5 Brilliant Things to do in Sovata & Beyond | The Best of the Salt Region in Romania
There are so many awesome things to do in Sovata, Romania’s unique Salt Region. Many Romanians flock to the resort town of Sovata, yet barely any tourists make it to this diverse and worthwhile village nestled so picturesquely in the dense Carpathian Mountains. Stop what you’re doing, and add it to your Romania bucket-list.
The very best of this unique region is scattered between the two villages of Sovata and Praid and is still “off the beaten path” in the wildly popular Transylvania region. These two salty cities each come with their own special highlights and activities.
Romania’s “salt country” includes awesome activities from soaking in mud pools, thermal pools, nature hikes, to a quirky underground Salt Amusement Park. The most important thing to do in Sovata is simply relax and unwind.
Many of these things to do in Sovata and the surrounding salt country are budget friendly.
Psst…One of the best healing pools is free!
Here’s 5 delightful things to do in Sovata, and other worthwhile places in Romania’s salt country.
Table of Contents
- How To Reach Sovata via Public Transportation
- Bear Lake Natural Reserve | Parcul Natural Lacul Ursu
- Visit the Sovata Farmers’ Market
- Explore a Hiking Trail
- Things to do in Sovata | Take a Full Day Trip to Praid
- Where to Stay in Sovata
- Final Thoughts | Things to do in Sovata & Beyond
How to Reach Sovata via Public Transportation
Where is Sovata Romania? This city is located in Mures County, not too far from the popular hilltop medieval village of Sighisoara.
It’s no lie that reaching the salt region can be difficult via public transportation. Sovata is easier to reach than Praid, since there are a few more bus connections between these transportation hubs.
Sighisoara to Sovata by Bus
It’s possible to take a local bus to Sovata. There’s only one direct bus that leaves daily; however, there are a few more options for those who don’t mind a transfer, or two.
Direct Bus to Sovata | Bus Station Location: Str. Libertatii, 58, Platform 4 | Departure time: 8:10 a.m., can depart late | One-Way Fare: 25 Lei ($6 USD) | Duration: a little over an hour | Always verify the timetable and remember there are more bus options that aren’t direct
Important | The biggest downfall of the direct bus is it drops on the far outskirts of town at the MOL gas station. The bus drivers are usually friendly and will help call a taxi if need be. On my arrival, there were no public buses running. To save money, I took the mile and a half stroll into town. The walk is enjoyable and passes by the bustling local market and a plethora of multiple drinking fountains. A taxi is available and easy to hail if walking into town is not feasible.
Targu Mures to Sovata by Bus
There are also usually multiple buses from the city of Targu Mures to Sovata. If all else fails, multiple buses run frequently between Sighisoara and Targu Mures.
Targu Mures to Sovata | Bus Station Location: Str. Doja Gheorghe 143 | Bus Company: Balint Trans | Average One-Way Fare: 20 Lei ($4.75 USD) | Duration: 1.5 hours | Verify the timetable here & Purchase online ticket
Bear Lake Natural Reserve | Parcul Natural Lacul Ursu
Just shy of 200 acres, this sprawling Nature Reserve is one of the most popular things to do in Sovata. Better yet, it’s the heart of the town. There are multiple salt lakes that line the Reserve, and surprisingly, there is lush vegetation that surround these lakes making them extremely unique. The salty mud that is extracted from the bottom is said to help aid in healing anything from arthritis, nervous system disorders, blood diseases, and most notably, gynecological issues.
Ursu actually translates to “bear.” Sovata and the whole region is located in the Carpathian Mountain range, and the bear sightings are prevalent. This park is usually busy and fairly packed, so the brown bears are more timid and won’t usually show their faces here.
It’s free to walk through the park and enjoy the healing powers of the salt. However, almost all of the lakes come with a fee to soak in their magic waters. There are ways to get around this, so read on to find out those tips and lakes!
At the entrance of the Bear Lake Natural Reserve is a nice map with lots of useful information.
Bear Lake | Lacul Ursu
Bear Lake (Lacul Ursu Sovata) is the most popular and busiest lake in the Lake Ursu Natural Reserve. It boasts Europe’s largest heliothermal salt lake, so people crowd here to bathe in the medicinal waters all year round. The information board states that this lake has the highest healing properties, but could it also be that it is also the most famous and expensive in the park? We may never know.
