Izvoare: Wildlife Park, Water-Powered Sawmill and Horse Riding

Ivo’s (Izvoare’s) wildlife park covers 320 hectares. Rivers run through the park, while mountains surround the area. This means that expansive areas, waterways and the mountain-dominated surroundings meet directly within the park grounds.

Nature

Pârâul stătător Izvoare is an artificial canal. The canal was 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 is flowing uphill. When descending into the valley, an unusual water phenomenon therefore takes centre stage: The canal appears to flow uphill, contrary to the expected direction. The canal’s artificial construction and its barely perceptible gradient are among the special features of this waterway.

On the Way

Harghita-Mădăraș can be reached via Izvoare along a paved road. The CR trail connects the village of Izvoare with Harghita-Mădăraș. Via the Fagul-Înalt Valley, the route initially passes through a named section of the valley. It then continues through the Șopotul Valley. For planning your day, the trail can be classified as approximately 10 kilometres long, with more than 800 metres of elevation gain and a duration of around 4.5 hours. The figures for length, elevation gain and duration describe an extensive tour between the village and Harghita-Mădăraș. An e-bike tour can travel from the village of Izvoare up to Harghita-Mădăraș. The e-bike ascent also ends at Harghita-Mădăraș.

Culture

In the municipality of Zetea, numerous sawmills were in operation in earlier centuries. These facilities were powered by water. The forest-rich area favoured their operation. Other necessary conditions included fast-flowing mountain rivers. These rivers carried large amounts of water and had a steep gradient. Thus, in the municipality of Zetea, abundant forests, high water flow and a steep gradient came together as conditions for operating the facilities. The water-powered sawmill in Izvoare is currently the only functioning water-powered sawmill in the central part of Romania. Izvoare therefore preserves a functioning example of this water-powered sawmill tradition.

Other Places

Other places: Dittersdorf, Praid, Bălan, Lacu Roșu, Făgeţel, Valea Rece, Păuleni-Ciuc, Senetea

Horse Riding

Ivo Riding Ranch was founded in 2008 as a small family business. It was established in the valley of the village of Izvoare in the municipality of Zetea, Harghita County. Ivo Riding Ranch is practically home to the only Icelandic horse stud in Romania. The ranch offers horse-riding opportunities for beginners and advanced riders. Beginners are explicitly catered for in the riding activities. Advanced riders are also among the stated experience levels. In addition to its founding history, the ranch’s focus is therefore clearly defined: The offering is aimed at riders with different levels of experience and is connected with the Icelandic horse stud.

For the higher-level travel overview: Harghita.