Mineral springs
Sulphur springs
Drinking & bathing cure
Băile Olănești
One of Romania's spring-richest spas — over 30 mineral and healing springs in a forested Subcarpathian valley.
At a glance
Băile Olănești lies in a forested Subcarpathian valley on the Olănești river (around 450 m) in Vâlcea County, in the Wallachia region (Oltenia). It is one of Romania's spring-richest spas: over 30 captured springs with iodine-, bromine-, sulphur-, sodium- and calcium-rich waters are used for drinking and bathing cures as well as inhalations. The resort is traditionally recommended above all for respiratory, digestive and skin complaints. One of its springs was awarded a prize at a World Exhibition in Vienna back in the 19th century.
Well suited for
- Respiratory & drinking cures
- Digestion, liver & gallbladder
- Quiet in a wooded valley
Less suited for
- Large thermal water parks
- Beach & coastal holidays
01Overview & history
Băile Olănești lies in Vâlcea County, in the Wallachia region (Oltenia), in a forested Subcarpathian valley on the Olănești river at around 450 m. The mild, sheltered climate of the valley and the exceptional density of healing springs have made the resort one of the best known in the country.
The springs have been used systematically since the 19th century; one of them was awarded a prize at a World Exhibition in Vienna at that time. Nearby lie the secluded Frăsinei Monastery and an extensive spa park, adding quiet and walks to a stay.
02Remedies & water composition
Băile Olănești has more than 30 captured mineral and healing springs — making it one of Romania's spring-richest spas. The waters are rich in iodine, bromine, sulphur, sodium and calcium and are traditionally used for drinking and bathing cures as well as inhalations.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Water type | Iodine-, bromine-, sulphur-, sodium- & calcium-rich |
| Number of springs | over 30 captured springs |
| Forms of use | Drinking cure, bathing cure, inhalation |
| Setting & altitude | Wooded valley on the Olănești river, approx. 450 m |
Figures are for orientation. Exact analytical values vary by spring and facility.
03Indications & contraindications
Traditionally recommended for
- Respiratory conditions (inhalation & drinking cure)
- Digestive, liver and gallbladder complaints (drinking cure)
- Kidney and urinary conditions
- Skin conditions and allergies
- Supportive for rheumatic complaints
Take care / seek medical advice with
- acute inflammation
- severe cardiovascular disease
- pregnancy
- fever & infections
04Cures & treatments
| Treatment | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Drinking cure | Measured drinking of the mineral springs (liver, gallbladder, digestion) | as prescribed |
| Bathing cure | Baths in the sulphur- and salt-rich healing water | 15–20 min |
| Inhalation & aerosols | For the upper and lower respiratory tract | 10–15 min |
| Electro- & physiotherapy | On medical prescription | individual |
| Kinesiotherapy | Movement therapy / rehabilitation | 30–45 min |
05Accommodation
From spa hotels with their own treatment department to guesthouses and villas in the greenery — Băile Olănești offers accommodation for every budget. Many spa houses are within walking distance of the springs and the spa park.
Spa hotelsWith treatment department & drinking hall
Guesthouses & villasQuiet, affordable, set in the wooded valley
Specific hotels with prices and booking links to follow shortly.
06Prices & opening hours (guide)
| Service | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Drinking cure / drinking hall access | from approx. €3–8 |
| Bathing or inhalation treatment (single) | from approx. €6–12 |
| Overnight, spa hotel (double room) | approx. €40–80 / night |
| Medical cure consultation | from approx. €15–25 |
Guide prices, as of 2026. Prices vary by facility and season — please confirm on site.
07Nearby
- Frăsinei Monastery — secluded mountain monastery nearby
- Olănești spa park — extensive grounds for walks
- Râmnicu Vâlcea & the Vâlcea monasteries — culture and day trips in the region
08Frequently asked questions
What are the springs of Băile Olănești known for?
It is one of Romania's spring-richest spas: over 30 captured springs with iodine-, bromine-, sulphur-, sodium- and calcium-rich waters are traditionally used for drinking and bathing cures as well as inhalations.
Which complaints is the resort traditionally recommended for?
Traditionally recommended for respiratory conditions, digestive, liver and gallbladder complaints (drinking cure), kidney and urinary conditions, skin conditions and allergies, and as support for rheumatism. A medical assessment before the cure is advisable.
When is the best time to visit and how far is the airport?
The best time to visit is spring to autumn. The nearest airport is Sibiu (~100 km); Craiova is an alternative.
What is there to see?
One of the springs was awarded a prize at a World Exhibition in Vienna in the 19th century. Nearby are the Frăsinei Monastery and the extensive spa park.
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