Eternity was born in the countryside, or as Blaga said, in the village. (Org. Vesnicia s-a nascut la sat. L Blaga). I think this perfectly describes Barcani, a locality in the heart of Transylvania. Although time hasn’t stood still and the marks of modernism and urban influences are strongly felt, this rural settlement in Covasna county seems to blend the traditional and the contemporary in a way that offers the authenticity of bygone life with the comfort of the present that we all enjoy.
Spread over nearly 58 square kilometers, on hills, at the edge of forests, and near the renowned freezing point, Intorsura Buzaului, with an interesting history and archaeological sites, this tourist resort is developing day by day into a real tourist destination in the country. The most impressive part? It’s doing so sustainably!
With the title of Local Interest Tourist Resort, tourism has started to grow, but not through the multiplication of kitschy villas, hotels, or other such wonders, but by developing what they already had: nature!
Barcani Bike Race: Or How to Show People What They Didn’t Know They Needed to See
As I was saying, one thing the people of Barcani have in abundance is landscapes, and an innovative way to promote them, in addition to local photographers (one of them being Horia Neagoe, who is “responsible” for most of these amazing photos), was using another abundant resource: cyclists. Yes, in Barcani, bicycles are still used as a means of transport to a great extent, not just cars. Not because there aren’t any, but because it’s eco-friendly and sometimes faster. Not that there’s heavy traffic in Barcani, but by the time you get your car out of the garage, open the gate, and close the gate, it’s simpler to just take the bike directly!
So, they took these two wonderful things and created cycling events, primarily for locals, but word quickly spread among enthusiasts, making the event a national success, promoted even by Lucian Mândruță and Visit Covasna!
The route starts from the Barcani Agricultural Market and is extensive enough to present participants, regardless of gender or age, with picturesque but spectacular images: towards Ciucas, the mountains of Intorsura Buzaului, the entire valley, colorful agricultural lands, homesteads, farms, sometimes even deer or bears!
Barcani Agricultural Market: Or How to Encourage the Revival of Crafts
Ah, crafts are another story, about which I have a particular opinion, but it’s a discussion for other places and themes. In Barcani, however, I was very pleased to learn that there are still craftsmen: a tailor, a blacksmith, a carpenter, and a farrier, probably others working in the privacy of their homes! The best part? There are young people among them, and the Barcani Agricultural Market is quite a good sales point for them, as both tourists in the area on market Sundays and people from the surrounding areas come to this small market. Maybe it has to do with its rarity (the Theory of Limited Supply), maybe it has to do with the products in the market, or with the people, the atmosphere, or all of these together, but the Barcani Agricultural Market really works! Small local producers are also encouraged to come to the market!
Local Producers: Or How to Ensure that Locals Develop on Their Own
Although the area is not yet conducive to extensive agricultural development, small orchards, hayfields, and arable land are exploited to the maximum! The same goes for the flowering trees, if you know what I mean… From natural juices to dairy products directly from small producers or larger ones like the Milkom factory, to honey, eggs, or meat and meat products, hay bales, and animal feed, all are welcome in the market! And it’s a win-win for everyone! The products are as natural as possible, the producers earn and are motivated to produce more, the administration earns and is motivated to do better, tourists get authentic and as natural experiences as possible and win as well!
Accommodation Spaces Managed by the Administration: Or How to Ensure Tourists Come!
You can’t do long-term tourism without accommodation! Yes, some may come with tents, with caravans, stay with locals who have gastro-local points and the villagers earn better, but in the long term, it’s not viable! And if you already have land and accommodation spaces for protocol, why not expand and offer them to tourists for rent. And not just to tourists, but also to villagers who have weddings, baptisms, or small parties.
At the edge of the forest, two cabins stretch and offer those who want to rent them views over the village, over the hills, and to the forest or mountains. With a dining room, terrace, parking, and even a hot tub, they are not 5-star all-inclusive hotels (as I said at the beginning, no kitsch), but they are exactly what is needed for an authentic rural experience in nature.
Come to Barcani: Or How to Convince Young People Not to Leave!
One great thing about Barcani is that there has been investment in the youngest and the youth. Once for those eager for adrenaline by applying the bike race principle to Enduro motorbike, by organizing camps or sports competitions, even setting up a great football field for training and matches! Not only does it offer young people of all ages and hobbies something to do at home, but it also encourages them to invite their friends to their “playground”.
Small Businesses: Or How Everyone Is Good at Something in This Life
Whether they are photographers-videographers, pastry chefs, cooks, farmers, in the medical field, engineers, drivers, woodworkers, or other materials processors, they all have a place in Barcani. There are small businesses and experts in these fields that grow day by day, develop, and give back to the community! If you are a tourist in Barcani, you find both gastro-local points so you don’t have to worry about cooking what you get from the agricultural market, you find beekeepers, you find an auto service, you find someone to do a photo shoot, or to help you organize a small party. You find people working in the fields, you find shepherds with sheep or herders with cattle on the hills! You find something wherever you look!
Using everything it has to the maximum and offering everyone something, Barcani is a resort that promises! It’s unpopulated, sustainable, full of fresh air, and many “bio” experiences. So, if you are looking for unique experiences, try this destination about an hour from Brașov, not even 2 hours from Buzău, and 3 hours from Bucharest.
Here you can find the official site of Barcani commune and their Instagram! Have a great week and #adreamerlife!
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