The Fortyogó (Simmering)baths of Székelypetőfalva (Peteni)

The carbonated mineral water hidden in the subsoil is the treasure of Petőfalva. It bubbles up at every step on the swampy plains of the Feketeügy (Râul Negru), so one can take a dip almost anywhere. For centuries, the village has been known for the carbonated mineral water springing up from an abandoned dead ditch of the river. These carbon dioxide-saturated soaks served as water mofettas in the past, and their medicinal properties were soon recognised. 

During the communist era, not thinking about the protection of the mineral water springs in the countryside, drainage works were carried out in the Mezőföld, and the Fortyogó became the victim of a drainage ditch. For many years, no one bothered to renovate it. However, nature has taken care to heal the wound, because the untended water channel has in the meantime become clogged, and the former Fortyogó’s location was marked by the loudly bubbling mofetta gas. In 2008, the Fortyogó in Petőfalva was renovated as part of a movement initiated by the county government to renovate folk baths. The pool was renovated and a wood-fired sauna was built next to it.

The Fortyogó comes to the surface along the crustal fracture on the line of which Hatolykafürdő (Băile Hătuica) lies to the north and Kovásznafürdő (Băile Covasna) to the south.

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.