó Bob – Băile Homorod
FAMILY-FRIENDLY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:
- Csíki Székely Museum – Miercurea Ciuc
- Márton Áron Museum
- Lázár Castle
- Henter Manor
FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS:
- Running Festival Miercurea Ciuc
- Fuss Neki! Csík
- Fuss Neki! Gyergyó
- Fuss Neki! Udvarhely
- Saint Gellért Cross
Miercurea Ciuc, October 13, 2025
Focus on the future of tourism and gastronomy in Harghita County: the regional tourism conference organized for the fourth time
A conference focusing on gastronomy, challenges affecting tourism, and digital solutions will be organized in Harghita County.
The tourism organizations of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna counties are organizing the Regional Tourism Conference for the fourth time, which will take place on October 15–16 at the Hotel Fenyő Conference & Spa in Miercurea Ciuc. This year’s main organizer is the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita).
The professional forum is primarily aimed at stakeholders of tourism in Szeklerland. Taking into account global trends and local characteristics, the conference aims to foster networking, support joint development, and present proven methods that can also be applied in practice. In this spirit, renowned experts and speakers have been invited.
Participation is recommended for tourism entrepreneurs, service providers, professionals, as well as representatives of educational institutions, local authorities, and local and regional organizations. Accommodation providers, restaurant managers, travel agencies, and other tourism service providers who are open to learning about new trends and opportunities are especially encouraged to attend.
Tourism is a rapidly changing sector, and the conference offers an opportunity for managers, marketers, and consultants to gain up-to-date knowledge about current trends, technologies, and innovations. Digitalization and artificial intelligence already provide tools in tourism that are essential for businesses to remain competitive.
Special emphasis will be placed on the fact that Harghita County will hold the title of European Region of Gastronomy in 2027, which will also be reflected in the conference presentations. Topics will include the role of local products in hospitality, the search for Transylvanian gastronomic identity, the tourism appeal of gastronomic events, future strategies and opportunities, and the prevention of food waste. A roundtable discussion will focus on gastronomy books published in Transylvania.
When designing the program, the challenges that emerged in connection with the events in Praid were also taken into account. With this in mind, participants can expect presentations that provide practical knowledge applicable in everyday work. Among the topics are the importance of database building, online advertising opportunities, the impact of visual content, the development of experience-based tourism products, and the use of accommodation booking systems.
The official opening of the conference will take place on Wednesday, October 15, at 9:20 a.m., when the leaders of the three counties will welcome participants. The detailed program and tickets are available on the conference.ro website.
Miercurea Ciuc, September 29, 2025.
Harghita County welcomes visitors with unique gastronomic experiences
Szeklerland is represented this year with its largest stand so far, covering 500 square meters, at Hungary’s largest agricultural and food industry exhibition in Budapest. A total of 47 producers from Harghita, Covasna, and Mureș counties are welcoming visitors with more than one hundred specialties.
The organization of the Szeklerland stand was undertaken by the Association of Szekler Farmers’ Organizations, whose mission is to support farmers and artisans from Szeklerland and to promote their values.
The stand’s offer includes handcrafted jams, syrups, aged cheeses, smoked meat products, honey, chocolates, award-winning fruit brandy (palinka) and wines. Among the participating producers are the Csengő and Nagy–Küküllő Agricultural Cooperative, the Csíkcsomortán Butcher–Charcuterie Manufactory and Kitchen, beekeepers, and Borbély Kürtőskalács.
OMÉK, organized between September 18–21 in Budapest at the HUNGEXPO venue, is not only a fair and exhibition but also a meeting point where cultural and economic connections are formed, strengthening the region’s presence on the Hungarian and international markets.
Visitors can taste hundreds of delicacies, meet the producers, and gain insight into the world of Szekler cuisine and craft traditions. In addition to gastronomic experiences, cultural programs will also enrich the event: the Harghita Szekler Folk Dance Theatre, the Háromszék Ensemble, and the Maros Artistic Ensemble will perform. The team of the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) will also be present at the event, presenting tourism opportunities in the county.
Further details: https://omek.amc.hu/
Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, emphasized that since Harghita County will be the European Region of Gastronomy in 2027, it is particularly important to present the county’s values and producers at such prestigious events. For this reason, the Harghita County Cultural Center, in partnership with the Harghita County Council, supports participation in the event.
– We respectfully invite everyone who would like to discover the true values of Szeklerland: rich flavors, natural ingredients, and our welcoming communities. The “Szeklerland Island” is not merely a fair stand, but a place at Hungexpo where visitors can meet producers in person, learn their stories, taste traditional Szekler flavors and drinks, and get closer to the rich cultural and gastronomic heritage of Szeklerland. The fact that Szeklerland appears at OMÉK united, through the cooperation of the three counties, is in itself a value and a message.
Special thanks go to the Association of Szekler Farmers’ Organizations and to its president, István Becze, who through his work brings together the agricultural sector of the three Szekler counties. Without their committed activity, this joint presentation could not have been realized, where farmers and producers from Harghita, Covasna, and Mureș counties are all represented – emphasized the president of the County Council.
Through participation in the exhibition, a key objective of the Harghita County Council is to strengthen market access for farmers and artisans from Szeklerland and to present the region’s tourism and gastronomic values.
With the presence of the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita), Harghita County also draws visitors’ attention not only to flavors but to tourism opportunities, the beauty of the landscape, and living traditions.
Miercurea Ciuc, September 16, 2025
Image building and gastronomy at Tusványos!
Barna-Botond Bíró, president of the Harghita County Council, participated in two thematic discussions
On Wednesday, July 23, Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, participated in thematic panel discussions on the opportunities of image building in Harghoita County and the community-building and region-shaping role of gastronomy, within the framework of the 34th Bálványos Summer Free University and Student Camp – where issues determining the future of the region were put on the agenda.
At the noon panel discussion titled “Can we sell Seklerland? – Is it possible to spend on a Sekler image in Romania today – and is there an audience for it?”, Attila Csibi, president of the RMDSZ in Mureș County, András Peti, director of Transilvania Airport, and Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, took part.
The discussion focused on what tools, actors and experience-based content can be used to consciously build the regional brand of Seklerland and make it attractive to both domestic and international audiences.
During the panel discussion, the participants agreed that building the tourism and economic brand of Seklerland can only be successful with a data-driven, targeted and experience-based approach. Strengthening the Sekler image requires more than traditional communication – it is necessary to know the needs of visitors precisely and reach them with modern tools, such as digital marketing and influencer relations.
Participants highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, the role of culinary experiences, and the importance of airports in increasing the competitiveness of the region.
The future of regional tourism is unimaginable without well-functioning airports – it was stated during the discussion. Representatives of the counties of Seklerland emphasized that the development of air transport is not the interest of a single county, but of the entire region. Târgu Mureș Airport plays a key role, but smaller, alternative airports may also gain increasing importance in serving business and quality tourism.
Regarding regional cooperation, Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, believes that common goals must be clarified precisely and unambiguously, and he is convinced that consensus is what strengthens joint work.
Taking into account the opportunities offered by tourism, he highlighted that Romania has excellent tourism assets – safety, value for money, and natural values – yet we are far behind other countries in the region in terms of infrastructure and central financing.
“We, in Harghita County have set ourselves the goal of rebuilding domestic tourism and presenting the values of Seklerland in a way that turns them into real experiences. We have launched a gastronomic revolution where not only restaurants are created, but culinary experiences – with chefs, concept and story.” As he said, the future of tourism lies in quality, positioning, and experience-based, authentic content.
Regarding the future of local self-governance, community advocacy, and the current political situation, the President of the Harghita County Council highlighted that in the coming years the focus will shift from building to defending.
“We must preserve what we have built together so far. We are not in Bucharest because it is easy, but because it is our duty to be where decisions are made, and to remain there as long as we have the opportunity to defend the rights and identity of our community.” According to him, we are currently living in a period when decisions are being made not only about resources but also about the institutional future of the Hungarian community in Transylvania, and in such situations one cannot stay on the outside – explained Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council.
In the afternoon he continued his participation in the panel discussion titled “Gastronomy as a region-building force – the road from Harghita to Europe”, which focused on the gastronomic values of Transylvania and Seclerland, as well as the tourism and identity-shaping role of culinary heritage.
During the discussion, Károly Szabó, executive director of the Harghita Community Development Association, István Becze, president of the Association of Sekler Farmers’ Organizations, Szabolcs Fazakas, the creator of Mini Transylvania Park and Legendarium, and Mónika Kozma also shared their experiences.
The panel discussion mainly focused on gastronomy and on the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2027, whose aim is to unite and develop local gastronomic values and actors – restaurants, producers and communities.
During the discussion, Barna-Botond Bíró emphasized that the gastronomy year is not merely a title but a community project – its goal is to bring together and organize local values into a system.
“We do not want to be on the front line, but to support from the background those who have preserved the tastes of Seklerland for generations. This is an identity-strengthening initiative, not a political flag, but a driver pushing the cart of the local community,” emphasized Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council.
Miercurea Ciuc, July 23, 2025.
Family-friendly programs strengthen community life in Harghita County
Record number of applications submitted for the support program
There was great interest in Harghita County Council’s 2025 grant program supporting activities for families. This year, a total of 60 applications were submitted, of which 38 received funding.
Notably, among the winning applications, eight projects will use the funding to organize Children’s Day events across several localities in the county.
With the support of Harghita County Council, various associations and organizations will ensure that the youngest participants can enjoy fun and engaging programs in Racu, Mihăileni, Miercurea Ciuc, Cozmeni , Odorheiu Secuiesc, Sânpaul, Frumoasa, and Vârșag.
The goal of the grant program supporting family-oriented activities remains to create a family-friendly environment, strengthen intergenerational relationships, and provide shared community experiences for families.
In line with this objective, the supported activities include forums, meetings, conferences, and discussions on family topics; educational and catch-up programs for disadvantaged families living in deep poverty; as well as children’s and baby-mother programs.
With a budget of 80,000 RON, this year numerous valuable events, presentations, conferences, and community gatherings can take place across the county.
It is particularly noteworthy that eight Children’s Day programs are included among the supported events, and the associations will also organize several family-oriented meetings and community events. These events help strengthen local communities and provide families with opportunities for quality time together.
Interest in the family-friendly grant program is also reflected in the steadily increasing budget over recent years. While 70,000 RON was available annually in 2022, 2023, and 2024, this amount increased to 80,000 RON in 2025, reflecting that Harghita County Council places special emphasis on supporting programs for families.
According to Barna-Botond Bíró, President of Harghita County Council, supporting family-friendly programs is not only a current need but also a long-term investment in the future of our communities.
“Where the family is strong, the community stands on solid foundations. These events provide opportunities for togetherness, mutual attention, and for strengthening the values upon which we are building Harghita County’s future: unity, intergenerational dialogue, and solidarity,” said Barna-Botond Bíró, President of Harghita County Council.
Miercurea Ciuc, 30 May 2025
Geographical description
Hargitai “card index”
What do the data say about a county?
The same as a card index does about a person—everything and nothing. They flash the essence, but only point to what is unique and intangible.
About Harghita County we can write that it is located in Romania, in the eastern part of Inner Transylvania; it is no secret either that its area is 6639 square kilometers, with a population of 310867 in 2011.
It is customary, as card-index data, to list its 9 towns—4 of them municipalities—its 58 communes, and its 236 villages. When it was established in 1968, its chosen name was not ancient, yet it refers to the Harghita Mountains, where the county’s second-highest peak rises (Madarasi-Harghita, 1801 m); the highest peak as well, Rekettyés (Călimani Mountains, 2021 m), rises only slightly above that.
From here we can already descend into the depths, for even if the mountain range forming the county’s backbone—and the central group of the Eastern Carpathians marking its eastern border—has further peaks, the western part of the county is made up of gentler, rolling hill country (Udvarhely). Moreover, an important thread in the county’s life is the “Székely chain of basins,” which, from north to south, fits into a unified whole with ever more spacious basins along the Bélbor–Borsec–Gyergyó–Csík line.
