Balneary tourism in Romania

Among the advantages of spa tourism in Romania are its long tradition therapeutic potential, which has been documented for nearly 2,000 years and is well-known and appreciated both in Romania and abroad. They have the confirmed and certified value of having natural healing factors, a rich infrastructure for treatment, diverse wellness facilities, highly specialised and professional medical staff, historical cultural support that further motivates health vacations in these areas, and low seasonality, all of which can be fully enjoyed all year.

The key natural treatment components are mineral and thermal waters with curative properties, therapeutic muds of various origins, therapeutic gases, thalassotherapy on the Black Sea coast, salt mines, and a soothing or energising atmosphere.

Both Romanian and foreign tourists value these characteristics' therapeutic efficacy, with many returning year after year for balneary therapy.

There are approximately 160 balneary locations in Romania, 40 of which are well-known nationally, and 25 of which are already appreciated on a global scale.
In recent years, the number of 3- and 4-star hotels in almost all Romanian resorts has increased, many with new or modernised spa treatment centres, well-equipped wellness departments, and qualified medical staff, in almost all Romanian resorts:
Baile Felix, Tusnad, Sovata, Covasna, Calimanesti-Caciulata, Govora, Olanesti, Vatra Dornei, Baile Herculane, Ocna Sibiului, Slanic Moldova, or in the seaside resorts: Mangalia, Eforie Nord, Saturn, etc.

Medicinal treatment, a pillar of Romanian spa tourism, is provided by a specialised, experienced staff, the involvement of which is recognised first and foremost by the direct beneficiaries, the tourists. As a result, a new type of tourism has emerged: medicinal tourism, in which tourists who have had surgery or who are advised to follow a certain lifestyle can practise recovery activities in excellent conditions within the accommodation facilities of Romania's spa resorts.

A short presentation of some of the most appreciated Romanian spas:

Baile Felix, Romania's largest all-year-round spa resort, is located in the country's north near Oradea; its thermal springs have temperatures ranging from 45 to 112 degrees Celsius. The spring is thermal, sulphurous, and high in calcium or sodium, which all have a relaxing effect on a variety of ailments. Sapropelic muds with high levels of colloidal iron hydrosulphides can also be found here.

Baile Felix is recommended for the treatment of rheumatic and inflammatory diseases, neurological and gynaecological disorders, endocrine and respiratory issues, post-traumatic programmes, and recovery from medical emergencies or accidents.

Baile Herculane is a millennium-old beachfront resort that has been popular since Roman times, when baths, temples, and monuments were built in honour of Hercules, Aesculapius, and Hygieia.

The main therapeutic features are a very relaxing climate, isothermal and hyperthermal waters (38-60 °C) with distinct chemical and mineral compositions.

Baile Herculane is indicated for rheumatic (degenerative or inflammatory) conditions, metabolic or nutritional issues, post-traumatic, digestive, dermatological, and occupational conditions.

Sovata is regarded as one of the world's best infertility treatment centres. It is located in the centre of the country and is the world's largest heliothermic lake. The key curative ingredients are Ursu Lake's therapeutic waters and sapropelic mud, Alunis Lake's siliceous mud, and the pristine air filled with aerosols and negative ions.
Sovata is prescribed for a variety of conditions, including gynaecological disorders, degenerative rheumatic diseases (cervical, dorsal, and lumbar spondylosis, osteoarthritis, and polyarthritis), cardiovascular, nutritional, and neurological illnesses.

Ursu Lake, Sovata

Baile Tusnad, which has been in operation since 1845, was visited by Emperor Franz Josef in 1852 due to its therapeutic waters and atmosphere. The waters are mostly carbonated, the therapeutic gases are energising, and the air is densely packed with negative ions. This resort treats asthenia neurosis, cardiovascular disorders, hypertension, and disorders of the digestive, endocrine, renal, and gynaecological ailments.

Baile Tusnad

Slanic Moldova is recommended for digestive problems, liver and bladder problems, respiratory, medical, and nutritional problems, asthenic neurosis, degenerative rheumatism, and other ailments. It is located in a beautiful geographical area and has been documented since 1755 due to its healing sources.

Vatra Dornei, located in a picturesque setting in the country's north-western region, it has a number of springs with varying mineral content that are highly recommended for cardiac and rheumatic diseases, respiratory and digestive tract illnesses, gynaecological and nutritional issues, and so on.

Vatra Dornei

Baile Govora and Baile Olănești, located in Vâlcea County in Romania's south, benefit from mineral waters that are beneficial to digestive and respiratory diseases, as well as a climate that is beneficial to respiratory diseases. They also provide cultural and gastronomic tourism, as well as modern medical facilities.

Baile Govora

Calimanesti-Caciulata is one of the world's largest spas, located in the Olt Valley and traversing a significant mountain range. It has both indoor and outdoor pools with therapeutic waters, and it provides a wide range of therapy and healing options, as well as entertainment.

Covasna and Buzias which are well-known for their therapeutic sulphur gas emissions, are especially beneficial for cardiovascular and circulatory issues.

Due to their marine climate, sea water, therapeutic springs or lakes, and therapeutic mud of the highest quality, seaside resorts on the Black Sea coast, such as Eforie Nord and Mangalia, are recommended for the treatment of degenerative or inflammatory rheumatic diseases, central nervous system diseases, gynaecological, dermatological, respiratory, and other ailments.