Harghita-Madaras (1801 m) - The highest mountain!

Harghita Madaras (1801 m above sea level)
Access: via asphalt road through a coniferous forest up to the mountain lodge, from where the peak can be reached on foot (approx. 2+2 km walking).

Access to Harghita Madaras
Starting from Odorheiu Secuiesc towards Miercurea Ciuc, turn left at Fenyéd onto county road 138 towards Gheorgheni. After passing Târnăvița and Zetea, turn right at Subcetate and leave the paved road.

Continue for about 10 km along the Ivo Valley, then turn right again into the Filio Valley. After another 9 km, you will reach the mountain lodge.

Note:
At the barrier near the Filio junction, a road fee of approximately 2 EUR per car is charged.
In winter, access is recommended only with 4x4 vehicles or snow chains.
Since 2015, the road to the lodge has been asphalted, making it accessible by any type of car.

About Harghita Madaras
From the lodge, the peak can be reached in about one hour. The route has no steep sections, making it an easy and pleasant walk with gentle inclines. It is definitely worth the hike, especially in good weather conditions.

It is often said that one has not truly visited Székely Land without climbing this “Sacred Mountain.” As you ascend, the panorama gradually opens up, and at the summit, you are rewarded with breathtaking views—almost the entire Transylvania stretches out before you.

The atmosphere at the top is unique, enhanced by stone piles, inscriptions, crosses, and traditional carved wooden poles (kopjafas), giving the place a mystical character.

Geographical features
Harghita Madaras is the highest peak of the Harghita Mountains and Székely Land, representing the northern rim of a former stratovolcanic crater.

Other peaks of the crater include:

Oltárkő (1358 m)
Rákosi-Harghita (1755 m)
Madéfalvi-Harghita (1709 m)
Csicsói-Harghita (1756 m)
The crater has a diameter of about 5 km. From its southern side originates the Vârghiș stream, the longest watercourse of the range.

The mountain is often referred to as the “Sacred Mountain of the Székelys.”

Ski slopes at Harghita Madaras
Harghita Madaras is one of the most popular ski resorts in Transylvania, located 36 km from Odorheiu Secuiesc.

Total slope length: approx. 4.5 km
Altitude: 1500–1760 m
Season: mid-December to mid-April (sometimes until May)
Ski lift hours: 10:00–16:00
Mountain rescue service: available 24/7
Ski equipment rental, passes, and lessons are available at the Súgó Pension.

Lifts:

platter lift – 650 m
T-bar lift – 700 m
beginner lift – 200 m
Súgó slope
The most well-known and popular slope.

Length: 700–850 m
Vertical drop: 90–135 m
The upper section is wide and ideal for beginners, while the lower part becomes narrower and steeper (known as the “wall”), suitable for more advanced skiers.

In good snow conditions, the route can be extended up to approximately 2 km.

Other slopes:
beginner slope – 100 m
blue slope – 1500 m
red slope – 1500 m
black slope – 600 m
extreme slope – 700 m

Main slopes: Súgó, Mihály, Zărug, Vârghiș

Mihály slope
Length: approx. 800 m
Vertical drop: approx. 206 m
A steeper slope recommended for experienced skiers.

We wish you a pleasant stay!