The mineral waters of Miercurea Ciuc
Gifts of post-volcanic activity — carbonated mineral waters (borvíz) and mofettes with a centuries-old healing tradition at the town’s three spa sites
On the edge of Miercurea Ciuc, as a legacy of post-volcanic geological activity, carbonated mineral waters (borvíz) and mofettes (carbon-dioxide gas emanations) rise to the surface. These natural healing springs have served the health of the region’s inhabitants for centuries — they were already used by Prince Apafi and the Rákóczi family.
The town’s three principal mineral-water sites lie at Șumuleu Ciuc, at Băile Miercurea (formerly Catherine Baths) and at Băile Jigodin (Zsögöd Spa). All three have been popular spa resorts since the Middle Ages, and at Jigodin and Băile Harghita guests are also welcomed by a mofette. The healing effect of the mineral water is particularly noticeable in rheumatic, joint, vascular and respiratory complaints.
The three spa sites of Miercurea Ciuc
Băile Jigodin — mineral water (borvíz) and mofette
A folk spa as old as Borsec, at the southern exit of Miercurea Ciuc on the right bank of the Olt. Its mineral water was first mentioned by Benkő Károly in his work of 1853. The Jigodin district holds numerous cold and lukewarm springs: Faluvégi, Bottomless Lake, Kőlik, King Stephen Spring, Anna Spring, Lujza Spring.
The carbonated, iron-rich mineral water is recommended for rheumatic, vascular and nervous complaints. Beside the 17-tub warm bath built in 1950, a mofette, a salt room and a thermal pool are also available.
Details on Băile Jigodin
Băile Miercurea — the bathing place of the princes
Known locally as Băile Miercurea, the former Catherine Baths were built around the lukewarm springs rising on the right bank of the Olt. The place was already known in the age of the principality — both Prince Apafi and the Rákóczis used the baths.
Popular since the Middle Ages, the spa still operates today and is an important pillar of health tourism in Miercurea Ciuc. The water of the lukewarm springs is especially recommended for rheumatic and joint complaints.
Băile Harghita — high-mountain healing resort
Located 19 km from the town at 1350 m altitude, Băile Harghita (Harghita Spa) belongs administratively to Miercurea Ciuc — the highest-lying settlement of Harghita County. The climatic resort has been part of the town since 1968.
Its mineral springs are: Csipike, Vallató, Piricske, Szemvíz, Lobogó. The Vallató and Lobogó springs also serve as bathing pools. The gas-emitting mofette is indicated for chronic joint inflammation, hypertension, vasoconstriction and venous circulation disorders — it operates from May to November.
The mineral springs of Șumuleu Ciuc and Cioboteni
Many mineral springs are found within Șumuleu Ciuc and the adjacent village of Cioboteni. The best known is the Șumuleu Ciuc spring (Great Borvíz, Lobogó or Mary’s Spring), which has been used for centuries by pilgrims travelling to the shrine.
These sources do not form a separate spa, but they are favourite mineral-water wells of locals and visitors. The water is carbonated and iron-rich — suitable for drinking as well.
What complaints does it help?
Musculoskeletal complaints
Rheumatic disorders, joint inflammation, cartilage wear, intervertebral-disc problems — the combination of mineral water and mofette has proven its worth for centuries.
Circulatory complaints
Hypertension, vasoconstriction, venous circulation disorders — the mofette’s carbon dioxide vapours especially support blood circulation.
Respiratory and skin issues
The clean high-mountain air together with the mineral water effectively eases respiratory complaints and chronic skin inflammations.
The most important springs of the region
Springs of Băile Harghita
1350 m · 19 km awayCsipike, Vallató, Piricske, Szemvíz, Lobogó springs. The Vallató and Lobogó are also bathing pools. The Vallató water stays at 6–7 °C winter and summer — hence its name (Hungarian for „the one that tests you"). The mofette operates from May to November.
Springs of Jigodin
Right bank of the OltNumerous cold and lukewarm springs: Faluvégi I–II, Bottomless Lake, Kőlik, King Stephen Spring, Anna Spring, Lujza Spring, Rózsafürdő, Szentvér. The abundant springs feed the lido pools and the warm bath.
Mineral waters of Șumuleu Ciuc
Surroundings of the shrineThe Șumuleu Ciuc spring (Great Borvíz / Lobogó / Mary’s Spring) is the favourite mineral-water well of pilgrims. Several springs are also found in Cioboteni. The water is carbonated and iron-rich — suitable for drinking as well.
„At the place called the Chapel of the Blood or Holy Blood there is a very strong-smelling, stony and iron-rich spring of some 14 degrees, with abundant flow — before the discovery of the famous Borsec, very many people came here."
Discover the healing baths of Miercurea Ciuc!
The region’s mineral springs and mofettes are accessible to every age group — for rest, healing and prevention alike.