Harghita County is at once gentle and harsh, depending on where one lives—closer to the sky or farther from it, within the gravitational pull of economic and social hubs, or sustained by the sparser but purer air of wise seclusion. Its climate can be described as temperate continental; winds usually blow from the west, yet Romania’s cold pole is also found here: Gyergyóalfalu, while Miercurea Ciuc at times competes for the primacy of −40°C, with alternating chances. Snow often lingers for 120–150 days, so the water balance is very rich. On the one hand, the sibling rivers rising within easy reach—the Mureș and the Olt—and on the other, the livable valley belts formed along the Târnava and Homorod rivers make this corner of the country attractive and sustaining.
Owing to the volcanic origin of its mountains, alongside extraordinary natural beauties—such as Lake Saint Anne, a crater lake in the Ciomad, or the Mohos peat bog—its hundreds of mineral water springs, together with its human reserves of value, are all riches that remain sources of local self-awareness and legendary Székely pride to this day. This is complemented, with its own history and scenery, by Lake Roșu (Red Lake) and its surroundings, offering on a platter the blessings of hopes invested in tourism for the region.
It does not lack flora and fauna, yet the rural climate of Harghita treats cultivated crops somewhat harshly; due to relatively little sunshine, a good portion of vegetables and fruits travels to the county’s markets from gentler, more generous regions. Potatoes, however, remain faithfully at the side of the people of Harghita and, as a useful barter good, not infrequently help out in times of need.
According to the eternal law of give and take, Harghita County gladly hosts its visitors, shares its natural and cultural values with them. The several hundred listed monuments can be admired and appreciated—indeed, even preserved—pleasant memories can be gained from its thermal baths and health resorts, lasting impressions from its customs and traditions, its cuisine—very tasty even in its simplicity—and from Székely hospitality.
The drive to create value is gaining ever more ground on both sides of Harghita; alongside technical progress, science, and the many indispensable challenges of the modern age, wood, construction raw materials, clay, and salt still represent this region’s “trump cards.”
It is in the nature of a card index that the data sheet fills up quickly; renunciation of completeness is already lodged in the text at birth. Yet every datum and sign finds its place in it with the hope that, behind the images lined up in the volume, the promising face of the Harghita people’s livable everyday life will come into view.
Cultural events contribute to the preservation of traditions, the education of young people, and the promotion of authentic values
More than 80,000 people showed interest in the events organized by the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center
Over the past year, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, a subordinate institution of the Harghita County Council, focused its activities on documenting, preserving, and promoting the authentic values of local cultural heritage. Its goal was to strengthen regional cultural identity and to expand the community’s access to cultural life.
According to Izabella Bartalis, director of the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, their aim was not only to promote cultural programs but also to improve their diversity and quality, expand institutional collaborations at the county, national, and international levels, engage young audiences, and build a loyal audience committed to traditional culture. At the same time, special emphasis was placed on developing online communication and increasing the institution’s visibility through media partnerships.
Over the past year, the cultural centre organized large-scale festivals and events, ethnographic and traditional art exhibitions, publishing programs and book launches, educational activities, craft workshops, and audiovisual productions on ethnographic topics.
In 2025, more than 60 cultural programs were organized, including around 15 festivals and major events, more than 20 exhibitions and public presentations, approximately 15 educational programs and workshops, and over 10 book launches, screenings, and other publishing events.
Highlighted events included the Siculus Festival, Secler Days, and the Transylvanian Dance House Meeting, which attracted thousands of participants and significantly contributed to promoting the county’s traditional values.
According to data provided by Izabella Bartalis, the estimated total number of participants in the programs organized in 2025 exceeded 80,000, including both audiences present in person at events and those reached via online platforms.
The target audience of the programs was extremely diverse: children and students, young people, families, teachers, cultural professionals, artisans, as well as the general public interested in traditions and local identity. The activities had a significant impact on the community, strengthening the sense of belonging, expanding access to culture, encouraging intercultural dialogue, and contributing to promoting Harghita County as an active and attractive cultural space.
Feedback from the community was overwhelmingly positive, as reflected in the continuous growth in participant numbers, lively interactions online, and numerous requests to repeat and expand successful programs.
In parallel, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center also participated as a partner in other cultural projects in the Udvarhely region. In total, they supported 30 cultural projects, worth 372,000 lei. These included “In the Footsteps of the Values of the Gagy Stream Valley,” the “Slam Poetry Championship,” and the “dramaMA” contemporary theatre festival.
The list of winning projects in the Udvarhely region can be found at the following link: https://hagyomany.ro/palyazatok/
– The Harghita County Tradition Resource Center is a custodian of cultural memory and local identity. Through our activities, we strive to contribute to the preservation of traditions, the education of young people, and the promotion of Harghita County’s authentic values – stated Izabella Bartalis.
Through its events and programs, the Centre continues to play a key role in the cultural development of Harghita County, providing the community with identity, continuity, and dialogue between the past, present, and future.
Nearly 3,700 visitors attended the exhibitions organized by the Cultural Center of Harghita County in 2025
As is known, the County Hall Gallery and the ground-floor exhibition space of the County Hall had to find a new location from May this year due to the building’s energy renovation works. The exhibitions found a home in several locations.
During this year, within the framework of the Exhibition Program, the Cultural Center of Harghita County organized a total of 19 visual arts exhibitions across seven fields: painting, sculpture, installation, photography, enamel art, aircraft models, ship models and car models, as well as visual arts. Most exhibitions were related to visual arts (8) and photography (5).
The exhibitions attracted nearly 3,700 visitors, including 30 student groups from ten schools in Miercurea Ciuc who participated in guided visits, which significantly contributes to increasing students’ interest in visual arts.
The exhibitions were open to visitors at several locations: until the end of April at the County Hall Gallery, as well as in the Csíki Cinema building, the building of the Cultural Center of Harghita County, and the House of Arts.
Currently, two exhibitions are still awaiting visitors:
- “Autumn Salon” – at the Csíki Cinema, open until January 27, 2026;
- “Post Ignis” – at the Cultural Center of Harghita County, open until January 15, 2026.
Information about the exhibition program and further details are available at the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/Megyehaza.Galeria
Miercurea Ciuc, December 15, 2025.
The 4th Regional Tourism Conference concluded successfully in Miercurea Ciuc
The fourth edition of the Regional Tourism Conference was held on October 15–16, 2025, once again hosted by Miercurea Ciuc. As one of the most important professional gatherings in the region, the event brought together nearly 200 tourism entrepreneurs, experts, educators, students, and decision-makers to jointly reflect on the future of tourism, innovation, and opportunities for regional cooperation.
Digitalization, AI, and Cooperation in Focus
The first day of the conference was dedicated to innovation and cooperation. Experts from Booking.com and Travelminit presented concrete examples of how artificial intelligence is transforming the travel experience and guest relations. Norbert Fejér, CEO of HelixSoft, highlighted in his presentation that digitalization is not only a technological issue but also a strategic opportunity to increase competitiveness. The presentation of the România Atractivă project also emphasized the importance of digital development and data-driven decision-making in tourism.
The afternoon continued with two sections: in the TDM section, representatives of several Transylvanian tourist destinations – including Brașov, Mureș, Sibiu, Covasna, and Harghita counties – shared their good practices and future plans, while the parallel communication section focused on practical marketing and visual strategies. Erzsébet Kádár (SmartADDs) spoke about the role of database building, Jenő Nagy (OptiBoost) about online advertising strategies, and Ioana Mihaela Cobiliță (Sinaps) about digital trends – including voice search and AI targeting. In the field of visual communication, photographer and graphic editor László Mihály and László Olasz (Alpix Visual Studio) presented the importance of professional photography, while Zoltán Pál (Magenta7) shared practical experiences on creating tourism program packages. The section concluded with a presentation by Zelinda Páll, marketing communication specialist at Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), who introduced a new community platform designed for entrepreneurs and organizations interested in tourism.
Gastronomy and Local Values
The second day of the conference focused on the diversity of Transylvanian gastronomy and the future of hospitality based on local ingredients.
The day opened with Előd Szőcs (Csíkcsomortán Abattoir – Butcher Manufactory), who spoke about the value of traditional, locally sourced ingredients under the motto “Only from pure sources.” He was followed by Adorján Trucza, founder of Taste of Transylvania, whose presentation titled Pizza or Polenta? explored the search for identity in Transylvanian gastronomy. István Becze, president of the Association of Székely Farmers’ Organizations, highlighted the role of local producers and the opportunities within gastro-tourism, while Károly Szabó, Executive Director of Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), spoke about the long-term impacts of obtaining the title of European Region of Gastronomy in his presentation What Will Happen in 2027? Is It the Promised Land?
Szilamér Cseh, founder and head sommelier of the Fine Service Academy, shared his experiences on the art of service and creating guest experiences in his presentation The Secrets of Guest Experience, followed by Domokos Bándi (Gastrobun), who presented the future of gastronomy and strategies for sustainable development. Within the framework of the Food Savers project, Claudia Popa, food engineer at Boroinfo, presented concrete solutions for reducing food waste in the HoReCa sector.
The afternoon program highlighted artisanal gastronomy and creative approaches: photographer Zoltán Biró’s presentation The Photographer’s Coffee in Practice brought the role of coffee preparation closer to the world of gastronomy. István Bocskor, founder of Bocskor Bakery, spoke about the secrets of sourdough preparation and the art of good bread in his presentation Our Sourdough. Judit Potyó, founder of the Sasfészek Gastro Point, shared her experiences in creating and operating a gastro point based on local ingredients.
During the panel discussion Transylvanian Gastronomy Books, participants gained insight into gastronomic publications from the region, including the 100 Recipes – 100 Housewives series and the preparation of the Food Saver Book (Food Savers project).
The two-day event was initiated by the tourism organizations of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna counties, with the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) acting as the main organizer this year. The event was supported by the Pro Economica Foundation, Liliac Winery, Bocskor Bakery, as well as the County Councils of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna.
At the closing of the conference, it was announced that the main organizer of the 5th Regional Tourism Conference in 2026 will be Visit Covasna. The organizers emphasized that next year’s event will continue in the spirit of regional cooperation and the shared vision of developing tourism.
An increasing number of family-friendly destinations welcomes visitors in Harghita County
This year, thirty-seven family-friendly tourism providers received the Visit Harghita – Family-friendly certificate on Saturday, October 11, at the Eskaperdo Resort in Zeteváralja.
The certificates were presented by Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, Károly Szabó, Executive Director of the Harghita Community Development Association, and Răzvan Pascu, Harghita County’s official tourism ambassador.
The Family-friendly program was launched in 2020 by the Visit Harghita team with the aim of making Harghita County a family-friendly tourism destination. The initiative brings together accommodations, restaurants, programs, attractions, and events that adopt a family-centered approach and meet the requirements for obtaining the certificate.
To earn the certification, service providers must hold an official license and meet the criteria outlined in the Family-friendly Handbook. Visit Harghita staff personally visit each applicant and, if any shortcomings are found, provide a deadline for their correction.
“In difficult times, supporting communities is especially important, which is why the County Council continuously works to strengthen local tourism. In 2027, Harghita County will be Europe’s Gastronomic Region, which will further increase our region’s visibility and tourist appeal – creating new opportunities for all service providers,” said Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council and the Development Association.
With this year’s award ceremony, a total of 225 tourism services with family-friendly certification are now available to visitors in Harghita County. According to the organizers, every family can find the ideal accommodation, restaurant, program, or attraction for themselves.
The Family-friendly offerings are available on the Visit Harghita website (www.visitharghita.com) and mobile app, and an annual printed guide is also produced, presented at tourism fairs and events.
