Pierre Curie Spring
Borsec's only radioactive mineral water spring — named in honour of science's world-famous couple.
Its properties match those of the renowned Bad Gastein (Austria) curative water.
The most radioactive mineral water spring in Borsec
The Pierre Curie Spring in Borsec is the resort's most radioactive mineral water source, discovered in 1932. It was named in honour of French physicist Pierre Curie, the Nobel laureate who together with his wife Marie Curie discovered radium and polonium in 1898, laying the foundations of the science of radioactivity.
The spring lies at the foot of Kerekszék hill, almost level with the road leading to Tulgheș — about 1800 metres from the centre of Borsec.
📍 How to get there: It lies on the pedestrian path running from the Ancient Spring towards Bagolyvár (Owl Castle). It is part of the digitised tourist route no. 2, which starts from the Borsec Tourist Information Office. Close to the Ice Cave and the road leading to Tulgheș.
The wellhouse of the Pierre Curie Spring · local source
Pierre Curie and radium
🇫🇷 Pierre Curie (1859–1906), French physicist and Sorbonne professor, was one of the founders of modern physics. Together with his wife, Marie Sklodowska Curie, he announced the discovery of radium and polonium on 26 December 1898.
🏆 In 1903 the Curies, jointly with Becquerel, received the Nobel Prize in Physics for their research into radioactivity. By observing the physiological effects of radium, Pierre Curie also laid the foundations of radium therapy.
🌍 At the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, it was believed worldwide that radioactive waters had healing properties — spas and curative springs competed for the title of "most radioactive". The scientific legacy of that era gave its name to the Borsec spring.
🔬 The scientific analysis of the spring water was carried out in the 1950s. Dr Niculescu Zinca, a physician from Ploiești, established that one litre of the water contains 0.21 millicurie of radium. On this basis, the spring water is identical in composition to the famous curative water of Bad Gastein (Austria) — a mineral water of international reference.
Local healing tradition
Borsec's healing tradition uses the Pierre Curie Spring water for several types of complaints. The indications below come from local medical practice and the memory of spa culture.
Digestive complaints
Effective in treating hypoacid gastritis. The strongly carbonated water stimulates digestion and whets the appetite.
Endocrine glands
Recommended in cases of hyperthyroidism — part of the traditional treatment protocol of the Borsec spa.
Anaemia
Used against anaemia — a healing effect typical of the Borsec springs in general, thanks to the complex mineral composition.
"Szekler Viagra"
In local parlance it is also called "Szekler Viagra" for its effect on male potency — a colourful local name for the spring's beneficial effect on men.
Digestive system cure
For the treatment of enteritis and colitis, chronic liver disease and biliary complaints — a traditional part of Borsec drinking cures.
Further indications
For diabetes, kidney and vascular disorders — to be used under specialist medical supervision.
Important to know
⚠️ On the scientific understanding of radioactive mineral water:
At the start of the 20th century, radioactive waters were regarded as curative. Today, modern medicine treats this notion with caution — long-term internal use of radium may pose health risks.
📌 Visiting the Pierre Curie Spring as a tourist and cultural experience is completely safe — viewing the well, taking photos and a brief tasting are part of Borsec's spa culture. Before any sustained cure-like consumption, however, it is advisable to consult a specialist physician.
💡 Scientific curiosity: the spring's value of 0.21 millicurie radium/litre is very low — for comparison, even the natural internal radium concentration in the human body is measurable. The spring's historical and cultural value is greater than its medical significance.
How to find it
The Pierre Curie Spring is one of the key stops on Borsec's digitised tourist route no. 2. The hike is easy and runs through a pleasant forest walk.
Start from the Tourist Information Office
The Tourist Information Office of Borsec is in the town centre. The digitised route no. 2 begins here.
Passing the Ancient Spring
The route first passes the Ancient Spring — the old source popularly nicknamed "Döglesztő". The first Borsec bath was built here 150 years ago.
Onwards towards Kerekszék hill
A 1800-metre walk along the marked path to the foot of Kerekszék hill — across the protected nature area.
Arrival at the Pierre Curie Spring
The small wellhouse of the spring lies almost level with the road to Tulgheș. From here you can continue to the Bagolyvár (Owl Castle) viewpoint with another 15-minute walk.
Useful information
How to find
- Location: Borsec, at the foot of Kerekszék
- GPS: 46.9665° N, 25.5640° E
- From the centre: 1800 m
- Tourist route no. 2
When
- Open to visit all year round
- Entry: FREE
- At its best: May – September
- Take care in winter cold
What to bring
- Hiking shoes (mandatory)
- Drinking cup for tasting
- Water, a small snack
- Map / GPS
Tips
- Combine with Bagolyvár (15 minutes)
- Cure-like consumption then medical consultation
- A small tasting as a tourist experience
- Quiet season - avoid the tourist peak