Due to its popularity, Bear Lake is usually filled with people. I don’t know about you, but it’s not how I like to relax. Looking not very serene, nor maybe the most hygienic, I opted to pass by this congested lake. This lake would best suit those travelers searching for something more commercialized with proper facilities and seating options. If you choose to opt out of this salty lake, head in deeper into the bountiful Natural Reserve.
Lacul Ursu Sovata Logistics | Located in Bear Lake Natural Reserve | Hours: Daily, 10:00-18:00, there is a mandatory break from 13:00-15:00, No one is permitted to swim in the lake during this time | Standard Admission: 30 RON ($7.25 USD) This is solely the basic entrance fee, lounge chair & amenities cost more | Facebook Page
Lake Mierlei | Lacul Mierlei
Lake Mierlei is completely FREE, and offers the same health benefits as Bear Lake. There are less people, and it is found deeper in the Natural Reserve. Soaking in this lake is a more primitive experience and is surrounded by lush trees. Farther down this path is the popular Turnul Belvedere, a lookout tower with around 120 steps.
One of the best things to do in Sovata at Lake Mierlei is to roll around in the mud with the locals!
Only a three minute walk from the lake sits a more barren section of the park. Look for locals sitting here, covering themselves in the nutrient rich clay. They are utilizing the natural salt mineral baths. Want to do as the locals do? Follow this regiment before jumping in the refreshing lake!
How To Play in the Therapeutic Mud Pools
- Find a mud pond that looks extra gooey. The consistency should feel more like clay than mud.
- Rub the nutrient rich clay all over your body. Some people only focus on their regions of discomfort, while others slather up their entire body. Don’t forget your face!
- Lay in the sun and the mud will bake on you.
- After you’re done baking, soak in the luke-warm salty mud baths. Scrub-off the dried, fussy clay.
- Repeat as many times as desired!
- Finally, clean off in the salty lake and float with the locals in Lacul Mierlei
One of the most authentic experiences and things to do in Sovata is to roll and play in the mud! I swear it’s good for you!
There’s no time limit when playing in the therapeutic mud pool of Bear Lake Natural Park, well except for when it closes. This is a super relaxing activity that will leave your skin feeling soft, baby-smooth and rejuvenated.
Do as the Locals Do | Many of the locals carry a few empty 2 liter water bottles and shove as much mud as they can fit into them. I was having some serious FOMO and a little jealously that I couldn’t carry 4 liters of mud with me on the plane.
Visit the Sovata Saturday Farmers’ Market
One of the most authentic things to do in Sovata is to swing by the Saturday Farmer’s Market. Hopefully, you’ll be visiting in season to witness this bustling and colorful market in full swing. At the market, find heaps of fresh produce, including the popular peppers that seem to make an appearance in many of the traditional dishes. There’s everything at this market from fresh cheeses, flowers, to small food stalls.
Notice how many of the vendors still use old fashioned bucket scales. Many of the vendors set up on tables, but a few choose to sell out of their cars.
The Saturday Morning Market is bustling and it’s a great place to people watch, or pickup the freshest produce at a fair price.
Sovata Saturday Farmers’ Market | Hours: 7:00 – 14:00 | Find it here: Strada Trandafirilor
Explore a Hiking Trail
Sovata, Romania is nestled in the stunning Carpathian Mountain range, as in it’s possible to be deep into the forest only a few minutes walk out of town. Hence, one of the best things to do in Sovata is to explore and wander along a nature path. In Sovata, there’s a diverse range of hiking trails, including paths for all levels of experience.
It’s important to exercise caution while hiking almost anywhere in this region. The bears are quite prevalent within Sovata and the surrounding salt country. Locals love to tell you their most unforgettable “bear tales.” It may be wise to carry bear spray, especially if hiking alone. Spray can be purchased while in Romania.
The Tourist Information in town is the best place to get details on the different hiking trails in the region. They’ve compiled a brief list here, but are super friendly and willing to help if you stop in.
➯ Hey… don’t forget your Travel Insurance! I love SafetyWing
Psst…
The Carpathian Mountains are a real treasure and sprawl across seven countries in Europe. Want to explore more beautiful places in the Carpathian Mountains? Check out these related blog posts.
Things to do in Sovata | Take a Full Day Trip to Praid
Although highly commercialized from the popular Salina Praid, the village of Praid offers different salty experiences than Sovata. Praid has the stunning and beautiful Salt Hill Nature Reserve. Of course, there’s the famous underground Salt Mine Praid that feels more like an amusement park. Taking a full day trip to the village of Praid is one of the best things to do in Sovata.
