Nature Reserve Guide
Ciomad - Balvanyos is a nature reserve located in the southernmost part of the Eastern-Carpathians. This area is characterized by its unique post-volcanic phenomena, including mofettas and mineral springs, alongside diverse forest types and peat bogs. The varied terrain, ranging from dense woodlands to volcanic formations and open areas, provides a suitable environment for several sports like hiking and touring cycling.
The Ciomad - Balvanyos nature reserve offers a number of routes for…
9
Routes
4.8
(7)
Average rating
67
People visited

5.0
(2)
18
hikers
10.1km
03:07
360m
360m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
7
hikers
25.9km
08:40
1,060m
1,070m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.5
(2)
14
hikers
5.12km
01:57
250m
250m
Moderate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

5.0
(1)
3
hikers
21.1km
07:04
980m
980m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
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7
riders
33.7km
02:17
580m
580m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
riders
119km
07:01
690m
690m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5
riders
149km
09:18
1,510m
1,510m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

3
riders
95.0km
05:52
930m
930m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Ciomad - Balvanyos is a nature reserve in the southernmost Eastern-Carpathians. It is known for its post-volcanic phenomena, including mofettas and mineral springs, and features diverse forests and peat bogs. The area offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and touring cycling.
The Ciomad - Balvanyos nature reserve offers activities such as hiking and touring cycling. There are 9 routes available on komoot, with an average rating of 4.8 stars from 67 visitors. These routes explore the region's unique geological features and diverse ecosystems.
Popular hiking trails include the Saint Anne Chapel – Path Around Lake Saint Ana loop from Lake Saint Anne, a moderate 6.4-mile (10.3 km) route. Another option is the Ciucaș Lake – Falcon Stone Nature Reserve loop from Băile Tușnad, which is 3.2 miles (5.1 km) long and also moderate. These routes are highly rated by komoot users.
Yes, Ciomad - Balvanyos features difficult hiking routes for experienced hikers. An example is the Saint Anne Chapel – Path Around Lake Saint Ana loop from Băile Tușnad Hm, spanning 16.0 miles (25.7 km). Another challenging option is the Path Around Lake Saint Ana – Saint Anne Chapel loop from Băile Tușnad Hm, covering 13.0 miles (21.0 km).
Key natural attractions include the Saint Anne Volcanic Lake, a pristine volcanic lake. The region also features post-volcanic phenomena like mofettas, such as the Smelly Cave (Peștera Puturosu), Europe's largest natural hydrogen sulfide mofetta. Additionally, visitors can explore peat bogs like the Buffogó Peatbog and various mineral water springs.
Yes, Ciomad - Balvanyos offers several touring cycling routes, generally rated as difficult. Examples include the Lake Sfânta Ana loop from Bicsadu Oltului Hm., which is 25.2 miles (40.6 km) long. Longer routes like the Balvanyos Resort – Turia Reformed Church loop from Sfântu Gheorghe extend up to 73.6 miles (118.5 km).
Komoot offers dedicated guides to help explore the area. Users can find more information and plan their trips using the Hiking around Ciomad - Balvanyos guide. For cyclists, the Cycling around Ciomad - Balvanyos guide provides relevant routes and tips.
The Smelly Cave (Peștera Puturosu) is Europe's largest natural hydrogen sulfide mofetta, measuring 14 meters long. It emits approximately 3,000 cubic meters of gas daily, creating an extreme environment. The cave is open to the public, offering insight into unique geological processes.
Yes, the Ciomad - Balvanyos area features several traditional mineral water baths. These include the Apor Girls' Baths and the Csiszár Baths, which are arranged in the forests. The baths utilize the region's varied mineral waters, known for their curative properties.
Routes in Ciomad - Balvanyos have an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on komoot. This rating is based on feedback from 67 visitors who have explored the 9 available routes in the nature reserve.
For information regarding the Ciomad - Balvanyos protected area, including touristic attractions and habitats, the official website is csomadbalvanyos.ro. A contact phone number for the area is +40 374 004 676.

