Băile Bálványos
About Băile Bálványos
Băile Bálványos (Bálványosfürdő in Hungarian) is a spa and mountain-air resort of local interest in Covasna county, in the commune of Turia, spread between 840 and 950 m on the slopes of the Bodoc Mountains and the Puturosu–Ciomatu massif, along the DN11C. It is known for its naturally sparkling mineral springs and its mofettes, emissions of carbon dioxide of volcanic origin, and the resort lies within the Ciomad–Balvanyos Natura 2000 site.
Today's resort grew out of three bath settlements: Băile Turia, the oldest, at the Turia pass; Băile Csiszár, laid out from 1895 by Dénes Csiszár; and Băile Transilvania, the former Várpad baths. The use of the sulphurous gases for cures is recorded as early as 1767, and at the end of the 19th century a carbon dioxide liquefaction plant worked next to Peștera Puturoasă, until it was destroyed in 1916. In the 1930s a sanatorium designed by the architect Grigore Ionescu was built here; it later became a hotel.
What you can see
The resort's villas, guesthouses and hotels are scattered through the forest in the upper valley of the Turia stream. Around them are 57 mineral springs, with sparkling and iron-bearing waters, some sulphurous or acidic; a few, such as the Vasas spring next to the ecumenical chapel, are used for drinking cures.
On Puturosu Mountain, the blue-dot trail makes a loop past Peștera Puturoasă (the “Stinking Cave”), a 14 m gallery of an old sulphur mine with walls coated in yellow deposits, the Alum Grotto, the Killer Cave, the Birds' Cemetery and the Bufnitor peat bog, a small bog where gas bubbles up through the water. The red-triangle trail leads to the Apor Baths and the Healing Springs, with wooden tubs for foot baths in acidic water. From the resort, a path marked with yellow dots climbs in about an hour to the ruins of Bálványos Castle, and Lake Sfânta Ana is ~15 km away by car.
Good to know
The gas in the caves and mofettes is dangerous: below the level where it collects, carbon dioxide kills, which is why the lower part of Peștera Puturoasă is closed off with a grille. The small ski slopes that used to run in the resort are no longer open. Bears live in the surrounding forests.
Information verified on 3 November 2026.
- Peștera Puturoasă, the old mine gallery with walls yellow with sulphur, on the blue-dot loop.
- The Apor Baths and the Healing Springs, with wooden tubs where the acidic water bubbles with gas.
- The Bufnitor peat bog, in the forest, where volcanic gas rises in bubbles through the water.
- The hour-long climb on the yellow-dot path to the ruins of Bálványos Castle.
- The ecumenical chapel at the foot of Cetății Mountain, with the Vasas spring beside it.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the resort lies on the DN11C, the road linking Târgu Secuiesc with Bixad, on the DN12. From Târgu Secuiesc it is ~21 km (~25 minutes), via Turia; from Sfântu Gheorghe ~44 km (~45 minutes), on the DN12 to Bixad and then the DN11C; from Brașov ~78 km (~1 hour 20 minutes); from Băile Tușnad ~21 km. For Lake Sfânta Ana (~15 km), turn off the DN11C where signposted.
- Fees & discounts
Entry to the resort, the springs and the trails is free. The mineral water pools and the mofettes are paid for separately, at each operator.
- Rules
Do not enter or bend down in the gas caves and the hollows with emissions, and keep children close near them. Mofettes should only be used on a doctor's advice, as gas baths have contraindications. The area is a protected Natura 2000 site: stay on the waymarked trails and do not pick plants in the peat bogs. Bears live in the forest: do not leave food or rubbish behind and do not feed the animals.
- Facilities
Accommodation and restaurants in the resort · mineral water pools and mofettes · waymarked trails · ecumenical chapel
Frequently asked questions about Băile Bálványos
How much is a ticket to Băile Bálványos?
Admission to Băile Bálványos is free (free entry to the resort). More under “Fees & discounts”
What are the opening hours of Băile Bálványos?
Opening hours at Băile Bálványos: daily open 24 hours. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Băile Bálványos take?
A visit to Băile Bálványos takes about 3½ – 4 hours (springs, mofettes and a walk).
Can you visit Băile Bálványos with kids?
Yes, Băile Bálványos is suitable for children (take care near the gas caves).
How do I get to Băile Bálványos?
Băile Bálványos is located at DN11C, in the centre of the resort, Turia, Covasna County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Băile Bálványos?
The best season for Băile Bálványos: All year round (trails easier in summer).
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