Itinerary Tip | For those travelers visiting independently, it’s best to tour the Salt Hill Nature Reserve first, followed by the underground Salt Mine.
How To Visit Praid from Sovata
There are three ways to visit Praid from Sovata. Either take public transportation (bus), a private shuttle, or join a private tour. Since it’s so easy to reach Praid, I highly suggest visiting on your own terms and take the bus or shuttle.
Sovata to Praid via Public Transportation | Bus
It’s possible to take the bus from Sovata to Praid. Buses depart from Sovata’s main bus station, which is located near another popular salt pool, “Black Lake.” There’s a nice coffee shop at the bus terminal, creatively called: Bus Stop. It’s an excellent place to grab a cheap coffee while waiting for the bus!
Sovata to Praid by Bus | Departure Location: off Strada Bradului | One-Way Fare: 5 Lei ($1.25 USD) Duration: 25 minutes | Verify the bus schedule which is posted at the station | Buses drop in the center of Praid near the Salt Mine ticket office
Take the first bus, which departs at 10:10 a.m.
Private Shuttle
There are private shuttles that run from the helpful Tourist Information Center. The shuttles fill up fast. Make sure to reserve your spot at least a day in advance.
Private Shuttle Sovata to Praid | Departure Location: Strada Trandafirilor 115 | One-Way Fare: 8 Lei ($2 USD) | Shuttles depart on the hour, but will wait around to take last minute stragglers if it is not full | Duration: 25 minutes | Buses drop right at the parking lot of the Praid Salt Mine ticket office
Explore Salt Hill Nature Reserve | Rezervația Naturală Dealul Sării
Usually, the line for the popular Salt Mine is at least one hour long just to purchase an admission ticket, so head over first to explore the truly underrated Salt Hill Nature Reserve.
The Nature Reserve is extremely, beautiful, quiet, and peaceful, and is jam-packed with awesome things to see. There are remnants of old mining facilities, interesting facts about salt (who would have thought salt could be so fascinating?!), bizarrely beautiful salt cliffs, and more mud baths to roll around in. The reserve itself is lovely and is a highlight of Romania’s salt region.
Salt Hill Nature Reserve Logistics | Standard Admission Ticket: 8 Lei ($2 USD) | Hours: Daily 10:00 – 18:00 | Excursion Duration: +/- 3 Hours | Official Website (In Romanian)
Three hours is a sufficient amount of time in the park; however, it’s so peaceful that it would be easy to spend more time here, like a whole day. I was able to walk all of the trails, stop at all the highlights of the park, and even squeeze in a few cycles in the mud baths. Pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic, but please note the many bear signs posted around the park.
The Best Way to Self-Tour Salt Hill Nature Reserve
There are two entrances into the Salt Hill Nature Reserve from Praid. The most convenient and probably the best entrance is on “Strada Minei.” From where the bus drops, it’s an easy 15 minute stroll to the entrance of the Reserve. Upon entrance, there is a small, but detailed enough map given that provides a pleasant self-guided tour around the park.
The trails are extremely well marked, but the little included map does help. Each pin on the map has a physical sign board of information in the actual park (in English, too).
The trail makes a loop, so when ready to depart, exit from the path that leads to the main road “Strada Nádasfő.” These views are the absolute best views of the entire reserve. With surrounding rolling hills, it is an epic way to end the visit. From this exit, the Salt Mine ticket office is less than 20 minutes away along a downhill sidewalk.
Mud Baths in Salt Hill Nature Reserve
The mud baths in Salt Hill Nature Reserve are also worth a pit-stop. The mud here is richer, resulting in a darker, almost black color. There are only a few small natural salt baths here, but there are less people soaking here than in the mud pools Sovata.
The baths here seem to be a little more “finished,” probably due to the entrance fee to the park. There is not a salt lake to rinse off in, but instead, a fresh water river.
Tip | If heading to the Praid Salt Mine next, make sure to bring a towel and a dry set of clothes. The salt mine is very cool, so you’ll want to be dry and have extra layers.
Visit the Underground Salt Mine Praid | Salina Praid
The Salt Mines in Praid is one of the main reasons so many people make travel to Romania’s salt region in the first place. Salt Mine Praid has been visited for years, especially by those seeking its healing powers.
