Izvoare – Trails, Wildlife Park and Water Sawmill

Izvoare is currently home to the only functioning water-powered sawmill in the central part of Romania. Ivo’s (Izvoare’s) wildlife park covers 320 hectares.

Trails and travel

The CR trail connects the village of Izvoare with Harghita-Mădăraș, running through the Fagul-Înalt Valley and then through the Șopotul Valley. From Izvoare to Harghita-Mădăraș, it is approximately 10 km long, has an elevation gain of more than 800 metres and takes about 4.5 hours. Harghita-Mădăraș can be reached via Izvoare along a paved road. An e-bike tour can travel from the locality of Izvoare up to Harghita-Mădăraș. The differing information about the trail, road and e-bike tour can be considered separately.

The information about distance, elevation gain and duration makes the CR trail readable in three separate dimensions. Together with the road surface and the e-bike information, this provides a factual overview of the different forms of travel embedded in the local and mountain context.

Nature and water

Ivo’s (Izvoare’s) wildlife park extends over 320 hectares, is crossed by rivers and is surrounded by mountains. Pârâul stătător Izvoare is an artificial canal built in the mid-20th century. Because of the very slight difference in elevation, people descending into the Izvoare Valley get the impression that the canal flows uphill.

The park thus combines an expansive landscape shaped by rivers and mountains with an artificial canal. In the case of the canal, its construction date, slight difference in elevation and the unusual perception of the direction of flow come together as distinct features.

Water, forest and craftsmanship

In the commune of Zetea, numerous water-powered sawmills were in operation in earlier centuries. This was favoured by the forested surroundings as well as the fast-flowing mountain rivers with high water levels and steep gradients. This combination of forest abundance, water flow and gradient describes the conditions under which the former craft was widespread in the commune.

Ivo Riding Ranch was founded in 2008 as a small family business in the valley of the locality of Izvoare in the commune of Zetea, Harghita County. Ivo Riding Ranch is home to practically the only stud farm for Icelandic horses in Romania. Ivo Riding Ranch offers horse-riding opportunities for beginners and advanced riders. The year of foundation, type of business and the two levels of experience each characterise the ranch’s offering from a distinct perspective.

Izvoare therefore brings together trails through valleys, water engineering, former water-powered technology and the riding opportunities offered by Ivo Riding Ranch. The locations mentioned range from Harghita-Mădăraș through the commune of Zetea to Harghita County, combining aspects of nature, craftsmanship and experiences without presenting them as a single programme.

Accommodation in Izvoare

For a trip to Izvoare, hotels on the offers page can be considered based on travel dates, room category and cancellation conditions. The period, desired room type and conditions for changes or cancellation form separate points of comparison. This keeps the accommodation decision aligned with your personal circumstances.

Other places

Băile Homorod, Lunca De Jos, Valea Rece, Borzont, Lazarea, Borsec, Tulgheş, Praid

For the higher-level travel overview: Harghita.