The best cycling routes around Ciomad - Balvanyos

It is the symbol of the city of Covasna, a muddy volcano, a permanent eruption of gases - carbon and sulphur oxides - that keeps a vortex of yellow mud and groundwater or minerals moving. The carbon dioxide emissions here are closely related to the volcanic processes that took place in the region between Harghita and Calima somewhere towards the end of the Paleocene. The gases emitted consist of carbon dioxide with a maximum purity of 98%. These gases can be found in almost the entire area of the city of Covasna, they collect in specially designated rooms, the so-called skunks, and represent a unique natural factor that is of very special importance in the treatment of numerous diseases of the cardiovascular system. According to the descriptions, this natural phenomenon was located further north in the 17th century, but mysteriously moved to the city center, leaving a younger brother in its old place, the "Little Devil's Puddle". During the 19th century, several eruptions occurred: 1837, 1857, 1864 and 1885, the largest in 1837, the last major gas eruption in 1984. Currently it is completely harmless and resembles a bubbling fountain covered by a metal grid, which can be visited in this form in the center of the city. Note: Skunks are mofettes

The Covasna Elvirav mineral spring has been used for spa treatments since 1881. In 1882, the mineral water was awarded a gold medal in Trieste. In 1883, the first mofette was opened, which is still in operation today (dry carbon dioxide emissions with a carbon dioxide concentration of 80-98%; 0.4% methane; 1.1% hydrogen sulphide; 4.5% helium and traces of the noble gases neon, radon, xenon and krypton). The gases dilate the veins and thus lower blood pressure. The carbonated mineral water from the springs also contains bromine and iodine. The following complaints are treated with mineral water or medicinal water: - Chronic heart disease, arterial diseases, high blood pressure, chronic venous diseases... - Diseases of the central nervous system - Diseases of the digestive system - Kidney and bladder diseases - Diseases of the musculoskeletal system - Skin diseases - Sterility or gynecological diseases - Diseases of the male sexual organs

contains bicarbonate, chlorides, sodium and CO2, which is recommended for the treatment of enterocolitis

Balvanyos or Băile Balvanyos (in Hungarian Bálványos, in German Bad Götzenburg) is a permanent spa town of local interest in Covasna County, Transylvania, Romania,[2] in the administrative territory of the Turia commune,[3] northwest of the city of Târgu Secuiesc of the same county. It is characterized by the presence of numerous mineral water springs, by mophetic carbon dioxide emissions - of post-volcanic character - as well as by the beauty of the landscape.[2]

Tusnad (Tusnad Baths) Tusnad Baths is the smallest town in Romania, located in the southernmost corner of Harghita County. The municipality has 1,728 inhabitants, according to the 2002 census. The spa was founded in 1842. In 1935, Tusnád separated from the municipality, became independent and was named Tusnád Baths. In 1968, the town became a town and in 1970, many large hotels were built here. After the fall of communism, due to disputed property rights, it began to decline, but today it has recovered. Modern pensions, guest houses, ski slopes and an adventure pool await tourists. Tusnad Baths and the natural conditions and chemically very diverse healing springs, the climate and the beauty of the landscape have an excellent healing effect on diseases such as neurosis, heart and circulatory problems, gastrointestinal and motor problems and glandular diseases. The Tusványos Free University and Youth Camp is held here and the EU camp has been organized here for many years. Lake Csukás is located under the Sólyomkő rock, is an artificial lake fed by the Olt river and has existed since 1894. Its heyday was in the 1920s. After 1948 the spa was nationalized and a large red star was placed in the middle of the 2 hectare and 3 meter deep Csukás Lake. In winter the lake was used as an ice rink. After 2000 the lake became private property. The distance between Tusnad and Lake St. Anne through Bixad is 24 km.

I can't say whether this private room still exists. It's worth remembering. The landlord put three large bottles on the table for me and said, "You can drink that!". I assumed water or lemonade, ... no it was Palinka, the Romanian plum brandy :))

The probably Hungarian Szekler, the exact origin of this ethnic group is not known, were like the Transylvanians brought by the Hungarian king to the unsettled areas for their protection.