Today, it really doesn’t feel much like a sacred space for treatments. Salt Mine Praid is ultimately an underground amusement park. The serenity of this place seems to be constantly interrupted by people playing ping-pong and badminton, the noisy pinging of arcade games, and yes, there are even people selling those fun plastic glow in the dark launchers in the sky. Ask my head about that one!
The idea was to provide engaging activities to those receiving treatments, basically to help them pass the hours of time that was recommended. Now, there is everything from a church, restaurant, bar, cafeteria, a ropes course, a playground, and plenty of video arcade games to play.
Salt Mine Praid Logistics | Hours & Fees: Monday – Friday 8:00-18:00, 30 Lei ($7.25 USD) / Saturday-Sunday 8:00-18:00, 35 Lei ($8.50 USD)
A Note on Hours
The Salt Mine is usually open from 8:00 – 18:00. It’s important to note that during holidays and the off-season, they close at 16:00, and sometimes during busy season they stay open until 20:00. The last entrance is permitted an hour before closing. Make sure to verify the operating hours, especially if planning to spend the morning at Salt Hill. Check Salina Praid’s hours here.
Healing Powers of Salt Mine Praid
The Salt Mine in Praid opened its door for underground treatments in 1960. It is important to remember that there are still people using this mine as a medical facility. Patients with respiratory issues, especially asthma, are the main beneficiaries of this facility. It’s crazy to think that the salt from Praid is said to have formed almost 20-22 million years ago!
For those seeking treatment, it is recommended to spend 4 hours in the underground Salt Mine in Praid. For me, I felt okay spending a little less. Two hours was sufficient to walk around and see some of the highlights of the Salt Mine Praid, but then again, I also didn’t rent or participate in any recreational activities.
Tip | It’s cold down here! Pack some layers and warm clothes, even in the middle of summer.
Highlights of Salt Mine Praid
On top of all the interactive things to do in the Salt Mine Praid, don’t miss these highlights.
There is a small, but worthwhile area that houses a make-shift museum. The panels and the history of the Romania Salt Region are very interesting. It would be nice if they would expand on this in the near future.
The small underground church in the Salt Mine Praid is worth a gander. There is an alter and lots of pews to rest and enjoy some solitude. Find sculptures and a wood-carved manger scene. Can you see someone out of place here?
On the way out, make sure not to miss the viewpoint of “Iosif Mine.” It is hidden in the back corner. The salt has taken over the walls and the ceiling. There is a significant difference in the air around the mine. Take in those deep breaths!
Near the hallway next to the “Iosif Mine” is a large section dedicated to wine. They do wine tastings here, but none were happening on the day of my visit.
There is a lot of art work drawn on the walls and a few sculptures. Take a few minutes to appreciate these murals. When it’s time to exit, wait for the complementary shuttle bus that will whisk you back to the main ticket office in under 5 minutes. These shuttles depart every 10 minutes or so.
Where to Stay in Sovata
Teleki Hotel is an excellent lodging option while exploring Sovata and beyond. Find shared and private rooms for those budget conscious travelers. The hostel rooms are located on the top floor, and it has a comfy balcony with epic views of the Carpathian Mountains. It’s located a little uphill from Bear Lake, but a casual 10 minute walk from town. Teleki Hotel is clean, quiet, and includes a sufficient breakfast. After exploring the best things to do in Sovata, it’s nice to relax a little ways out of town. Check their availability here!
Final Thoughts | Things to do in Sovata & Beyond
The salt region of Romania is an awesome “off the beaten path” experience that few travelers get to experience. There are so many worthwhile things to do in Sovata and in the nearby village of Praid. It’s the perfect location to kick back and relax while exploring all the beautiful treasures of Romania and Transylvania.
Sovata can be a challenge to reach without a car, but with a little bit of patience and flexibility it is possible! Once in Sovata, it’s easy to zip between Sovata and Praid. Both Sovata and Praid offer very distinct landscapes and activities. Some of the best things to do in Sovata include the salt in some form, but there’s also an abundance of nature.
Beyond the salt region of Sovata, there are tons of forests to explore in the Carpathian Mountains. Not far away is a hidden and extinct volcano in the middle of the forest, a true gem that is visited frequently by the bears. With many things to do in Sovata and beyond, it would be easy to spend at least a week in this region exploring small town after small town. This region is filled with untouched natural riches.
Have you experienced Romania’s Salt Region? Did you make it to the towns of Sovata or Praid? What are some other things to do in Sovata that I’m missing? Would you roll around in the salty mud baths? Let me know in the comments below!
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