Gorge of Varghis — Attraction in Merești

🧭Varghis Gorge is an outstanding natural beauty attracting tourists from all over the world, but no matter how much you think you’ve seen, you’ll always be surprised to hear about yet another beautiful part of the country you had no clue about. This will probably be the case with the Varghis Gorges, a nature reserve spreading over the border between the Covasna and Harghita counties, which has remained somewhat of a secret destination. The area takes the name of the Varghis river that passes through it and it is one of the most beautiful parts of Transylvania. It is perfect to visit on a quick weekend trip when you want to get out of your city, and relatively easy to reach from many of Romania’s regions since it’s near the center of the country.

ℹ️One important thing to know about the Varghis Gorges is that there are over 120 caves, some of which tourists can explore, and these caves all host the largest bat colonies in the country – 17 of the over 30 species of bats in Romania can be found in the area.

💡The largest cave, in Meresti village, has a total length of 1,527 meters and takes about two hours to explore in its entirety. Other spectacular caves include the Horse Cave and the Tatars Cave.

📍Besides hiking through the gorges on three different routes that are well-signaled with signs and markings, tourists can also swim in the river surrounded by high cliffs and find a wide variety of plant and animal species that are protected by law. Camping is only permitted in a designated area, where you’ll pay a...

George of Varghis is a compelling and thought-provoking narrative that blends emotion, identity, and spiritual exploration with striking depth. The story follows George, a man caught between cultural expectations and personal beliefs, navigating the complexities of faith, family, and individuality. The protagonist’s journey is portrayed with emotional authenticity, offering readers a deeply human experience marked by internal conflict and transformation.

One of the standout features of the work is its nuanced depiction of tradition and modernity. The writing is rich, descriptive, and reflective, pulling the reader into George’s world with vivid detail. The author masterfully explores themes such as religious devotion, generational trauma, and the weight of societal norms without resorting to cliché. George’s interactions with other characters are layered and meaningful, serving as mirrors to his own growth.

The pacing is steady, allowing the character development to unfold naturally. The climax is particularly powerful, delivering a poignant message about reconciliation and self-acceptance. By the end, George emerges not only as a transformed individual but also as a symbol of resilience and grace.

Overall, George of Varghis is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant story that invites reflection on the universal quest for identity and belonging. It is a memorable and...

Spectacular view and, based on the route, it can be a one afternoon getaway (4-6 hours) or a weekend camping trip. The trails are well kept. The entry price is 5 lei per adult, 3 lei per student and 5 lei for cars. The blue Cross trail in particular takes around 1 1/2 - 2 hours and it's alongside the river trough the gorges - so no climbing or descending - also fairly easy for people that are new to hiking. There will be a couple suspended bridges to cross and a couple portions where you will have to climb short sections with chains on them, but overall the trail is very easy. Would recommend having proper footwear as it can be slippery in some places and water as I haven't seen any freshwater springs along the trail. This particular route is kid friendly. For the caves on the way bring a flashlight and some extra clothing, as it is fairly colder...