Mofette of Băile Tușnad
A carbon dioxide gas rising from the ground as an aftermath of volcanic activity,
offering a centuries-old healing tradition and modern balneotherapy within the Băile Tușnad spa culture.
The carbonated healing gas rising from the earth
The mofette of Băile Tușnad is one of the most distinctive natural treasures of the town’s spa culture. A mofette is a natural emanation of carbon dioxide that marks the residual activity of a volcanic range — a living testimony to the post-volcanic processes of the Ciomatu (Csomád) Mountains.
💨 The gases reaching the surface are 85% carbon dioxide on average — and can reach 98% — one of the highest concentrations in any natural CO2 emanation on the continent. The Romanian mofettes are unique in Europe because, alongside their exceptionally high CO2 content, they also contain rare gases such as helium and radon.
🌍 The word "mofette" comes from the Italian "mephitis", meaning "foul exhalation" — a reference to the gas's composition and volcanic origin. Although mofettes also exist in France, Italy, on the island of Java and in the U.S. Yellowstone National Park, the Romanian ones — including the one at Băile Tușnad — are unique for their dry, CO2-rich emanations.
🏛️ A mofette is not a random pit, but a stepped chamber resembling a small amphitheatre, designed so that the gas accumulates at the lower level. Visitors descend gradually on the steps — the deeper you go, the higher the CO2 concentration.
The mofette building in the forest · local source
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1895 — the discovery by Canon Imets Fülöp Jákó
📜 The discovery of the Băile Tușnad mofette dates from 1895, when Canon Imets Fülöp Jákó — born in the nearby village of Tușnad — identified this natural CO2 emanation on the right bank of the Olt river.
🏷️ For a long time the locals called the site "Imets's sulphurous pit". At the end of the 19th century humorous folk verses circulated in the town, playing on the canon's name and the smell of the gas — a vivid glimpse of the Tușnad dialect of the period!
👨⚕️ Dr. Kovács Károly, born in Vrabia, was the first to erect a proper modern building, which made it possible to visit the mofette and use it therapeutically. He thus laid the foundations of today's Tușnad mofette culture.
🌡️ The mofette already has a tradition of more than 2,000 years as a healing dry bath. It was known in Roman medicine as well — initially in natural pools, later in artificial ones. The Tușnad mofette is a remarkable Transylvanian representative of this Europe-wide healing tradition.
What is mofette treatment good for?
Absorbed through the skin, carbon dioxide has a strong vasodilator effect — improving circulation and the oxygen supply to tissues. The Tușnad mofette treatment may be undertaken only on the recommendation of the spa's specialists and according to the schedule they prescribe.
Cardiovascular conditions
Hypertension, varicose veins, venous ulcers, peripheral circulatory disorders. The most characteristic indication.
Skin conditions
Traditionally recommended as a complementary treatment for chronic skin conditions, minor wounds and ulcers.
Rheumatic complaints
Also helpful in easing joint pain and problems of the spine and the muscular system.
Neurological complaints
For certain nerve disorders — strictly on medical advice — it is used as a complementary therapy.
Other chronic complaints
Traditionally also used as a complementary treatment for chronic genital and gynaecological conditions.
Improved circulation
CO2 boosts the performance of the "peripheral heart" — the blood supply to the treated area improves markedly.
Using the mofette safely
⚠️ Inhaled CO2 is toxic! The mofette gas must reach the body only from the waist down — being heavier than air, the gas accumulates in the lower part of the chamber. Never bend below the marked level!
⏱️ Session length: a maximum of 20–30 minutes per session, shorter at the beginning (15 minutes). A 4–8 hour break is required between two daily sessions.
👨⚕️ Always on medical advice: a cure should last 10 to 28 days and may only be undertaken under medical supervision.
🚫 Contraindications: pregnancy, tumours, acute inflammation, febrile states, infectious disease, epilepsy, psychiatric conditions, chronic respiratory failure.
🔥 Checking the gas level: the open-flame (match) test — wherever the flame goes out, you must not bend lower. Modern mofettes are equipped with automatic gas-level sensors.
Mofette–Falcon Rock nature trail
The mofette is reached by an easy forest walk from the centre of Băile Tușnad — part of an interpretive nature trail with information boards that leads up to the Falcon Rock (Stânca Șoimilor) protected area.
Departure from the centre of Băile Tușnad (636 m)
The route starts at the Ciucaș Lake. Trail marking: yellow patch, with information boards along the entire path.
Crossing the bridge over the Olt
After the bridge the path forks. Take the left branch — passing the camping site and the Stănescu mineral spring.
Arrival at the mofette (648 m)
The mofette building stands in the forest. Duration: about 20 minutes (15 minutes walking + 5 minutes pause at the information boards).
Continuation to the Falcon Rock reserve entrance (673 m)
From the mofette you can continue along the forest path to the entrance of the Falcon Rock protected area — another 15 minutes of walking. From there a short loop leads back to the town centre.
The mofette on the map
The map below shows the exact location of the Băile Tușnad mofette — on the right bank of the Olt, within a short walk from Ciucaș Lake.
Source: bailetusnad.eco — Mofette–Falcon Rock nature trail | Map: OpenStreetMap
Useful info
Location
- Place: Băile Tușnad, in the forest
- Nature-trail marking: yellow patch
- Starting point: bridge at Ciucaș Lake
- ~20 minute walk from the town centre
When
- Open year-round
- Entry: FREE (visit)
- Cure-style treatment: by medical prescription
- Most beautiful: May – October
What to bring
- Hiking shoes (essential)
- Water, a small snack
- A camera for the nature trail
- Matches (for the gas-level test)
Important warning!
- Do not bend down! CO2 is toxic
- Gas may reach the body only up to the waist
- Forbidden for pregnant women
- Cure use: only by medical prescription