Mofetta Csiszár Baths

This bath is located in Bálványosfürdő (Băile Bálványos), Kovászna (Covasna) County, Transylvania.

It is equipped with hot tubs, saunas, wet and dry mofettas, and surrounded by an electric fence for the safety of guests.

The Csiszár Baths, which is located on a mountain, can be reached via a forest footpath. Along the trail through the beautiful forest, there are numerous sources of potable mineral water. Benches, planks and stairs make the 10-15 minute walk up to the baths easier. Each of the 8 pools in the baths has a different and individual mineral composition of the mineral water. Information panels mark the history and medicinal properties of each pool and spring. 

The Csiszár Baths have been the most popular destination in and around Kézdivásárhely (Târgu Secuiesc) for the last 100 years. The “Feredő” (Bath) under Bálványos, in the Torja forest, was built in 1895 by the distiller Dénes Csiszár.

“Bálványos” is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in the Háromszék (Trei Scaune) region. The Bálványos Castle, the world’s unique Büdös (Stinking) Cave, the volcanic Szent Anna (Sfânta Ana, St Anne’s) Lake and more than 50 mineral water springs have attracted visitors for more than century. The Csiszár Baths, which include 16 thermal springs, was also built here. Of these, eight are enclosed in bathing pools, another two can be used for drinking cures, and a spring feeds the thermal gas bath built on it, known as the “Big Mofetta”. There’s also a smaller mofetta here, the “Virility (Férfierő) Mofetta”. Many people also like the “Eye Water” (Szemvíz). Four pools are large enough for swimming.

From 1960 to 1990, the Csiszár Baths enjoyed their second golden age after their foundation. A treatment centre with heated baths, hotel and restaurant was built under the cold pools. In 1990 the public health centre closed. In 2012, the baths returned to the grandchildren of the former bath builder Dénes Csiszár, who, harnessing the power of community, organized a bath renovation kaláka (joint voluntary work), renovated the pools, bought the buildings, and made the springs available for use by a large number of visitors again. The financial support of the Hungarian state played a major role in the organisation of the kalákas and the renovation works.

Medical indication: This mofetta offers symptomatic treatment for cardiovascular problems.
Usage: Approaching the mofetta requires caution; it can be dangerous if used incorrectly. Before entering the dry bath, you should be well rested, and the gas level should be checked. The easiest way to do this is the open flame test: where the flame goes out, you should not bend down anymore. Occasional, single use should not exceed 10 minutes.