The Thermal Waterfall at Toplița

Romania delights us with spectacular scenery, unusual cultural sights and unique points of interest. One of these is the thermal waterfall at Toplița in Harghita County, the only waterfall of this kind in the country and the second in Europe, after the one in Saturnia, Italy.

As a rule the two terms “waterfall” and “thermal water” do not often meet, which is why its unique character has been appreciated and the waterfall was declared a protected area of national interest and a biological and landscape nature reserve. The total area of the reserve is 0.5 hectares; it is visible from a distance, even from the train, thanks to its position right beside the railway.

How did this wonder of nature come into being? Through the deposition of travertines precipitated from bicarbonate thermomineral water, sedimented on the outcrop and on vegetation.

The waterfall is about 10 metres high, and the temperature is about 27 degrees Celsius, which is why its water rarely freezes. The last time this phenomenon occurred was in January 2022, and images of the spectacular sight even reached the international press. Previously the waterfall had frozen in 2014, when temperatures of −29 degrees Celsius were recorded in the region.

More accurately, the waterfall does not freeze completely, but on contact with low temperatures its water turns into giant icicles.  

Besides all these unique characteristics, the waterfall stands out and draws impressive numbers of tourists thanks to its changing colours, which will delight your eyes. The phenomenon is easy to explain: because of the travertine in the lower layers, which is in a continuous process of deposition.

Many tourists reach Toplița thanks to the thermal waters of the region that have beneficial effects for locomotor and rheumatic conditions. For this purpose the Banffi and Urmánczy thermal pools have been arranged, as well as the Banffy SPA centre.

We recommend setting aside a day to enjoy a few quiet, relaxing moments at Iezer Lake, a mountain lake at the foot of Răchitiș Peak. Its altitude is about 1,750 metres, and the lake lies in a legally protected area. You may spot rare animals and plants.

In only 30 minutes you can reach Borsec resort, a spa resort whose therapeutic effects have been known and exploited since the 19th century. The 15 thermal springs are appreciated by tourists and locals as truly healing.

Sixty kilometres separate you from Lacu Roșu, the first lake in the country formed by a natural dam.  It forms part of Cheile Bicazului National Park, and one of the characteristics that make it an unusual attraction is its red colour, due to clays rich in iron oxides brought by the Rece Stream. 

Read also: About Borsec Resort, Harghita