The Harghita Studio compilation can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com
The following providers received the certificate:
ACCOMMODATION:
- Orgona Apartments – Miercurea Ciuc
- N37 – The Other House – Jigodin Ciuc
- Nova House Apartments – Delnița
- Casa de oaspeţi Sófalvi Guesthouse – Sântimbru
- Pensiunea Lali – Mădăraș
- Villa Bellini – Borsec
- Pensiunea Veranda – Remetea
- Pensiunea Romantika – Odorheiu Secuiesc
- Pensiunea Szeltersz – Lăzarea
- Eskaperdo Resort – Subcetate
- Pensiune & Camping Zetavár – Subcetate
- Flow House – Satu Mare
- Pensiunea Erdély Kincse – Sicasău
- Pensiunea Kovács – Praid
- Relax House Studio – Praid
- Pensiunea Farkas – Praid
- Pensiunea Molnár Guesthouse – Praid
- Prosilva House – Toplița
- Pensiunea Izabella – Toplița
- Casa Alex – Gălăuțaș
RESTAURANTS:
- Bellini Bistro – Borsec
- Restaurant Veranda – Remetea
- Restaurant Ski Varsag – Vărșag
FAMILY-FRIENDLY TOURISM PROGRAMS:
- Siberian Angel – Băile Harghita
- Magic Selfie House – Praid
- Club Sportiv Szirtisas Archery Club – Ocna de Sus
- Atelier de țesut / Weaving Workshop – Nicoleni
- Lobogó Bob – Băile Homorod
FAMILY-FRIENDLY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:
- Csíki Székely Museum – Miercurea Ciuc
- Márton Áron Museum
- Lázár Castle
- Henter Manor
FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS:
- Running Festival Miercurea Ciuc
- Fuss Neki! Csík
- Fuss Neki! Gyergyó
- Fuss Neki! Udvarhely
- Saint Gellért Cross
Miercurea Ciuc, October 13, 2025
Focus on the future of tourism and gastronomy in Harghita County: the regional tourism conference organized for the fourth time
A conference focusing on gastronomy, challenges affecting tourism, and digital solutions will be organized in Harghita County.
The tourism organizations of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna counties are organizing the Regional Tourism Conference for the fourth time, which will take place on October 15–16 at the Hotel Fenyő Conference & Spa in Miercurea Ciuc. This year’s main organizer is the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita).
The professional forum is primarily aimed at stakeholders of tourism in Szeklerland. Taking into account global trends and local characteristics, the conference aims to foster networking, support joint development, and present proven methods that can also be applied in practice. In this spirit, renowned experts and speakers have been invited.
Participation is recommended for tourism entrepreneurs, service providers, professionals, as well as representatives of educational institutions, local authorities, and local and regional organizations. Accommodation providers, restaurant managers, travel agencies, and other tourism service providers who are open to learning about new trends and opportunities are especially encouraged to attend.
Tourism is a rapidly changing sector, and the conference offers an opportunity for managers, marketers, and consultants to gain up-to-date knowledge about current trends, technologies, and innovations. Digitalization and artificial intelligence already provide tools in tourism that are essential for businesses to remain competitive.
Special emphasis will be placed on the fact that Harghita County will hold the title of European Region of Gastronomy in 2027, which will also be reflected in the conference presentations. Topics will include the role of local products in hospitality, the search for Transylvanian gastronomic identity, the tourism appeal of gastronomic events, future strategies and opportunities, and the prevention of food waste. A roundtable discussion will focus on gastronomy books published in Transylvania.
When designing the program, the challenges that emerged in connection with the events in Praid were also taken into account. With this in mind, participants can expect presentations that provide practical knowledge applicable in everyday work. Among the topics are the importance of database building, online advertising opportunities, the impact of visual content, the development of experience-based tourism products, and the use of accommodation booking systems.
The official opening of the conference will take place on Wednesday, October 15, at 9:20 a.m., when the leaders of the three counties will welcome participants. The detailed program and tickets are available on the conference.ro website.
Miercurea Ciuc, September 29, 2025.
Harghita County welcomes visitors with unique gastronomic experiences
Szeklerland is represented this year with its largest stand so far, covering 500 square meters, at Hungary’s largest agricultural and food industry exhibition in Budapest. A total of 47 producers from Harghita, Covasna, and Mureș counties are welcoming visitors with more than one hundred specialties.
The organization of the Szeklerland stand was undertaken by the Association of Szekler Farmers’ Organizations, whose mission is to support farmers and artisans from Szeklerland and to promote their values.
The stand’s offer includes handcrafted jams, syrups, aged cheeses, smoked meat products, honey, chocolates, award-winning fruit brandy (palinka) and wines. Among the participating producers are the Csengő and Nagy–Küküllő Agricultural Cooperative, the Csíkcsomortán Butcher–Charcuterie Manufactory and Kitchen, beekeepers, and Borbély Kürtőskalács.
OMÉK, organized between September 18–21 in Budapest at the HUNGEXPO venue, is not only a fair and exhibition but also a meeting point where cultural and economic connections are formed, strengthening the region’s presence on the Hungarian and international markets.
Visitors can taste hundreds of delicacies, meet the producers, and gain insight into the world of Szekler cuisine and craft traditions. In addition to gastronomic experiences, cultural programs will also enrich the event: the Harghita Szekler Folk Dance Theatre, the Háromszék Ensemble, and the Maros Artistic Ensemble will perform. The team of the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) will also be present at the event, presenting tourism opportunities in the county.
Further details: https://omek.amc.hu/
Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, emphasized that since Harghita County will be the European Region of Gastronomy in 2027, it is particularly important to present the county’s values and producers at such prestigious events. For this reason, the Harghita County Cultural Center, in partnership with the Harghita County Council, supports participation in the event.
– We respectfully invite everyone who would like to discover the true values of Szeklerland: rich flavors, natural ingredients, and our welcoming communities. The “Szeklerland Island” is not merely a fair stand, but a place at Hungexpo where visitors can meet producers in person, learn their stories, taste traditional Szekler flavors and drinks, and get closer to the rich cultural and gastronomic heritage of Szeklerland. The fact that Szeklerland appears at OMÉK united, through the cooperation of the three counties, is in itself a value and a message.
Special thanks go to the Association of Szekler Farmers’ Organizations and to its president, István Becze, who through his work brings together the agricultural sector of the three Szekler counties. Without their committed activity, this joint presentation could not have been realized, where farmers and producers from Harghita, Covasna, and Mureș counties are all represented – emphasized the president of the County Council.
Through participation in the exhibition, a key objective of the Harghita County Council is to strengthen market access for farmers and artisans from Szeklerland and to present the region’s tourism and gastronomic values.
With the presence of the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita), Harghita County also draws visitors’ attention not only to flavors but to tourism opportunities, the beauty of the landscape, and living traditions.
Miercurea Ciuc, September 16, 2025
Image building and gastronomy at Tusványos!
Barna-Botond Bíró, president of the Harghita County Council, participated in two thematic discussions
On Wednesday, July 23, Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, participated in thematic panel discussions on the opportunities of image building in Harghoita County and the community-building and region-shaping role of gastronomy, within the framework of the 34th Bálványos Summer Free University and Student Camp – where issues determining the future of the region were put on the agenda.
At the noon panel discussion titled “Can we sell Seklerland? – Is it possible to spend on a Sekler image in Romania today – and is there an audience for it?”, Attila Csibi, president of the RMDSZ in Mureș County, András Peti, director of Transilvania Airport, and Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, took part.
The discussion focused on what tools, actors and experience-based content can be used to consciously build the regional brand of Seklerland and make it attractive to both domestic and international audiences.
During the panel discussion, the participants agreed that building the tourism and economic brand of Seklerland can only be successful with a data-driven, targeted and experience-based approach. Strengthening the Sekler image requires more than traditional communication – it is necessary to know the needs of visitors precisely and reach them with modern tools, such as digital marketing and influencer relations.
Participants highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, the role of culinary experiences, and the importance of airports in increasing the competitiveness of the region.
The future of regional tourism is unimaginable without well-functioning airports – it was stated during the discussion. Representatives of the counties of Seklerland emphasized that the development of air transport is not the interest of a single county, but of the entire region. Târgu Mureș Airport plays a key role, but smaller, alternative airports may also gain increasing importance in serving business and quality tourism.
Regarding regional cooperation, Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, believes that common goals must be clarified precisely and unambiguously, and he is convinced that consensus is what strengthens joint work.
Taking into account the opportunities offered by tourism, he highlighted that Romania has excellent tourism assets – safety, value for money, and natural values – yet we are far behind other countries in the region in terms of infrastructure and central financing.
“We, in Harghita County have set ourselves the goal of rebuilding domestic tourism and presenting the values of Seklerland in a way that turns them into real experiences. We have launched a gastronomic revolution where not only restaurants are created, but culinary experiences – with chefs, concept and story.” As he said, the future of tourism lies in quality, positioning, and experience-based, authentic content.
Regarding the future of local self-governance, community advocacy, and the current political situation, the President of the Harghita County Council highlighted that in the coming years the focus will shift from building to defending.
“We must preserve what we have built together so far. We are not in Bucharest because it is easy, but because it is our duty to be where decisions are made, and to remain there as long as we have the opportunity to defend the rights and identity of our community.” According to him, we are currently living in a period when decisions are being made not only about resources but also about the institutional future of the Hungarian community in Transylvania, and in such situations one cannot stay on the outside – explained Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council.
In the afternoon he continued his participation in the panel discussion titled “Gastronomy as a region-building force – the road from Harghita to Europe”, which focused on the gastronomic values of Transylvania and Seclerland, as well as the tourism and identity-shaping role of culinary heritage.
During the discussion, Károly Szabó, executive director of the Harghita Community Development Association, István Becze, president of the Association of Sekler Farmers’ Organizations, Szabolcs Fazakas, the creator of Mini Transylvania Park and Legendarium, and Mónika Kozma also shared their experiences.
The panel discussion mainly focused on gastronomy and on the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2027, whose aim is to unite and develop local gastronomic values and actors – restaurants, producers and communities.
During the discussion, Barna-Botond Bíró emphasized that the gastronomy year is not merely a title but a community project – its goal is to bring together and organize local values into a system.
“We do not want to be on the front line, but to support from the background those who have preserved the tastes of Seklerland for generations. This is an identity-strengthening initiative, not a political flag, but a driver pushing the cart of the local community,” emphasized Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council.
Miercurea Ciuc, July 23, 2025.
Family-friendly programs strengthen community life in Harghita County
Record number of applications submitted for the support program
There was great interest in Harghita County Council’s 2025 grant program supporting activities for families. This year, a total of 60 applications were submitted, of which 38 received funding.
Notably, among the winning applications, eight projects will use the funding to organize Children’s Day events across several localities in the county.
With the support of Harghita County Council, various associations and organizations will ensure that the youngest participants can enjoy fun and engaging programs in Racu, Mihăileni, Miercurea Ciuc, Cozmeni , Odorheiu Secuiesc, Sânpaul, Frumoasa, and Vârșag.
The goal of the grant program supporting family-oriented activities remains to create a family-friendly environment, strengthen intergenerational relationships, and provide shared community experiences for families.
In line with this objective, the supported activities include forums, meetings, conferences, and discussions on family topics; educational and catch-up programs for disadvantaged families living in deep poverty; as well as children’s and baby-mother programs.
With a budget of 80,000 RON, this year numerous valuable events, presentations, conferences, and community gatherings can take place across the county.
It is particularly noteworthy that eight Children’s Day programs are included among the supported events, and the associations will also organize several family-oriented meetings and community events. These events help strengthen local communities and provide families with opportunities for quality time together.
Interest in the family-friendly grant program is also reflected in the steadily increasing budget over recent years. While 70,000 RON was available annually in 2022, 2023, and 2024, this amount increased to 80,000 RON in 2025, reflecting that Harghita County Council places special emphasis on supporting programs for families.
According to Barna-Botond Bíró, President of Harghita County Council, supporting family-friendly programs is not only a current need but also a long-term investment in the future of our communities.
“Where the family is strong, the community stands on solid foundations. These events provide opportunities for togetherness, mutual attention, and for strengthening the values upon which we are building Harghita County’s future: unity, intergenerational dialogue, and solidarity,” said Barna-Botond Bíró, President of Harghita County Council.
Miercurea Ciuc, 30 May 2025
Several settlements and institutions in Harghita County are also joining the initiative
With pedestrian and cycling programs, car-free days, tours and environmental actions, the settlements of Harghita County are preparing for the European Mobility Week. The initiative, taking place between 16–22 September, is also joined by the Harghita County Council, which encourages residents of the county to leave their cars at home whenever possible and choose alternative modes of transport.
