The mofette — the healing gas of the Harghita
A gift of post-volcanic activity — a natural dry carbon-dioxide bath in the Harghita range
The mofette is a geological phenomenon linked to post-volcanic activity: from deep within the earth a gas chiefly rich in carbon dioxide rises to the surface. Its Italian name traces back to the Latin word mephitis („foul exhalation").
The gas emanations rising along the Călimani, Gurghiu and Harghita mountain ranges are a rarity even on a global scale: their carbon dioxide content can reach 99%. The region has three significant mofette resorts: the mofette of Băile Harghita, Băile Homorod and the treatment centre at Băile Jigodin.
What is a mofette?
A natural gift of post-volcanic activity
The Harghita Mountains form an extinct volcanic system where post-volcanic activity continues to this day: carbon-dioxide-rich gas rises through fissures in the ground. In some villages it is also called süllögő, büdös, doh („whispering" or „stinking" places).
Geologists distinguish two kinds of mofettes: a dry mofette emits pure gas, while a wet mofette yields carbonated water — what everyday speech calls borvíz (mineral water). Both occur around Miercurea Ciuc.
Colourless, odourless gas bath
Carbon dioxide is colourless, odourless and heavier than air — that is why it settles in the depression of the treatment chamber. The visitor descends step by step into the gas pool, just as into a pool of water, only that gas surrounds them instead.
The gas diffuses through the skin into the tissues. Being heavier than air, while seated or standing it reaches only the lower body — never the head or airways. It is not advised to immerse oneself in the gas above heart level.
Vasodilating effect through the skin
Absorbed through the skin, the carbon dioxide produces a vasodilating effect — it improves peripheral circulation and microcirculation and acts beneficially on heart function. Skin temperature can rise by 1.6–4 °C during the treatment as the capillaries widen.
Radon complements the healing effect, while hydrogen sulphide acts favourably on cartilage metabolism. The full benefit unfolds during a cure-like application — over 10–28 days, with two sessions per day.
Long-term healing through regular use
The mofette treatment can already be felt after a single session, but lasting benefits arise through cure-like application. The recommended cure lasts 10–28 days, with two sessions per day, with a 4–8-hour break in between.
The cure is best repeated every six months. The region’s treatment centres — Băile Harghita, Băile Homorod and Băile Jigodin — operate in modern, safe conditions. Most guests return again and again, many several times per year, to enjoy the healing effects.
The mofette locations of the region
Băile Harghita (Harghita Spa)
1350 m · 31 km from Miercurea CiucThe alpine resort on the slope of the Csicsói-Hargita has two working mofettes. The two-domed wooden building handed over in 2014 stands on the old site. It welcomes visitors daily from 8 am to 6 pm, from May to November. The mineral-water warm bath was closed in 1950 — only the mofettes remain.
Băile Homorod
Vlăhița · Valley of the Greater HomorodA resort of national importance with cold-and-warm carbonated baths and abundant mineral-water springs. Its best-known springs are Lobogó and Mary’s Spring. The mineral water was first analysed by Pataki Sámuel in 1820. Set in the Ilona Valley among fir forests, the spa was already a significant bathing site in the 18th century.
Mofette of Băile Jigodin
Miercurea Ciuc · Right bank of the OltThe Jigodin treatment centre has operated in renewed form since 2005 — open all year (except September). Here half of those seeking healing come primarily for the mofette. Guests return repeatedly, sometimes 2–3 times a year.
What complaints does it help?
Rheumatic joint complaints
Rheumatic joint inflammations, nerve-root compressions, intervertebral-disc disorders — both in degenerative wear and in inflammatory conditions.
Circulatory problems
Hypertension, vasoconstriction, venous circulation disorders — thanks to the vasodilating effect.
Skin conditions
For the treatment of scleroderma and other inflammatory skin complaints — through improved cutaneous microcirculation.
Rules of use
Important information before treatment
- A session may last at most 30 minutes — start the cure with 15 minutes.
- No one may stay alone in the gas bath.
- Patients with cardiac or circulatory conditions may only use the mofette with an accompanying person.
- Pregnant women and children under 14 are forbidden from the gas bath.
- It is not advised to immerse oneself in the gas above heart level.
- During the treatment loud speech and movement must be avoided — the gas may swirl up.
- The mofette must not be used after consuming alcohol.
- Contraindications: pregnancy, menstruation, malignant tumours, acute inflammations, epilepsy, chronic respiratory failure.
- Medical consultation is advised in case of a cure-like treatment.
„The gas emanations rising along the Harghita range are a rarity even on a global scale: their carbon-dioxide content reaches 99%, which represents a unique natural healing force."
Discover the healing baths of Miercurea Ciuc!
The mofette resorts and mineral springs of the region are accessible to every age group — for healing, rest and prevention alike.