Terra Siculorum: The Land of the Székelys
157 kilometers through a region with a distinct identity: salt mountains, thermal lakes, hand-carved wooden gates, and boundless hospitality.
Region Overview & History
Terra Siculorum is the Latin name for Szeklerland (Székely Land), spanning parts of Mureș and Harghita counties. Here, you will trade the Romanian greeting for the Hungarian “Jó napot!”: the vast majority of the local population belongs to the Székely community, medieval guardians of the eastern borders who have preserved their language, ancient runic script, cuisine, and equestrian traditions intact.
It is one of the most balanced regions along the entire Via Transilvanica: every stage blends beech forests and wildflower meadows with vibrant, welcoming villages.
Key Locations on Google Maps
- The Land of Salt (Sovata & Praid): 📍 Bear Lake (Lacul Ursu, Sovata) —the largest heliothermal lake in the world—, the 📍 Praid Salt Mine (Salina Praid), and the 📍 Praid Salt Canyon.
- Traditional Crafts & Viewpoints: The pottery and artisan village of 📍 Corund and the 22-meter lookout monument 📍 Heart of Jesus Statue (Lupeni).
- Historic Towns & UNESCO Fortified Churches: The historic center of 📍 Odorheiu Secuiesc, the UNESCO World Heritage gem 📍 Dârjiu Fortified Unitarian Church, and the fortified church of 📍 Archita.
Stage Table, Duration & Locations
| Stage | Section (Google Maps Links) | Distance | Est. Time | Ascent + | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 📍 Câmpu Cetății – 📍 Sovata | 17 km | 6 h | +608 m | Easy |
| 2 | 📍 Sovata – 📍 Praid | 17 km | 6 h | +242 m | Easy |
| 3 | 📍 Praid – 📍 Atia | 17 km | 5.5 h | +530 m | Easy / Medium |
| 4A / 4B | 📍 Atia – 📍 Lupeni (via 📍 Corund on Var. B) | 15 / 19 km | 5 / 6.5 h | +450 / +580 m | Easy / Medium |
| 5 | 📍 Lupeni – 📍 Odorheiu Secuiesc | 24 km | 7 h | +520 m | Medium |
| 6 | 📍 Odorheiu Secuiesc – 📍 Mărtiniș | 20 km | 6 h | +490 m | Easy / Medium |
| 7 | 📍 Mărtiniș – 📍 Dârjiu | 21 km | 6.5 h | +460 m | Medium |
| 8 | 📍 Dârjiu – 📍 Archita | 22 km | 6.5 h | +550 m | Medium |
Accommodations & Infrastructure
Comfort & warm family hospitality: From spa resorts and hotels in Sovata, Praid, and Odorheiu Secuiesc to charming family-run Székely guesthouses (such as Barangoló Panzió in Lupeni or homestays in Atia, Mărtiniș, and Dârjiu) and Unitarian parish rooms. Virtually every stage offers village shops, drinking water fountains, and reliable mobile coverage.