Prior to the mobility week, the Harghita County Council invited local governments, educational institutions and its subordinate institutions in the county to join the programme with their own initiatives. Several regions responded to the call, so in the coming days there will be pedestrian and cycling programmes, car-free days, tours, environmental actions and school initiatives across Harghita County.
This year’s central theme of the initiative is “Mobility for All”, which focuses on sustainable and accessible transport options for everyone, as well as intergenerational fairness. More information about the European Mobility Week is available at the following link: https://mobilityweek.eu/home/
Among the programmes are “Walking Bus” initiatives, which support children’s safe walk to school. In Miercurea Ciuc, the Walking Bus, operating for the fifth year, accompanies nearly 200 children daily on eleven routes, while environmentally friendly transport is also encouraged through free public bus transport available to everyone on weekends. In Ciceu, a cycling parade and a drawing competition will be organised, in Frumoasa the municipal staff will travel by bicycle to an off-site meeting. In Odorheiu Secuiesc, alongside the “Travel with us and win!” initiative, there will be a historical bus exhibition and a Car-Free Day. In Remetea, a 24-hour swimming marathon and a local car-free day will also take place, while ADI Nagyhagymás joins the mobility week with cycling tours and nature protection programmes. In addition, several schools and institutions are joining the initiative with their own programmes.
On the closing day of the European Mobility Week, on 22 September, the European Car-Free Day, the staff of the Harghita County Council will also join the action. The institution asks its employees to leave their cars at home if possible and come to work on foot, by bicycle, by public transport or by other alternative means.
The Harghita County Council also encourages residents of the county to join the European Mobility Week. The full list of programmes announced so far can be found below. The list remains open, so additional local governments, institutions and communities can still join with their own initiatives.
The Harghita County Council asks residents to document their participation in the initiative with photos and send them to the email address [email protected]. The submitted photos will be used by the institution in its communication related to the mobility week.
Programmes announced so far in Harghita County:
- Mayor’s Office of Sânmartin
- Walking Bus programme
- Ciceu – János Kájoni General School
- Green way to school – 22 September
- Cycling parade – 25 Sept., Friday, start at 16:00
- Drawing competition – 24 Sept.
- Municipality of Frumoasa
- Staff cycling – off-site meeting – 22 September
- Miercurea Ciuc City Hall
- Walking Bus programme – on eleven routes, ensuring organised and safe school commuting for nearly 200 children on school days
- Free weekend bus transport – travel is free for everyone on Csíki Trans routes on Saturdays and Sundays
- Odorheiu Secuiesc Mayor’s Office – 22 September
- “Travel with us and win!” – initiative promoting sustainable and alternative transport modes;
- Historical bus exhibition in the museum courtyard, where a raffle will be held among participants of the “Travel with us and win!” campaign, with a premium bicycle as prize;
- Continuation of the “Walking Bus” programme, promoting pedestrian transport and active mobility. Within the programme, escorts help students to safely reach their educational institutions from their residential areas during the school year;
- Car-Free Day – 22 September. Staff of the Mayor’s Office are encouraged to choose alternative and environmentally friendly means of transport instead of cars.
- Remetea Mayor’s Office
- Walking Bus programme
- 5th Steel Power Fitness Day – 19 September
- “Dive in!” – 24-hour swimming marathon, relay – 19 September
- Local Car-Free Day and drawing competition – 22 September
- Odorheiu Secuiesc, Gábor Bethlen General School
- Walk into the green – let’s step for nature programme – 21 September
- ADI Nagyhagymás
- Sunrise at Mária-kő – hiking – 6 September
- Egyes-kő, Öcsém Mountains and Jávárdi Waterfall – hiking – 13 September
- Cycling tour – 20 September
- Environmental awareness and nature protection: joining the “Let’s Do It, Romania!” programme – 18 September
- School of Nature programme – between 21–25 September
- Homoródszentmárton Mayor’s Office
- Group walk for schoolchildren programme
- Mayor’s Office of Căpâlnița
- “Let’s Do It Romania” waste collection programme – 18 September
- Harghita County Cultural Centre and Via Mariae Association Romania
- “Let us pilgrimage together from Mary to Mary” programme: ceremonial inauguration of the Via Mariae in Romania – 19 September
- Miercurea Ciuc County Emergency Hospital
- Pharmaceutical waste collection – 17 September
- Lueta, Mózes Székely General School
- Walking Bus programme
- Two wheels – one community / cycling parade – 19 September
- Galócás Mayor’s Office
- Discover Galócás on two wheels, for a greener future! – inauguration of a cycling route – 19 September
Miercurea Ciuc, 15 September 2026.
Several settlements and institutions in Harghita County are also joining the initiative
With pedestrian and cycling programs, car-free days, tours and environmental actions, the settlements of Harghita County are preparing for the European Mobility Week. The initiative, taking place between 16–22 September, is also joined by the Harghita County Council, which encourages residents of the county to leave their cars at home whenever possible and choose alternative modes of transport.
Prior to the mobility week, the Harghita County Council invited local governments, educational institutions and its subordinate institutions in the county to join the programme with their own initiatives. Several regions responded to the call, so in the coming days there will be pedestrian and cycling programmes, car-free days, tours, environmental actions and school initiatives across Harghita County.
This year’s central theme of the initiative is “Mobility for All”, which focuses on sustainable and accessible transport options for everyone, as well as intergenerational fairness. More information about the European Mobility Week is available at the following link: https://mobilityweek.eu/home/
Among the programmes are “Walking Bus” initiatives, which support children’s safe walk to school. In Miercurea Ciuc, the Walking Bus, operating for the fifth year, accompanies nearly 200 children daily on eleven routes, while environmentally friendly transport is also encouraged through free public bus transport available to everyone on weekends. In Ciceu, a cycling parade and a drawing competition will be organised, in Frumoasa the municipal staff will travel by bicycle to an off-site meeting. In Odorheiu Secuiesc, alongside the “Travel with us and win!” initiative, there will be a historical bus exhibition and a Car-Free Day. In Remetea, a 24-hour swimming marathon and a local car-free day will also take place, while ADI Nagyhagymás joins the mobility week with cycling tours and nature protection programmes. In addition, several schools and institutions are joining the initiative with their own programmes.
On the closing day of the European Mobility Week, on 22 September, the European Car-Free Day, the staff of the Harghita County Council will also join the action. The institution asks its employees to leave their cars at home if possible and come to work on foot, by bicycle, by public transport or by other alternative means.
The Harghita County Council also encourages residents of the county to join the European Mobility Week. The full list of programmes announced so far can be found below. The list remains open, so additional local governments, institutions and communities can still join with their own initiatives.
The Harghita County Council asks residents to document their participation in the initiative with photos and send them to the email address [email protected]. The submitted photos will be used by the institution in its communication related to the mobility week.
Programmes announced so far in Harghita County:
- Mayor’s Office of Sânmartin
- Walking Bus programme
- Ciceu – János Kájoni General School
- Green way to school – 22 September
- Cycling parade – 25 Sept., Friday, start at 16:00
- Drawing competition – 24 Sept.
- Municipality of Frumoasa
- Staff cycling – off-site meeting – 22 September
- Miercurea Ciuc City Hall
- Walking Bus programme – on eleven routes, ensuring organised and safe school commuting for nearly 200 children on school days
- Free weekend bus transport – travel is free for everyone on Csíki Trans routes on Saturdays and Sundays
- Odorheiu Secuiesc Mayor’s Office – 22 September
- “Travel with us and win!” – initiative promoting sustainable and alternative transport modes;
- Historical bus exhibition in the museum courtyard, where a raffle will be held among participants of the “Travel with us and win!” campaign, with a premium bicycle as prize;
- Continuation of the “Walking Bus” programme, promoting pedestrian transport and active mobility. Within the programme, escorts help students to safely reach their educational institutions from their residential areas during the school year;
- Car-Free Day – 22 September. Staff of the Mayor’s Office are encouraged to choose alternative and environmentally friendly means of transport instead of cars.
- Remetea Mayor’s Office
- Walking Bus programme
- 5th Steel Power Fitness Day – 19 September
- “Dive in!” – 24-hour swimming marathon, relay – 19 September
- Local Car-Free Day and drawing competition – 22 September
- Odorheiu Secuiesc, Gábor Bethlen General School
- Walk into the green – let’s step for nature programme – 21 September
- ADI Nagyhagymás
- Sunrise at Mária-kő – hiking – 6 September
- Egyes-kő, Öcsém Mountains and Jávárdi Waterfall – hiking – 13 September
- Cycling tour – 20 September
- Environmental awareness and nature protection: joining the “Let’s Do It, Romania!” programme – 18 September
- School of Nature programme – between 21–25 September
- Homoródszentmárton Mayor’s Office
- Group walk for schoolchildren programme
- Mayor’s Office of Căpâlnița
- “Let’s Do It Romania” waste collection programme – 18 September
- Harghita County Cultural Centre and Via Mariae Association Romania
- “Let us pilgrimage together from Mary to Mary” programme: ceremonial inauguration of the Via Mariae in Romania – 19 September
- Miercurea Ciuc County Emergency Hospital
- Pharmaceutical waste collection – 17 September
- Lueta, Mózes Székely General School
- Walking Bus programme
- Two wheels – one community / cycling parade – 19 September
- Galócás Mayor’s Office
- Discover Galócás on two wheels, for a greener future! – inauguration of a cycling route – 19 September
Miercurea Ciuc, 15 September 2026.
Geographical description
Hargitai “card index”
What do the data say about a county?
The same as a card index does about a person—everything and nothing. They flash the essence, but only point to what is unique and intangible.
About Harghita County we can write that it is located in Romania, in the eastern part of Inner Transylvania; it is no secret either that its area is 6639 square kilometers, with a population of 310867 in 2011.
It is customary, as card-index data, to list its 9 towns—4 of them municipalities—its 58 communes, and its 236 villages. When it was established in 1968, its chosen name was not ancient, yet it refers to the Harghita Mountains, where the county’s second-highest peak rises (Madarasi-Harghita, 1801 m); the highest peak as well, Rekettyés (Călimani Mountains, 2021 m), rises only slightly above that.
From here we can already descend into the depths, for even if the mountain range forming the county’s backbone—and the central group of the Eastern Carpathians marking its eastern border—has further peaks, the western part of the county is made up of gentler, rolling hill country (Udvarhely). Moreover, an important thread in the county’s life is the “Székely chain of basins,” which, from north to south, fits into a unified whole with ever more spacious basins along the Bélbor–Borsec–Gyergyó–Csík line.
Harghita County is at once gentle and harsh, depending on where one lives—closer to the sky or farther from it, within the gravitational pull of economic and social hubs, or sustained by the sparser but purer air of wise seclusion. Its climate can be described as temperate continental; winds usually blow from the west, yet Romania’s cold pole is also found here: Gyergyóalfalu, while Miercurea Ciuc at times competes for the primacy of −40°C, with alternating chances. Snow often lingers for 120–150 days, so the water balance is very rich. On the one hand, the sibling rivers rising within easy reach—the Mureș and the Olt—and on the other, the livable valley belts formed along the Târnava and Homorod rivers make this corner of the country attractive and sustaining.
Owing to the volcanic origin of its mountains, alongside extraordinary natural beauties—such as Lake Saint Anne, a crater lake in the Ciomad, or the Mohos peat bog—its hundreds of mineral water springs, together with its human reserves of value, are all riches that remain sources of local self-awareness and legendary Székely pride to this day. This is complemented, with its own history and scenery, by Lake Roșu (Red Lake) and its surroundings, offering on a platter the blessings of hopes invested in tourism for the region.
It does not lack flora and fauna, yet the rural climate of Harghita treats cultivated crops somewhat harshly; due to relatively little sunshine, a good portion of vegetables and fruits travels to the county’s markets from gentler, more generous regions. Potatoes, however, remain faithfully at the side of the people of Harghita and, as a useful barter good, not infrequently help out in times of need.
