Mofettes
CO₂ mineral water
Heart & circulation
Covasna
The „place of a thousand springs“ — natural mofettes and carbonated mineral water for the heart, circulation and blood flow.
At a glance
Covasna lies in the Szekler Land on the eastern edge of the Carpathians, at around 550–600 m altitude. The town is nicknamed the „place of a thousand springs“. Its healing remedy is the natural mofette: carbon-dioxide-rich, post-volcanic dry gas rises from the ground, and the guest „bathes“ in it. Alongside this come carbonated mineral waters for CO₂ baths and drinking cures. Covasna is traditionally regarded as one of Romania's leading cardiovascular spas.
Well suited for
- Heart, circulation & blood flow
- Recovery in a mountain climate
- Year-round stays
Less suited for
- Acute, severe heart conditions
- Fans of classic thermal bathing
01Overview & history
Covasna sits in the county of the same name in Transylvania, in the Szekler Land at the foot of the Eastern Carpathians, at around 550–600 m altitude. The extraordinary density of mineral springs and gas vents earned the town its nickname, the „place of a thousand springs“. Spa guests were already travelling here in the 19th century to make use of the rising carbonic gases and the iron-rich chalybeate springs.
A geological curiosity is the „Balta Dracului“ (Devil's Lake) — a floating peat-bog lake, whose bed is kept in motion by rising gas. Around the extensive spa park stand bath houses and sanatoriums; historically a funicular railway connected the resort with the higher-lying village of Comandău.
02Remedies & composition
Covasna's central remedy is the natural mofette — a post-volcanic CO₂ dry-gas bath. Carbon-dioxide-rich gas streams from the ground and the guest „bathes“ in it fully clothed: the CO₂ is absorbed through the skin, widens the small blood vessels and so stimulates circulation. This is complemented by carbonated mineral waters used for CO₂ baths and drinking cures.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Main remedy | Natural mofettes (CO₂ dry gas) |
| Water type | Carbonated mineral waters (CO₂), partly iron-rich |
| Application | Gas bath, CO₂ bath, drinking cure |
| Mode of action | CO₂ absorbed through the skin → vasodilation, improved blood flow |
Figures are for orientation only. Exact analysis values vary by spring and facility.
03Indications & contraindications
Traditionally recommended for
- Cardiovascular conditions
- Peripheral circulatory disorders
- Mild hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Rehabilitation after a heart attack
- Exhaustion & convalescence
Take care / clear with a doctor for
- acute heart conditions
- severe hypertension
- acute infections & fever
- pregnancy
Mofettes act directly on the circulation: with cardiovascular conditions, always clear the cure with a doctor beforehand.
04Treatments & therapies
| Treatment | Description | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Mofette (gas bath) | „Bathing“ fully clothed in the rising CO₂ dry gas | approx. 20–30 min |
| CO₂ bath | Bath in carbonated mineral water | approx. 15–20 min |
| Drinking cure | Cure with mineral water from the springs | as prescribed |
| Physio- & kinesiotherapy | Movement therapy / rehab on medical prescription | individual |
| Climate therapy | Walks & rest in the spa park's mountain climate | daily |
05Accommodation
Covasna has long-established spa and sanatorium hotels with their own mofette and treatment departments, as well as smaller guesthouses and apartments in town. Many of the larger properties offer cure packages including medical supervision.
Spa & sanatorium hotelsWith mofette, CO₂ bath & spa doctors
Guesthouses & apartmentsAffordable, quiet, near the spa park
Specific hotels with prices and booking links to follow shortly.
06Prices & opening hours (guide)
| Service | Guide price |
|---|---|
| Mofette (single session) | from approx. €5–10 |
| CO₂ bath (single) | from approx. €6–12 |
| Night in a spa hotel (double) | 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
- Balta Dracului (Devil's Lake) — the floating peat-bog lake in the heart of the resort
- Spa park & historic funicular towards Comandău
- Eastern Carpathians & Szekler Land — hiking, villages and mountain air
08Frequently asked questions
What is a mofette and how do you „bathe“ in one?
A mofette is a natural, post-volcanic dry-gas bath: carbon-dioxide-rich gas rises from the ground. The guest stands fully clothed in the gas bath, which is absorbed through the skin, stimulates blood flow and supports circulation — entirely without water. Read more under Remedies: mofettes.
Who is a cure in Covasna best suited to?
Covasna is traditionally regarded as a cardiovascular spa. It is recommended, among other things, for peripheral circulatory disorders, mild hypertension and rehabilitation after a heart attack. With cardiovascular conditions, the cure should be cleared with a doctor beforehand.
When is the best time to visit?
Thanks to its mild mountain climate at around 550–600 m, Covasna is a year-round spa. Summer and early autumn are the most pleasant for walks in the spa park.
How far is the nearest airport?
Since June 2023 the nearest airport is Brașov-Ghimbav ~65 km (by road); further alternatives are Bacău/Sibiu ~130–160 km. Covasna has its own railway station, so arriving by train or hire car is straightforward.
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