The village of Miklósvár is surrounded by rolling pastures, deciduous and coniferous forests, wild flower meadows, and deep valleys through which flows the River Olt and its tributaries. This Transylvanian region is also known as Erdővidék (which means ‘forest region’ in Hungarian). So rich in natural value, the area surrounding Miklósvár is currently a candidate for EU Natura 2000 designation. Some places near Miklósvár are already designated as nature reservations, including a wetland exhibiting important flora and fauna. Wildlife includes black stork, lesser spotted eagle, bee eaters, brown bear, wolf, and lynx to name but a few of the species present.
The landscape of Transylvania is reminiscent of pre-Industrial western Europe. This is due in part to the traditional non-intensive farming methods that continue to be practiced in this region. Approximately 500 people live in the village, the majority of which are involved in subsistance farming. Horses are found working the fields and the elegant scythe remains a key farming tool. This makes the countryside very wildlife-friendly; for example, bird species that are suffering a decline in western Europe continue to thrive in Transylvania. More visibly, the wealth of wild flower meadows that seem to coat the entire landscape in ever-changing colours in the spring and summer. Orchids also thrive here. Where flowers abound, so does insect life; in particular, butterflies. Armed with a field guide, a person can spend a whole day spotting rarities that are still considered common here!
Transylvania, as its name implies, is also a land of forests. Beautiful beech and hornbeam forests can be found near Miklósvár, changing to fir and spruce at the higher altitudes. During the spring, forests and ponds provide a home to yellow-bellied toads and fire salamanders. As autumn approaches, the forests change from vivid green to yellow and red, while a plethora of fungi and mushroom life coats the forest floor. Upland pastures, where the grazing of sheep takes place, resembles parkland with magnificant oaks and beeches interminging with wild pear trees. Romanian shepherds and their formidable dogs can still be found here, safeguarding their flocks from predators.
The forests are also the preserve of the European brown bear and wolf, which have become predominantly nocturnal in their habits to avoid contact with humans. During the day, bears seek refuge in dense cover, such as young tree plantations, only venturing out to feed at dusk. The wolf is even more elusive. Wild boar, red deer and roe deer can often be spotted darting between trees. Tracks and signs of these animals can be found in the forests. Transylvanian winter is a particularly good time for snow tracking. During this period, thousands of bats can also be found roosting in caves.
We offer a variety of nature tours at the Kálnoky Guesthouses. These range from guide-led tours of the local countryside, including animal tracking and bird watching, to day long hikes in areas of scenic beauty. View detailed information on the nature activities and tours here.
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