Tusványos 2026
One of the outstanding summer events of Hungarian public life, culture and politics —
annually tens of thousands of participants · Tusnad Camping · on the bank of the Olt river
The largest intellectual workshop in the Carpathian Basin
Tusványos – Bálványoș Summer University and Student Camp is one of the largest summer universities and student camps in the Carpathian Basin, held every year since 1990 in Băile Tușnad. The event was originally launched as a forum of Hungarian–Romanian dialogue, but has since become an outstanding summer event of Hungarian public life, culture and politics, attracting tens of thousands of participants annually.
🎯 Aim: To provide an open forum where Hungarians living as a minority, those from the Hungarian motherland and young people belonging to the majority nations of neighbouring states can meet and discuss current social, political, economic and cultural events, the problems that arise and possible solutions.
📅 In 2026, the 35th edition: between 21 and 26 July 2026, on the grounds of Tusnad Camping, on the bank of the Olt river. More than 500 events, a thousand speakers, 34 themed tents.
Tusványos on the Tusnad Camping site · own photograph
What does Tusványos offer?
Political forums
Topical roundtable discussions on public life and national policy. At the traditional Saturday morning political forum the Hungarian prime minister also customarily speaks.
Professional lectures
On economy, energy policy, environmental protection, Hungarian higher education, culture and sport — with the participation of specialists from Hungary, Transylvanian Hungarians and Romanians.
Great evening concerts
The most popular bands from Hungary and Transylvania take to the stage: in previous years Bagossy Brothers Company, Magashegyi Underground, Honeybeast, Ákos, Beatrice and many others.
Culture and tradition
Literary and theatre events, folk music, dance house — in the Kriza János Barn, inaugurated last year, visitors are welcomed by folk music programmes lasting until dawn.
Friday roundtable
The traditional national-policy roundtable with the participation of leaders of the Hungarian advocacy organisations and parties active in the Carpathian Basin.
34 themed tents
Together with 76 partners — a substantial programme is ensured for every age group and interest. On the campsite on the bank of the Olt river and on the sports ground.
🚑 Red Cross volunteers at the festival
The Gheorgheni branch of the Harghita County Red Cross participates every year in the running of Tusványos, providing round-the-clock medical and emergency care throughout the duration of the festival.
❤️ Continuous standby: The volunteers keep non-stop duty — they are available to the tens of thousands of participants both day and night. From first aid to emergency intervention, they cover every basic care task.
🎓 Professional background: The Gheorgheni branch has trained volunteers who have taken part in first-aid and emergency-care courses. The unit regularly competes in the "Skilled Sanitarians" competitions, where it has achieved significant results. Event safety is supported by an equipped ambulance.
🌍 Local community value: The branch is one of the most active Red Cross organisations in the region — with a presence across Harghita County and involvement in numerous events: the Șumuleu Ciuc pilgrimage, the Gheorgheni Horse Days and many local sporting and community events. They also carry out joint search and rescue operations with the Salvamont mountain rescue service.
The Gheorgheni branch of the Harghita County Red Cross at Tusványos · own photograph
More moments from the festival
The history of Tusványos
The first Bálványoș Summer University
The event began in Bálványoș and later continued in Băile Tușnad. The original aim: to foster Hungarian–Romanian dialogue and cross-border cooperation.
Political and cultural forum
The summer university gradually became one of the most important meeting places of Hungarians in Transylvania and the Hungarian motherland.
Growth into a mass event
With the introduction of concert programmes, the event grew into a summer festival, while preserving its original intellectual character.
35th edition – European significance
In 2026 the festival is held for the 35th time. 80,000+ participants, 500+ events, a thousand speakers — one of the largest open-air events in the Carpathian Basin.
Organisers of the event
Hungarian Youth Council (MIT)
Transylvanian-based youth umbrella organisation — advocacy body of Hungarian youth organisations in Romania.
Pro Minoritate Foundation
Budapest-based foundation — for the support of Hungarians living as a minority, partner from the Hungarian motherland.
Tickets and practical information
Every day, entry is free until 16:00. The wristband received before 16:00 remains valid for the rest of the day.
General entry — wristband is available at the campsite reception or at checkpoints.
Reduced entry for students with a valid student card, and for those aged 65 and over.
Useful info
Location
- Tusnad Camping
- Bank of the Olt river, Băile Tușnad
- 34 themed tents + main stage
- GPS: 46.1436° N, 25.8611° E
Camping
- On-site camping option
- Own tent allowed
- Mobile showers and toilets
- Details on the official site
Access
- Băile Tușnad, along DN12
- 30 km from Miercurea Ciuc
- 30 km from Sfântu Gheorghe
- Parking on the festival site
Official information
- Website: tusvanyos.ro
- Facebook: tusvanyos
- Instagram: tusvanyos.official
- Programme: from June onwards