According to the eternal law of give and take, Harghita County gladly hosts its visitors, shares its natural and cultural values with them. The several hundred listed monuments can be admired and appreciated—indeed, even preserved—pleasant memories can be gained from its thermal baths and health resorts, lasting impressions from its customs and traditions, its cuisine—very tasty even in its simplicity—and from Székely hospitality.
The drive to create value is gaining ever more ground on both sides of Harghita; alongside technical progress, science, and the many indispensable challenges of the modern age, wood, construction raw materials, clay, and salt still represent this region’s “trump cards.”
It is in the nature of a card index that the data sheet fills up quickly; renunciation of completeness is already lodged in the text at birth. Yet every datum and sign finds its place in it with the hope that, behind the images lined up in the volume, the promising face of the Harghita people’s livable everyday life will come into view.
Cultural events contribute to the preservation of traditions, the education of young people, and the promotion of authentic values
More than 80,000 people showed interest in the events organized by the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center
Over the past year, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, a subordinate institution of the Harghita County Council, focused its activities on documenting, preserving, and promoting the authentic values of local cultural heritage. Its goal was to strengthen regional cultural identity and to expand the community’s access to cultural life.
According to Izabella Bartalis, director of the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, their aim was not only to promote cultural programs but also to improve their diversity and quality, expand institutional collaborations at the county, national, and international levels, engage young audiences, and build a loyal audience committed to traditional culture. At the same time, special emphasis was placed on developing online communication and increasing the institution’s visibility through media partnerships.
Over the past year, the cultural centre organized large-scale festivals and events, ethnographic and traditional art exhibitions, publishing programs and book launches, educational activities, craft workshops, and audiovisual productions on ethnographic topics.
In 2025, more than 60 cultural programs were organized, including around 15 festivals and major events, more than 20 exhibitions and public presentations, approximately 15 educational programs and workshops, and over 10 book launches, screenings, and other publishing events.
Highlighted events included the Siculus Festival, Secler Days, and the Transylvanian Dance House Meeting, which attracted thousands of participants and significantly contributed to promoting the county’s traditional values.
According to data provided by Izabella Bartalis, the estimated total number of participants in the programs organized in 2025 exceeded 80,000, including both audiences present in person at events and those reached via online platforms.
The target audience of the programs was extremely diverse: children and students, young people, families, teachers, cultural professionals, artisans, as well as the general public interested in traditions and local identity. The activities had a significant impact on the community, strengthening the sense of belonging, expanding access to culture, encouraging intercultural dialogue, and contributing to promoting Harghita County as an active and attractive cultural space.
Feedback from the community was overwhelmingly positive, as reflected in the continuous growth in participant numbers, lively interactions online, and numerous requests to repeat and expand successful programs.
In parallel, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center also participated as a partner in other cultural projects in the Udvarhely region. In total, they supported 30 cultural projects, worth 372,000 lei. These included “In the Footsteps of the Values of the Gagy Stream Valley,” the “Slam Poetry Championship,” and the “dramaMA” contemporary theatre festival.
The list of winning projects in the Udvarhely region can be found at the following link: https://hagyomany.ro/palyazatok/
– The Harghita County Tradition Resource Center is a custodian of cultural memory and local identity. Through our activities, we strive to contribute to the preservation of traditions, the education of young people, and the promotion of Harghita County’s authentic values – stated Izabella Bartalis.
Through its events and programs, the Centre continues to play a key role in the cultural development of Harghita County, providing the community with identity, continuity, and dialogue between the past, present, and future.
Nearly 3,700 visitors attended the exhibitions organized by the Cultural Center of Harghita County in 2025
As is known, the County Hall Gallery and the ground-floor exhibition space of the County Hall had to find a new location from May this year due to the building’s energy renovation works. The exhibitions found a home in several locations.
During this year, within the framework of the Exhibition Program, the Cultural Center of Harghita County organized a total of 19 visual arts exhibitions across seven fields: painting, sculpture, installation, photography, enamel art, aircraft models, ship models and car models, as well as visual arts. Most exhibitions were related to visual arts (8) and photography (5).
The exhibitions attracted nearly 3,700 visitors, including 30 student groups from ten schools in Miercurea Ciuc who participated in guided visits, which significantly contributes to increasing students’ interest in visual arts.
The exhibitions were open to visitors at several locations: until the end of April at the County Hall Gallery, as well as in the Csíki Cinema building, the building of the Cultural Center of Harghita County, and the House of Arts.
Currently, two exhibitions are still awaiting visitors:
- “Autumn Salon” – at the Csíki Cinema, open until January 27, 2026;
- “Post Ignis” – at the Cultural Center of Harghita County, open until January 15, 2026.
Information about the exhibition program and further details are available at the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/Megyehaza.Galeria
Miercurea Ciuc, December 15, 2025.
The 4th Regional Tourism Conference concluded successfully in Miercurea Ciuc
The fourth edition of the Regional Tourism Conference was held on October 15–16, 2025, once again hosted by Miercurea Ciuc. As one of the most important professional gatherings in the region, the event brought together nearly 200 tourism entrepreneurs, experts, educators, students, and decision-makers to jointly reflect on the future of tourism, innovation, and opportunities for regional cooperation.
Digitalization, AI, and Cooperation in Focus
The first day of the conference was dedicated to innovation and cooperation. Experts from Booking.com and Travelminit presented concrete examples of how artificial intelligence is transforming the travel experience and guest relations. Norbert Fejér, CEO of HelixSoft, highlighted in his presentation that digitalization is not only a technological issue but also a strategic opportunity to increase competitiveness. The presentation of the România Atractivă project also emphasized the importance of digital development and data-driven decision-making in tourism.
The afternoon continued with two sections: in the TDM section, representatives of several Transylvanian tourist destinations – including Brașov, Mureș, Sibiu, Covasna, and Harghita counties – shared their good practices and future plans, while the parallel communication section focused on practical marketing and visual strategies. Erzsébet Kádár (SmartADDs) spoke about the role of database building, Jenő Nagy (OptiBoost) about online advertising strategies, and Ioana Mihaela Cobiliță (Sinaps) about digital trends – including voice search and AI targeting. In the field of visual communication, photographer and graphic editor László Mihály and László Olasz (Alpix Visual Studio) presented the importance of professional photography, while Zoltán Pál (Magenta7) shared practical experiences on creating tourism program packages. The section concluded with a presentation by Zelinda Páll, marketing communication specialist at Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), who introduced a new community platform designed for entrepreneurs and organizations interested in tourism.
Gastronomy and Local Values
The second day of the conference focused on the diversity of Transylvanian gastronomy and the future of hospitality based on local ingredients.
The day opened with Előd Szőcs (Csíkcsomortán Abattoir – Butcher Manufactory), who spoke about the value of traditional, locally sourced ingredients under the motto “Only from pure sources.” He was followed by Adorján Trucza, founder of Taste of Transylvania, whose presentation titled Pizza or Polenta? explored the search for identity in Transylvanian gastronomy. István Becze, president of the Association of Székely Farmers’ Organizations, highlighted the role of local producers and the opportunities within gastro-tourism, while Károly Szabó, Executive Director of Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), spoke about the long-term impacts of obtaining the title of European Region of Gastronomy in his presentation What Will Happen in 2027? Is It the Promised Land?
Szilamér Cseh, founder and head sommelier of the Fine Service Academy, shared his experiences on the art of service and creating guest experiences in his presentation The Secrets of Guest Experience, followed by Domokos Bándi (Gastrobun), who presented the future of gastronomy and strategies for sustainable development. Within the framework of the Food Savers project, Claudia Popa, food engineer at Boroinfo, presented concrete solutions for reducing food waste in the HoReCa sector.
The afternoon program highlighted artisanal gastronomy and creative approaches: photographer Zoltán Biró’s presentation The Photographer’s Coffee in Practice brought the role of coffee preparation closer to the world of gastronomy. István Bocskor, founder of Bocskor Bakery, spoke about the secrets of sourdough preparation and the art of good bread in his presentation Our Sourdough. Judit Potyó, founder of the Sasfészek Gastro Point, shared her experiences in creating and operating a gastro point based on local ingredients.
During the panel discussion Transylvanian Gastronomy Books, participants gained insight into gastronomic publications from the region, including the 100 Recipes – 100 Housewives series and the preparation of the Food Saver Book (Food Savers project).
The two-day event was initiated by the tourism organizations of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna counties, with the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) acting as the main organizer this year. The event was supported by the Pro Economica Foundation, Liliac Winery, Bocskor Bakery, as well as the County Councils of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna.
At the closing of the conference, it was announced that the main organizer of the 5th Regional Tourism Conference in 2026 will be Visit Covasna. The organizers emphasized that next year’s event will continue in the spirit of regional cooperation and the shared vision of developing tourism.
An increasing number of family-friendly destinations welcomes visitors in Harghita County
This year, thirty-seven family-friendly tourism providers received the Visit Harghita – Family-friendly certificate on Saturday, October 11, at the Eskaperdo Resort in Zeteváralja.
The certificates were presented by Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, Károly Szabó, Executive Director of the Harghita Community Development Association, and Răzvan Pascu, Harghita County’s official tourism ambassador.
The Family-friendly program was launched in 2020 by the Visit Harghita team with the aim of making Harghita County a family-friendly tourism destination. The initiative brings together accommodations, restaurants, programs, attractions, and events that adopt a family-centered approach and meet the requirements for obtaining the certificate.
To earn the certification, service providers must hold an official license and meet the criteria outlined in the Family-friendly Handbook. Visit Harghita staff personally visit each applicant and, if any shortcomings are found, provide a deadline for their correction.
“In difficult times, supporting communities is especially important, which is why the County Council continuously works to strengthen local tourism. In 2027, Harghita County will be Europe’s Gastronomic Region, which will further increase our region’s visibility and tourist appeal – creating new opportunities for all service providers,” said Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council and the Development Association.
With this year’s award ceremony, a total of 225 tourism services with family-friendly certification are now available to visitors in Harghita County. According to the organizers, every family can find the ideal accommodation, restaurant, program, or attraction for themselves.
The Family-friendly offerings are available on the Visit Harghita website (www.visitharghita.com) and mobile app, and an annual printed guide is also produced, presented at tourism fairs and events.
The Harghita Studio compilation can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com
The following providers received the certificate:
ACCOMMODATION:
- Orgona Apartments – Miercurea Ciuc
- N37 – The Other House – Jigodin Ciuc
- Nova House Apartments – Delnița
- Casa de oaspeţi Sófalvi Guesthouse – Sântimbru
- Pensiunea Lali – Mădăraș
- Villa Bellini – Borsec
- Pensiunea Veranda – Remetea
- Pensiunea Romantika – Odorheiu Secuiesc
- Pensiunea Szeltersz – Lăzarea
- Eskaperdo Resort – Subcetate
- Pensiune & Camping Zetavár – Subcetate
- Flow House – Satu Mare
- Pensiunea Erdély Kincse – Sicasău
- Pensiunea Kovács – Praid
- Relax House Studio – Praid
- Pensiunea Farkas – Praid
- Pensiunea Molnár Guesthouse – Praid
- Prosilva House – Toplița
- Pensiunea Izabella – Toplița
- Casa Alex – Gălăuțaș
RESTAURANTS:
- Bellini Bistro – Borsec
- Restaurant Veranda – Remetea
- Restaurant Ski Varsag – Vărșag
FAMILY-FRIENDLY TOURISM PROGRAMS:
- Siberian Angel – Băile Harghita
- Magic Selfie House – Praid
- Club Sportiv Szirtisas Archery Club – Ocna de Sus
- Atelier de țesut / Weaving Workshop – Nicoleni
- Lobogó Bob – Băile Homorod
FAMILY-FRIENDLY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:
- Csíki Székely Museum – Miercurea Ciuc
- Márton Áron Museum
- Lázár Castle
- Henter Manor
FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS:
- Running Festival Miercurea Ciuc
- Fuss Neki! Csík
- Fuss Neki! Gyergyó
- Fuss Neki! Udvarhely
- Saint Gellért Cross
Miercurea Ciuc, October 13, 2025
Focus on the future of tourism and gastronomy in Harghita County: the regional tourism conference organized for the fourth time
A conference focusing on gastronomy, challenges affecting tourism, and digital solutions will be organized in Harghita County.
