Sântimbru-Băi
About Sântimbru-Băi
Sântimbru-Băi (Csíkszentimrei Büdösfürdő in Hungarian, formerly also called Băile Pucioasa) is a holiday settlement in Sântimbru commune, Harghita County, above 1,200 m on the western slope of Büdös mountain in the southern Harghita Mountains. At the 2021 census it had 6 permanent residents, but hundreds of holiday cottages stand around it, used mostly from spring to autumn.
The place is known for its carbonated mineral springs and for its mofettes, natural gas vents made up almost entirely of carbon dioxide (about 99%) with a little hydrogen sulphide, which gives the smell of rotten eggs and the name "Büdös" ("stinking"). A military map of 1770 already showed it as Mineralbad. Today's resort took shape in the 1920s; the mofettes were set up in the early 1960s and a steam sauna was built in 1965. A cinnabar mine also opened in the 1960s and closed in the 1970s: the road built for it laid the foundations of today's access road.
What to see
The mofettes and the mineral spring in the middle of the settlement are the main reason to visit; the smell of sulphur can be noticed from a distance. Close to the centre stands the chapel of St Mary, a small wooden building renovated in 1991. Along the access road, about 100 m from the road, lies the Lucs peat bog. Forest paths start from the settlement: to the Kakukk-hegy peak, to the valley of the Bánya stream, where mineral water comes to the surface and abandoned mine galleries can be seen, and, on the trail marked with a blue cross, to Jigodin-Băi.
Good to know
The resort has no authorised treatment base and there is no medical staff at the mofettes; they are run by the town hall and access is free. The mofettes contain carbon dioxide in high concentration (see "Rules"). Sântimbru-Băi does not hold the official status of a balneoclimatic resort.
- Mofettes with almost 99% carbon dioxide and the sulphur smell that gave the place its name.
- The mineral spring in the middle of the settlement.
- The wooden chapel of St Mary, renovated in 1991.
- Forest paths to Kakukk-hegy, the Bánya stream valley and Jigodin-Băi.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: Sântimbru-Băi is ~22 km (~25 minutes) from Miercurea Ciuc: take the DN12 towards Sâncrăieni, then the asphalted DJ123D, which climbs ~14 km to the resort. From Băile Tușnad it is ~37 km (~40 minutes) and from Lake Saint Anne ~47 km (~1 hour).
- Rules
The mofettes contain almost pure carbon dioxide and have no medical staff; access is free and visitor instructions are posted at the mofette.
Frequently asked questions about Sântimbru-Băi
How much is a ticket to Sântimbru-Băi?
Admission to Sântimbru-Băi is free (free access to mofettes and springs).
What are the opening hours of Sântimbru-Băi?
Opening hours at Sântimbru-Băi: daily open 24 hours. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Sântimbru-Băi take?
A visit to Sântimbru-Băi takes about 1 – 1½ hours (mofettes, spring and a walk).
Can you visit Sântimbru-Băi with kids?
Yes, Sântimbru-Băi is suitable for children (walks in the forest).
How do I get to Sântimbru-Băi?
Sântimbru-Băi is located at DJ123D, in the centre of the settlement, Sântimbru-Băi, Harghita County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Sântimbru-Băi?
The best season for Sântimbru-Băi: May – October (mostly spring to autumn).
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