Background · Remedies
Romania's Salt Mines: Speleotherapy for the Airways
By the Terra Cura editorial team · August 2026
At a glance
Speleotherapy means staying therapeutically in old salt galleries: the air there is cool (about 10–12 °C), evenly humid, salt-laden and almost free of pollen, dust and allergens. This microclimate can traditionally support the airways in asthma, chronic bronchitis and allergies. In Romania the best options are Turda, Slănic Prahova, Târgu Ocna and Cacica — the well-known Praid mine has been closed since 2025 following flooding.
Romania literally sits on salt: beneath Transylvania and the edges of the Carpathians lie vast salt deposits, some mined since Roman times. What remains are enormous underground chambers with an exceptionally stable, pure climate — the basis of speleotherapy.
How does speleotherapy work?
Deep underground a special microclimate prevails. The air is constantly cool, evenly humid and carries fine salt particles (aerosol). Because pollen and dust are largely absent, the environment is considered low-irritant; it is traditionally credited with anti-inflammatory and mildly antibacterial properties. The treatment simply consists of breathing this air calmly for several hours.
Clinical studies suggest that speleotherapy can improve respiratory function and the well-being of people with airway conditions. An important caveat: the clearest effects appear in self-perceived symptoms and quality of life, while objective measurements change only in part in studies. Speleotherapy is therefore a complementary, not a replacement, measure.
Traditionally recommended for
- Bronchial asthma and allergic asthma
- Chronic and obstructive bronchitis
- Allergies and recurring airway infections
The main salt mines at a glance
| Salt mine | Region | Highlight | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Turda | Cluj County | Spectacularly developed: Ferris wheel, underground lake; ~10–12 °C | Open |
| Slănic Prahova | Prahova County | One of Europe's largest salt mines (Unirea), very quiet, low-allergen | Open |
| Târgu Ocna | Bacău County | Underground sanatorium focused on the airways | Open |
| Cacica | Suceava County (Bukovina) | One of the oldest salt mines, historic chapel | Open |
| Praid | Harghita County | The country's largest airway-treatment facility | Flooded since 2025 — closed |
Salina Turda — the spectacular one
Developed as a tourist attraction, this mine in Cluj County is world-famous for its Ferris wheel, amphitheatre and an underground lake on an old level. Beyond the wow factor, it offers the typical cool, salt-laden cave climate.
Slănic Prahova — the vast and quiet one
The Unirea mine is considered one of Europe's largest salt mines, with immense halls. Thanks to natural ventilation and nearly allergen-free air, it is especially popular with guests who come mainly for treatment.
Târgu Ocna — the therapeutic one
Târgu Ocna (Bacău County) is home to an underground sanatorium designed specifically for respiratory conditions — including rest areas and medical care deep inside the mountain.
Cacica — the historic one
In the north, in Bukovina, lies one of Romania's oldest salt mines. Alongside the cave climate, the chapel carved into the rock and the underground lake are worth the visit.
Praid — closed for now
The mine at Praid (Harghita County) housed the country's largest airway-treatment facility. Following flooding in 2025, however, it is not currently accessible. For now, Turda, Slănic Prahova, Târgu Ocna or Cacica are the alternatives. Please check the current status before travelling.
Note
Speleotherapy is a complementary natural application and does not replace medical treatment of your airway condition. Never stop prescribed medication (e.g. for asthma) without consulting your doctor. Discuss a stay underground with your doctor beforehand.
Learn more about salt as a remedy on our salt page; suitable resorts for airway conditions are listed in the overview.