Sovata is a very special location in the central part of Romania. Part of historical Transylvania, it is known for it’s heliothermic Lake Ursu (or the Bear Lake), beautiful scenery, salt mountains, and Romanian-Hungarian community. It is a resort dedicated to relaxation and recovery, and if you are looking for some days to relax after hiking Via Transilvanica or recovering from many days of hard work, then this is the place to go.
Fun fact: you can hear Hungarian, Romanian and a bit of German and English spoken in the ressort.
Tower – A good day involves a nice view
The tower in Sovata offers a beautiful view and a nice relaxing hike that rewards you with a beautiful city view. I would suggest going in the evening to catch the sunset, but if you are returning through the park, you will need a headlamp. Also, it is free to enter.
Location: Google Maps
Lakes – Relaxation and therapy
The Ursu Lake, or in Romanian, Lake Bear, is a unique lake as it is extremely salty, being described as the Dead Sea of Europe. Also, it is a unique heliothermic lake that basically accumulates the energy of the sun and is warm throughout the year, keeping a constant warm temperature of 29 degrees Celsius.
Location: Google Maps
A bit further away from Ursu Lake, you have Tivoli Lake, a quaint small lake where you can take a boat and just go rowing. It is more calm and less crowded, and during the summer it has an adventure park open nearby.
Location: Google Maps
And if you want a more local and less crowded swimming lake, there is Lacul Mierlei. I would suggest just going for a walk here. This area feels more like an oasis of silence and not the crowded Ursu Lake and is really easy to get to if you are in a hiking mood.
Location: Google Maps
Walk
Most of Sovata feels like a walk in the park. You have the Bear Lake Promenade that includes quite a few interesting experiences.
View of the lakes
The walk around the lake offers multiple small lakes and unique experiences in the surrounding forests.
Location: Google Maps
Sensory experience
One of the more interesting experiences to be had is walking on different textures of rocks, wood, and pebbles.
Location: Google Maps
Cute little street art
You will find these bad boys all across town, especially in the park around the lake, but they are one of those small things that make this experience wonderful.
Location: Sorry, you will have to explore on your own, but they are in the park around the lakes.
Food
Sovata has plenty of places to eat and doesn’t feel like you will make a mistake. Just know most of the places to eat are quite touristy.
Ciuperca Mica
It is the type of fancy place that you would like to go for a date. Romantic view of the lake, terraces that keep you close to nature, and really good food. The prices are a bit steep, but they have something to die for: the garlic soup served in bread… I would go there just for that soup; this is how good it is.
Location: Google Maps
Restaurant Paprika
We tried the goulash there, and it was really tasty. It is close to the lake and it has a nice view. Reviews are mixed on other stuff, so I might stick with the goulash.
Location: Google Maps
Accommodation
Overall, the whole area is touristy and, in my opinion, a bit pricey for Romanian standards. If you are driving, the suggestion below can be interesting. My pro tip is staying in Praid and driving to Sovata as you get better price quality. But don’t get me wrong, you can find some really interesting accommodations in Sovata too, but less bang for your buck.
Praid is also close by, and you can go on an adventure:
Dracula's Guide to Romania 
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