The tourism organizations of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna counties are organizing the Regional Tourism Conference for the fourth time, which will take place on October 15–16 at the Hotel Fenyő Conference & Spa in Miercurea Ciuc. This year’s main organizer is the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita).
The professional forum is primarily aimed at stakeholders of tourism in Szeklerland. Taking into account global trends and local characteristics, the conference aims to foster networking, support joint development, and present proven methods that can also be applied in practice. In this spirit, renowned experts and speakers have been invited.
Participation is recommended for tourism entrepreneurs, service providers, professionals, as well as representatives of educational institutions, local authorities, and local and regional organizations. Accommodation providers, restaurant managers, travel agencies, and other tourism service providers who are open to learning about new trends and opportunities are especially encouraged to attend.
Tourism is a rapidly changing sector, and the conference offers an opportunity for managers, marketers, and consultants to gain up-to-date knowledge about current trends, technologies, and innovations. Digitalization and artificial intelligence already provide tools in tourism that are essential for businesses to remain competitive.
Special emphasis will be placed on the fact that Harghita County will hold the title of European Region of Gastronomy in 2027, which will also be reflected in the conference presentations. Topics will include the role of local products in hospitality, the search for Transylvanian gastronomic identity, the tourism appeal of gastronomic events, future strategies and opportunities, and the prevention of food waste. A roundtable discussion will focus on gastronomy books published in Transylvania.
When designing the program, the challenges that emerged in connection with the events in Praid were also taken into account. With this in mind, participants can expect presentations that provide practical knowledge applicable in everyday work. Among the topics are the importance of database building, online advertising opportunities, the impact of visual content, the development of experience-based tourism products, and the use of accommodation booking systems.
The official opening of the conference will take place on Wednesday, October 15, at 9:20 a.m., when the leaders of the three counties will welcome participants. The detailed program and tickets are available on the conference.ro website.
Miercurea Ciuc, September 29, 2025.
Harghita County welcomes visitors with unique gastronomic experiences
Szeklerland is represented this year with its largest stand so far, covering 500 square meters, at Hungary’s largest agricultural and food industry exhibition in Budapest. A total of 47 producers from Harghita, Covasna, and Mureș counties are welcoming visitors with more than one hundred specialties.
The organization of the Szeklerland stand was undertaken by the Association of Szekler Farmers’ Organizations, whose mission is to support farmers and artisans from Szeklerland and to promote their values.
The stand’s offer includes handcrafted jams, syrups, aged cheeses, smoked meat products, honey, chocolates, award-winning fruit brandy (palinka) and wines. Among the participating producers are the Csengő and Nagy–Küküllő Agricultural Cooperative, the Csíkcsomortán Butcher–Charcuterie Manufactory and Kitchen, beekeepers, and Borbély Kürtőskalács.
OMÉK, organized between September 18–21 in Budapest at the HUNGEXPO venue, is not only a fair and exhibition but also a meeting point where cultural and economic connections are formed, strengthening the region’s presence on the Hungarian and international markets.
Visitors can taste hundreds of delicacies, meet the producers, and gain insight into the world of Szekler cuisine and craft traditions. In addition to gastronomic experiences, cultural programs will also enrich the event: the Harghita Szekler Folk Dance Theatre, the Háromszék Ensemble, and the Maros Artistic Ensemble will perform. The team of the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) will also be present at the event, presenting tourism opportunities in the county.
Further details: https://omek.amc.hu/
Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, emphasized that since Harghita County will be the European Region of Gastronomy in 2027, it is particularly important to present the county’s values and producers at such prestigious events. For this reason, the Harghita County Cultural Center, in partnership with the Harghita County Council, supports participation in the event.
– We respectfully invite everyone who would like to discover the true values of Szeklerland: rich flavors, natural ingredients, and our welcoming communities. The “Szeklerland Island” is not merely a fair stand, but a place at Hungexpo where visitors can meet producers in person, learn their stories, taste traditional Szekler flavors and drinks, and get closer to the rich cultural and gastronomic heritage of Szeklerland. The fact that Szeklerland appears at OMÉK united, through the cooperation of the three counties, is in itself a value and a message.
Special thanks go to the Association of Szekler Farmers’ Organizations and to its president, István Becze, who through his work brings together the agricultural sector of the three Szekler counties. Without their committed activity, this joint presentation could not have been realized, where farmers and producers from Harghita, Covasna, and Mureș counties are all represented – emphasized the president of the County Council.
Through participation in the exhibition, a key objective of the Harghita County Council is to strengthen market access for farmers and artisans from Szeklerland and to present the region’s tourism and gastronomic values.
With the presence of the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita), Harghita County also draws visitors’ attention not only to flavors but to tourism opportunities, the beauty of the landscape, and living traditions.
Miercurea Ciuc, September 16, 2025
Image building and gastronomy at Tusványos!
Barna-Botond Bíró, president of the Harghita County Council, participated in two thematic discussions
On Wednesday, July 23, Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, participated in thematic panel discussions on the opportunities of image building in Harghoita County and the community-building and region-shaping role of gastronomy, within the framework of the 34th Bálványos Summer Free University and Student Camp – where issues determining the future of the region were put on the agenda.
At the noon panel discussion titled “Can we sell Seklerland? – Is it possible to spend on a Sekler image in Romania today – and is there an audience for it?”, Attila Csibi, president of the RMDSZ in Mureș County, András Peti, director of Transilvania Airport, and Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, took part.
The discussion focused on what tools, actors and experience-based content can be used to consciously build the regional brand of Seklerland and make it attractive to both domestic and international audiences.
During the panel discussion, the participants agreed that building the tourism and economic brand of Seklerland can only be successful with a data-driven, targeted and experience-based approach. Strengthening the Sekler image requires more than traditional communication – it is necessary to know the needs of visitors precisely and reach them with modern tools, such as digital marketing and influencer relations.
Participants highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, the role of culinary experiences, and the importance of airports in increasing the competitiveness of the region.
The future of regional tourism is unimaginable without well-functioning airports – it was stated during the discussion. Representatives of the counties of Seklerland emphasized that the development of air transport is not the interest of a single county, but of the entire region. Târgu Mureș Airport plays a key role, but smaller, alternative airports may also gain increasing importance in serving business and quality tourism.
Regarding regional cooperation, Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, believes that common goals must be clarified precisely and unambiguously, and he is convinced that consensus is what strengthens joint work.
Taking into account the opportunities offered by tourism, he highlighted that Romania has excellent tourism assets – safety, value for money, and natural values – yet we are far behind other countries in the region in terms of infrastructure and central financing.
“We, in Harghita County have set ourselves the goal of rebuilding domestic tourism and presenting the values of Seklerland in a way that turns them into real experiences. We have launched a gastronomic revolution where not only restaurants are created, but culinary experiences – with chefs, concept and story.” As he said, the future of tourism lies in quality, positioning, and experience-based, authentic content.
Regarding the future of local self-governance, community advocacy, and the current political situation, the President of the Harghita County Council highlighted that in the coming years the focus will shift from building to defending.
“We must preserve what we have built together so far. We are not in Bucharest because it is easy, but because it is our duty to be where decisions are made, and to remain there as long as we have the opportunity to defend the rights and identity of our community.” According to him, we are currently living in a period when decisions are being made not only about resources but also about the institutional future of the Hungarian community in Transylvania, and in such situations one cannot stay on the outside – explained Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council.
In the afternoon he continued his participation in the panel discussion titled “Gastronomy as a region-building force – the road from Harghita to Europe”, which focused on the gastronomic values of Transylvania and Seclerland, as well as the tourism and identity-shaping role of culinary heritage.
During the discussion, Károly Szabó, executive director of the Harghita Community Development Association, István Becze, president of the Association of Sekler Farmers’ Organizations, Szabolcs Fazakas, the creator of Mini Transylvania Park and Legendarium, and Mónika Kozma also shared their experiences.
The panel discussion mainly focused on gastronomy and on the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2027, whose aim is to unite and develop local gastronomic values and actors – restaurants, producers and communities.
During the discussion, Barna-Botond Bíró emphasized that the gastronomy year is not merely a title but a community project – its goal is to bring together and organize local values into a system.
“We do not want to be on the front line, but to support from the background those who have preserved the tastes of Seklerland for generations. This is an identity-strengthening initiative, not a political flag, but a driver pushing the cart of the local community,” emphasized Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council.
Miercurea Ciuc, July 23, 2025.
Family-friendly programs strengthen community life in Harghita County
Record number of applications submitted for the support program
There was great interest in Harghita County Council’s 2025 grant program supporting activities for families. This year, a total of 60 applications were submitted, of which 38 received funding.
Notably, among the winning applications, eight projects will use the funding to organize Children’s Day events across several localities in the county.
With the support of Harghita County Council, various associations and organizations will ensure that the youngest participants can enjoy fun and engaging programs in Racu, Mihăileni, Miercurea Ciuc, Cozmeni , Odorheiu Secuiesc, Sânpaul, Frumoasa, and Vârșag.
The goal of the grant program supporting family-oriented activities remains to create a family-friendly environment, strengthen intergenerational relationships, and provide shared community experiences for families.
In line with this objective, the supported activities include forums, meetings, conferences, and discussions on family topics; educational and catch-up programs for disadvantaged families living in deep poverty; as well as children’s and baby-mother programs.
With a budget of 80,000 RON, this year numerous valuable events, presentations, conferences, and community gatherings can take place across the county.
It is particularly noteworthy that eight Children’s Day programs are included among the supported events, and the associations will also organize several family-oriented meetings and community events. These events help strengthen local communities and provide families with opportunities for quality time together.
Interest in the family-friendly grant program is also reflected in the steadily increasing budget over recent years. While 70,000 RON was available annually in 2022, 2023, and 2024, this amount increased to 80,000 RON in 2025, reflecting that Harghita County Council places special emphasis on supporting programs for families.
According to Barna-Botond Bíró, President of Harghita County Council, supporting family-friendly programs is not only a current need but also a long-term investment in the future of our communities.
“Where the family is strong, the community stands on solid foundations. These events provide opportunities for togetherness, mutual attention, and for strengthening the values upon which we are building Harghita County’s future: unity, intergenerational dialogue, and solidarity,” said Barna-Botond Bíró, President of Harghita County Council.
Miercurea Ciuc, 30 May 2025
Geographical description
Hargitai “card index”
What do the data say about a county?
The same as a card index does about a person—everything and nothing. They flash the essence, but only point to what is unique and intangible.
About Harghita County we can write that it is located in Romania, in the eastern part of Inner Transylvania; it is no secret either that its area is 6639 square kilometers, with a population of 310867 in 2011.
It is customary, as card-index data, to list its 9 towns—4 of them municipalities—its 58 communes, and its 236 villages. When it was established in 1968, its chosen name was not ancient, yet it refers to the Harghita Mountains, where the county’s second-highest peak rises (Madarasi-Harghita, 1801 m); the highest peak as well, Rekettyés (Călimani Mountains, 2021 m), rises only slightly above that.
From here we can already descend into the depths, for even if the mountain range forming the county’s backbone—and the central group of the Eastern Carpathians marking its eastern border—has further peaks, the western part of the county is made up of gentler, rolling hill country (Udvarhely). Moreover, an important thread in the county’s life is the “Székely chain of basins,” which, from north to south, fits into a unified whole with ever more spacious basins along the Bélbor–Borsec–Gyergyó–Csík line.
Harghita County is at once gentle and harsh, depending on where one lives—closer to the sky or farther from it, within the gravitational pull of economic and social hubs, or sustained by the sparser but purer air of wise seclusion. Its climate can be described as temperate continental; winds usually blow from the west, yet Romania’s cold pole is also found here: Gyergyóalfalu, while Miercurea Ciuc at times competes for the primacy of −40°C, with alternating chances. Snow often lingers for 120–150 days, so the water balance is very rich. On the one hand, the sibling rivers rising within easy reach—the Mureș and the Olt—and on the other, the livable valley belts formed along the Târnava and Homorod rivers make this corner of the country attractive and sustaining.
Owing to the volcanic origin of its mountains, alongside extraordinary natural beauties—such as Lake Saint Anne, a crater lake in the Ciomad, or the Mohos peat bog—its hundreds of mineral water springs, together with its human reserves of value, are all riches that remain sources of local self-awareness and legendary Székely pride to this day. This is complemented, with its own history and scenery, by Lake Roșu (Red Lake) and its surroundings, offering on a platter the blessings of hopes invested in tourism for the region.
It does not lack flora and fauna, yet the rural climate of Harghita treats cultivated crops somewhat harshly; due to relatively little sunshine, a good portion of vegetables and fruits travels to the county’s markets from gentler, more generous regions. Potatoes, however, remain faithfully at the side of the people of Harghita and, as a useful barter good, not infrequently help out in times of need.
According to the eternal law of give and take, Harghita County gladly hosts its visitors, shares its natural and cultural values with them. The several hundred listed monuments can be admired and appreciated—indeed, even preserved—pleasant memories can be gained from its thermal baths and health resorts, lasting impressions from its customs and traditions, its cuisine—very tasty even in its simplicity—and from Székely hospitality.
The drive to create value is gaining ever more ground on both sides of Harghita; alongside technical progress, science, and the many indispensable challenges of the modern age, wood, construction raw materials, clay, and salt still represent this region’s “trump cards.”
It is in the nature of a card index that the data sheet fills up quickly; renunciation of completeness is already lodged in the text at birth. Yet every datum and sign finds its place in it with the hope that, behind the images lined up in the volume, the promising face of the Harghita people’s livable everyday life will come into view.
Cultural events contribute to the preservation of traditions, the education of young people, and the promotion of authentic values
More than 80,000 people showed interest in the events organized by the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center
Over the past year, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, a subordinate institution of the Harghita County Council, focused its activities on documenting, preserving, and promoting the authentic values of local cultural heritage. Its goal was to strengthen regional cultural identity and to expand the community’s access to cultural life.
According to Izabella Bartalis, director of the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center, their aim was not only to promote cultural programs but also to improve their diversity and quality, expand institutional collaborations at the county, national, and international levels, engage young audiences, and build a loyal audience committed to traditional culture. At the same time, special emphasis was placed on developing online communication and increasing the institution’s visibility through media partnerships.
Over the past year, the cultural centre organized large-scale festivals and events, ethnographic and traditional art exhibitions, publishing programs and book launches, educational activities, craft workshops, and audiovisual productions on ethnographic topics.
In 2025, more than 60 cultural programs were organized, including around 15 festivals and major events, more than 20 exhibitions and public presentations, approximately 15 educational programs and workshops, and over 10 book launches, screenings, and other publishing events.
Highlighted events included the Siculus Festival, Secler Days, and the Transylvanian Dance House Meeting, which attracted thousands of participants and significantly contributed to promoting the county’s traditional values.
According to data provided by Izabella Bartalis, the estimated total number of participants in the programs organized in 2025 exceeded 80,000, including both audiences present in person at events and those reached via online platforms.
The target audience of the programs was extremely diverse: children and students, young people, families, teachers, cultural professionals, artisans, as well as the general public interested in traditions and local identity. The activities had a significant impact on the community, strengthening the sense of belonging, expanding access to culture, encouraging intercultural dialogue, and contributing to promoting Harghita County as an active and attractive cultural space.
Feedback from the community was overwhelmingly positive, as reflected in the continuous growth in participant numbers, lively interactions online, and numerous requests to repeat and expand successful programs.
In parallel, the Harghita County Tradition Resource Center also participated as a partner in other cultural projects in the Udvarhely region. In total, they supported 30 cultural projects, worth 372,000 lei. These included “In the Footsteps of the Values of the Gagy Stream Valley,” the “Slam Poetry Championship,” and the “dramaMA” contemporary theatre festival.
The list of winning projects in the Udvarhely region can be found at the following link: https://hagyomany.ro/palyazatok/
– The Harghita County Tradition Resource Center is a custodian of cultural memory and local identity. Through our activities, we strive to contribute to the preservation of traditions, the education of young people, and the promotion of Harghita County’s authentic values – stated Izabella Bartalis.
Through its events and programs, the Centre continues to play a key role in the cultural development of Harghita County, providing the community with identity, continuity, and dialogue between the past, present, and future.
Nearly 3,700 visitors attended the exhibitions organized by the Cultural Center of Harghita County in 2025
As is known, the County Hall Gallery and the ground-floor exhibition space of the County Hall had to find a new location from May this year due to the building’s energy renovation works. The exhibitions found a home in several locations.
During this year, within the framework of the Exhibition Program, the Cultural Center of Harghita County organized a total of 19 visual arts exhibitions across seven fields: painting, sculpture, installation, photography, enamel art, aircraft models, ship models and car models, as well as visual arts. Most exhibitions were related to visual arts (8) and photography (5).
The exhibitions attracted nearly 3,700 visitors, including 30 student groups from ten schools in Miercurea Ciuc who participated in guided visits, which significantly contributes to increasing students’ interest in visual arts.
The exhibitions were open to visitors at several locations: until the end of April at the County Hall Gallery, as well as in the Csíki Cinema building, the building of the Cultural Center of Harghita County, and the House of Arts.
Currently, two exhibitions are still awaiting visitors:
- “Autumn Salon” – at the Csíki Cinema, open until January 27, 2026;
- “Post Ignis” – at the Cultural Center of Harghita County, open until January 15, 2026.
Information about the exhibition program and further details are available at the following link:
https://www.facebook.com/Megyehaza.Galeria
Miercurea Ciuc, December 15, 2025.
The 4th Regional Tourism Conference concluded successfully in Miercurea Ciuc
The fourth edition of the Regional Tourism Conference was held on October 15–16, 2025, once again hosted by Miercurea Ciuc. As one of the most important professional gatherings in the region, the event brought together nearly 200 tourism entrepreneurs, experts, educators, students, and decision-makers to jointly reflect on the future of tourism, innovation, and opportunities for regional cooperation.
Digitalization, AI, and Cooperation in Focus
The first day of the conference was dedicated to innovation and cooperation. Experts from Booking.com and Travelminit presented concrete examples of how artificial intelligence is transforming the travel experience and guest relations. Norbert Fejér, CEO of HelixSoft, highlighted in his presentation that digitalization is not only a technological issue but also a strategic opportunity to increase competitiveness. The presentation of the România Atractivă project also emphasized the importance of digital development and data-driven decision-making in tourism.
The afternoon continued with two sections: in the TDM section, representatives of several Transylvanian tourist destinations – including Brașov, Mureș, Sibiu, Covasna, and Harghita counties – shared their good practices and future plans, while the parallel communication section focused on practical marketing and visual strategies. Erzsébet Kádár (SmartADDs) spoke about the role of database building, Jenő Nagy (OptiBoost) about online advertising strategies, and Ioana Mihaela Cobiliță (Sinaps) about digital trends – including voice search and AI targeting. In the field of visual communication, photographer and graphic editor László Mihály and László Olasz (Alpix Visual Studio) presented the importance of professional photography, while Zoltán Pál (Magenta7) shared practical experiences on creating tourism program packages. The section concluded with a presentation by Zelinda Páll, marketing communication specialist at Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), who introduced a new community platform designed for entrepreneurs and organizations interested in tourism.
Gastronomy and Local Values
The second day of the conference focused on the diversity of Transylvanian gastronomy and the future of hospitality based on local ingredients.
The day opened with Előd Szőcs (Csíkcsomortán Abattoir – Butcher Manufactory), who spoke about the value of traditional, locally sourced ingredients under the motto “Only from pure sources.” He was followed by Adorján Trucza, founder of Taste of Transylvania, whose presentation titled Pizza or Polenta? explored the search for identity in Transylvanian gastronomy. István Becze, president of the Association of Székely Farmers’ Organizations, highlighted the role of local producers and the opportunities within gastro-tourism, while Károly Szabó, Executive Director of Visit Harghita (Harghita Community Development Association), spoke about the long-term impacts of obtaining the title of European Region of Gastronomy in his presentation What Will Happen in 2027? Is It the Promised Land?
Szilamér Cseh, founder and head sommelier of the Fine Service Academy, shared his experiences on the art of service and creating guest experiences in his presentation The Secrets of Guest Experience, followed by Domokos Bándi (Gastrobun), who presented the future of gastronomy and strategies for sustainable development. Within the framework of the Food Savers project, Claudia Popa, food engineer at Boroinfo, presented concrete solutions for reducing food waste in the HoReCa sector.
The afternoon program highlighted artisanal gastronomy and creative approaches: photographer Zoltán Biró’s presentation The Photographer’s Coffee in Practice brought the role of coffee preparation closer to the world of gastronomy. István Bocskor, founder of Bocskor Bakery, spoke about the secrets of sourdough preparation and the art of good bread in his presentation Our Sourdough. Judit Potyó, founder of the Sasfészek Gastro Point, shared her experiences in creating and operating a gastro point based on local ingredients.
During the panel discussion Transylvanian Gastronomy Books, participants gained insight into gastronomic publications from the region, including the 100 Recipes – 100 Housewives series and the preparation of the Food Saver Book (Food Savers project).
The two-day event was initiated by the tourism organizations of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna counties, with the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) acting as the main organizer this year. The event was supported by the Pro Economica Foundation, Liliac Winery, Bocskor Bakery, as well as the County Councils of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna.
At the closing of the conference, it was announced that the main organizer of the 5th Regional Tourism Conference in 2026 will be Visit Covasna. The organizers emphasized that next year’s event will continue in the spirit of regional cooperation and the shared vision of developing tourism.
An increasing number of family-friendly destinations welcomes visitors in Harghita County
This year, thirty-seven family-friendly tourism providers received the Visit Harghita – Family-friendly certificate on Saturday, October 11, at the Eskaperdo Resort in Zeteváralja.
The certificates were presented by Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, Károly Szabó, Executive Director of the Harghita Community Development Association, and Răzvan Pascu, Harghita County’s official tourism ambassador.
The Family-friendly program was launched in 2020 by the Visit Harghita team with the aim of making Harghita County a family-friendly tourism destination. The initiative brings together accommodations, restaurants, programs, attractions, and events that adopt a family-centered approach and meet the requirements for obtaining the certificate.
To earn the certification, service providers must hold an official license and meet the criteria outlined in the Family-friendly Handbook. Visit Harghita staff personally visit each applicant and, if any shortcomings are found, provide a deadline for their correction.
“In difficult times, supporting communities is especially important, which is why the County Council continuously works to strengthen local tourism. In 2027, Harghita County will be Europe’s Gastronomic Region, which will further increase our region’s visibility and tourist appeal – creating new opportunities for all service providers,” said Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council and the Development Association.
With this year’s award ceremony, a total of 225 tourism services with family-friendly certification are now available to visitors in Harghita County. According to the organizers, every family can find the ideal accommodation, restaurant, program, or attraction for themselves.
The Family-friendly offerings are available on the Visit Harghita website (www.visitharghita.com) and mobile app, and an annual printed guide is also produced, presented at tourism fairs and events.
The Harghita Studio compilation can be viewed here: https://www.facebook.com
The following providers received the certificate:
ACCOMMODATION:
- Orgona Apartments – Miercurea Ciuc
- N37 – The Other House – Jigodin Ciuc
- Nova House Apartments – Delnița
- Casa de oaspeţi Sófalvi Guesthouse – Sântimbru
- Pensiunea Lali – Mădăraș
- Villa Bellini – Borsec
- Pensiunea Veranda – Remetea
- Pensiunea Romantika – Odorheiu Secuiesc
- Pensiunea Szeltersz – Lăzarea
- Eskaperdo Resort – Subcetate
- Pensiune & Camping Zetavár – Subcetate
- Flow House – Satu Mare
- Pensiunea Erdély Kincse – Sicasău
- Pensiunea Kovács – Praid
- Relax House Studio – Praid
- Pensiunea Farkas – Praid
- Pensiunea Molnár Guesthouse – Praid
- Prosilva House – Toplița
- Pensiunea Izabella – Toplița
- Casa Alex – Gălăuțaș
RESTAURANTS:
- Bellini Bistro – Borsec
- Restaurant Veranda – Remetea
- Restaurant Ski Varsag – Vărșag
FAMILY-FRIENDLY TOURISM PROGRAMS:
- Siberian Angel – Băile Harghita
- Magic Selfie House – Praid
- Club Sportiv Szirtisas Archery Club – Ocna de Sus
- Atelier de țesut / Weaving Workshop – Nicoleni
- Lobogó Bob – Băile Homorod
FAMILY-FRIENDLY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:
- Csíki Székely Museum – Miercurea Ciuc
- Márton Áron Museum
- Lázár Castle
- Henter Manor
FAMILY-FRIENDLY EVENTS:
- Running Festival Miercurea Ciuc
- Fuss Neki! Csík
- Fuss Neki! Gyergyó
- Fuss Neki! Udvarhely
- Saint Gellért Cross
Miercurea Ciuc, October 13, 2025
Focus on the future of tourism and gastronomy in Harghita County: the regional tourism conference organized for the fourth time
A conference focusing on gastronomy, challenges affecting tourism, and digital solutions will be organized in Harghita County.
The tourism organizations of Harghita, Mureș, and Covasna counties are organizing the Regional Tourism Conference for the fourth time, which will take place on October 15–16 at the Hotel Fenyő Conference & Spa in Miercurea Ciuc. This year’s main organizer is the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita).
The professional forum is primarily aimed at stakeholders of tourism in Szeklerland. Taking into account global trends and local characteristics, the conference aims to foster networking, support joint development, and present proven methods that can also be applied in practice. In this spirit, renowned experts and speakers have been invited.
Participation is recommended for tourism entrepreneurs, service providers, professionals, as well as representatives of educational institutions, local authorities, and local and regional organizations. Accommodation providers, restaurant managers, travel agencies, and other tourism service providers who are open to learning about new trends and opportunities are especially encouraged to attend.
Tourism is a rapidly changing sector, and the conference offers an opportunity for managers, marketers, and consultants to gain up-to-date knowledge about current trends, technologies, and innovations. Digitalization and artificial intelligence already provide tools in tourism that are essential for businesses to remain competitive.
Special emphasis will be placed on the fact that Harghita County will hold the title of European Region of Gastronomy in 2027, which will also be reflected in the conference presentations. Topics will include the role of local products in hospitality, the search for Transylvanian gastronomic identity, the tourism appeal of gastronomic events, future strategies and opportunities, and the prevention of food waste. A roundtable discussion will focus on gastronomy books published in Transylvania.
When designing the program, the challenges that emerged in connection with the events in Praid were also taken into account. With this in mind, participants can expect presentations that provide practical knowledge applicable in everyday work. Among the topics are the importance of database building, online advertising opportunities, the impact of visual content, the development of experience-based tourism products, and the use of accommodation booking systems.
The official opening of the conference will take place on Wednesday, October 15, at 9:20 a.m., when the leaders of the three counties will welcome participants. The detailed program and tickets are available on the conference.ro website.
Miercurea Ciuc, September 29, 2025.
Harghita County welcomes visitors with unique gastronomic experiences
Szeklerland is represented this year with its largest stand so far, covering 500 square meters, at Hungary’s largest agricultural and food industry exhibition in Budapest. A total of 47 producers from Harghita, Covasna, and Mureș counties are welcoming visitors with more than one hundred specialties.
The organization of the Szeklerland stand was undertaken by the Association of Szekler Farmers’ Organizations, whose mission is to support farmers and artisans from Szeklerland and to promote their values.
The stand’s offer includes handcrafted jams, syrups, aged cheeses, smoked meat products, honey, chocolates, award-winning fruit brandy (palinka) and wines. Among the participating producers are the Csengő and Nagy–Küküllő Agricultural Cooperative, the Csíkcsomortán Butcher–Charcuterie Manufactory and Kitchen, beekeepers, and Borbély Kürtőskalács.
OMÉK, organized between September 18–21 in Budapest at the HUNGEXPO venue, is not only a fair and exhibition but also a meeting point where cultural and economic connections are formed, strengthening the region’s presence on the Hungarian and international markets.
Visitors can taste hundreds of delicacies, meet the producers, and gain insight into the world of Szekler cuisine and craft traditions. In addition to gastronomic experiences, cultural programs will also enrich the event: the Harghita Szekler Folk Dance Theatre, the Háromszék Ensemble, and the Maros Artistic Ensemble will perform. The team of the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita) will also be present at the event, presenting tourism opportunities in the county.
Further details: https://omek.amc.hu/
Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, emphasized that since Harghita County will be the European Region of Gastronomy in 2027, it is particularly important to present the county’s values and producers at such prestigious events. For this reason, the Harghita County Cultural Center, in partnership with the Harghita County Council, supports participation in the event.
– We respectfully invite everyone who would like to discover the true values of Szeklerland: rich flavors, natural ingredients, and our welcoming communities. The “Szeklerland Island” is not merely a fair stand, but a place at Hungexpo where visitors can meet producers in person, learn their stories, taste traditional Szekler flavors and drinks, and get closer to the rich cultural and gastronomic heritage of Szeklerland. The fact that Szeklerland appears at OMÉK united, through the cooperation of the three counties, is in itself a value and a message.
Special thanks go to the Association of Szekler Farmers’ Organizations and to its president, István Becze, who through his work brings together the agricultural sector of the three Szekler counties. Without their committed activity, this joint presentation could not have been realized, where farmers and producers from Harghita, Covasna, and Mureș counties are all represented – emphasized the president of the County Council.
Through participation in the exhibition, a key objective of the Harghita County Council is to strengthen market access for farmers and artisans from Szeklerland and to present the region’s tourism and gastronomic values.
With the presence of the Harghita Community Development Association (Visit Harghita), Harghita County also draws visitors’ attention not only to flavors but to tourism opportunities, the beauty of the landscape, and living traditions.
Miercurea Ciuc, September 16, 2025
Image building and gastronomy at Tusványos!
Barna-Botond Bíró, president of the Harghita County Council, participated in two thematic discussions
On Wednesday, July 23, Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, participated in thematic panel discussions on the opportunities of image building in Harghoita County and the community-building and region-shaping role of gastronomy, within the framework of the 34th Bálványos Summer Free University and Student Camp – where issues determining the future of the region were put on the agenda.
At the noon panel discussion titled “Can we sell Seklerland? – Is it possible to spend on a Sekler image in Romania today – and is there an audience for it?”, Attila Csibi, president of the RMDSZ in Mureș County, András Peti, director of Transilvania Airport, and Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, took part.
The discussion focused on what tools, actors and experience-based content can be used to consciously build the regional brand of Seklerland and make it attractive to both domestic and international audiences.
During the panel discussion, the participants agreed that building the tourism and economic brand of Seklerland can only be successful with a data-driven, targeted and experience-based approach. Strengthening the Sekler image requires more than traditional communication – it is necessary to know the needs of visitors precisely and reach them with modern tools, such as digital marketing and influencer relations.
Participants highlighted the importance of regional cooperation, the role of culinary experiences, and the importance of airports in increasing the competitiveness of the region.
The future of regional tourism is unimaginable without well-functioning airports – it was stated during the discussion. Representatives of the counties of Seklerland emphasized that the development of air transport is not the interest of a single county, but of the entire region. Târgu Mureș Airport plays a key role, but smaller, alternative airports may also gain increasing importance in serving business and quality tourism.
Regarding regional cooperation, Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council, believes that common goals must be clarified precisely and unambiguously, and he is convinced that consensus is what strengthens joint work.
Taking into account the opportunities offered by tourism, he highlighted that Romania has excellent tourism assets – safety, value for money, and natural values – yet we are far behind other countries in the region in terms of infrastructure and central financing.
“We, in Harghita County have set ourselves the goal of rebuilding domestic tourism and presenting the values of Seklerland in a way that turns them into real experiences. We have launched a gastronomic revolution where not only restaurants are created, but culinary experiences – with chefs, concept and story.” As he said, the future of tourism lies in quality, positioning, and experience-based, authentic content.
Regarding the future of local self-governance, community advocacy, and the current political situation, the President of the Harghita County Council highlighted that in the coming years the focus will shift from building to defending.
“We must preserve what we have built together so far. We are not in Bucharest because it is easy, but because it is our duty to be where decisions are made, and to remain there as long as we have the opportunity to defend the rights and identity of our community.” According to him, we are currently living in a period when decisions are being made not only about resources but also about the institutional future of the Hungarian community in Transylvania, and in such situations one cannot stay on the outside – explained Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council.
In the afternoon he continued his participation in the panel discussion titled “Gastronomy as a region-building force – the road from Harghita to Europe”, which focused on the gastronomic values of Transylvania and Seclerland, as well as the tourism and identity-shaping role of culinary heritage.
During the discussion, Károly Szabó, executive director of the Harghita Community Development Association, István Becze, president of the Association of Sekler Farmers’ Organizations, Szabolcs Fazakas, the creator of Mini Transylvania Park and Legendarium, and Mónika Kozma also shared their experiences.
The panel discussion mainly focused on gastronomy and on the title of European Region of Gastronomy 2027, whose aim is to unite and develop local gastronomic values and actors – restaurants, producers and communities.
During the discussion, Barna-Botond Bíró emphasized that the gastronomy year is not merely a title but a community project – its goal is to bring together and organize local values into a system.
“We do not want to be on the front line, but to support from the background those who have preserved the tastes of Seklerland for generations. This is an identity-strengthening initiative, not a political flag, but a driver pushing the cart of the local community,” emphasized Barna-Botond Bíró, President of the Harghita County Council.
Miercurea Ciuc, July 23, 2025.
Family-friendly programs strengthen community life in Harghita County
Record number of applications submitted for the support program
There was great interest in Harghita County Council’s 2025 grant program supporting activities for families. This year, a total of 60 applications were submitted, of which 38 received funding.
Notably, among the winning applications, eight projects will use the funding to organize Children’s Day events across several localities in the county.
With the support of Harghita County Council, various associations and organizations will ensure that the youngest participants can enjoy fun and engaging programs in Racu, Mihăileni, Miercurea Ciuc, Cozmeni , Odorheiu Secuiesc, Sânpaul, Frumoasa, and Vârșag.
The goal of the grant program supporting family-oriented activities remains to create a family-friendly environment, strengthen intergenerational relationships, and provide shared community experiences for families.
In line with this objective, the supported activities include forums, meetings, conferences, and discussions on family topics; educational and catch-up programs for disadvantaged families living in deep poverty; as well as children’s and baby-mother programs.
With a budget of 80,000 RON, this year numerous valuable events, presentations, conferences, and community gatherings can take place across the county.
It is particularly noteworthy that eight Children’s Day programs are included among the supported events, and the associations will also organize several family-oriented meetings and community events. These events help strengthen local communities and provide families with opportunities for quality time together.
Interest in the family-friendly grant program is also reflected in the steadily increasing budget over recent years. While 70,000 RON was available annually in 2022, 2023, and 2024, this amount increased to 80,000 RON in 2025, reflecting that Harghita County Council places special emphasis on supporting programs for families.
According to Barna-Botond Bíró, President of Harghita County Council, supporting family-friendly programs is not only a current need but also a long-term investment in the future of our communities.
“Where the family is strong, the community stands on solid foundations. These events provide opportunities for togetherness, mutual attention, and for strengthening the values upon which we are building Harghita County’s future: unity, intergenerational dialogue, and solidarity,” said Barna-Botond Bíró, President of Harghita County Council.
Miercurea Ciuc, 30 May 2025
4. “DISPOZIŢIILE AUTORITĂŢII EXECUTIVE”
5. “DOCUMENTE ŞI INFORMAŢII FINANCIARE”
- Situația funcțiilor din cadrul Consiliului Județean Harghita
6. “ALTE DOCUMENTE”
