Saint Anne Lake & Mohos Bog - Unique Volcanic Nature!

Saint Anne Lake, Mohos Peat Bog & Puturoasa Cave
 
Saint Anne Lake
Saint Anne Lake and Mohos Peat Bog are among the rarest natural formations in Europe. Both were formed in the twin volcanic craters of the Ciomad Mountains.

Saint Anne Lake: 950 m above sea level, 464 m diameter
Mohos Peat Bog: 1050 m altitude
The area is protected, but accessible by car (with fee) or on foot from Băile Tușnad.

Standing on the lake shore, the view is breathtaking: the almost perfectly circular water surface reflects the surrounding forest-covered crater rim.

In summer, visitors can:

rent boats
even swim (water can reach 24–25°C)
Local tradition says that anyone who bathes in the lake will be protected by its fairy for a year.

Nearby stands the Saint Anne Chapel, rebuilt in 1977, still an important pilgrimage site, especially during the Saint Anne feast in July.

Saint Anne Lake characteristics:

is fed only by precipitation
has no surface outflow
drains underground through infiltration
Water depth over time:

1867: 12 m
1907: 8.5 m
today: approx. 7 m
Over time, the lake is expected to slowly transform into a peat bog.

Mohos Peat Bog
Mohos Bog formed in the crater of a former lake.

altitude: 1050 m
diameter: 800 m
area: 80 hectares
peat thickness: up to 10 m
Today, the area is covered by dense vegetation, mainly peat moss, locally called “Kokojzás.”

Visitors can explore part of the bog via wooden walkways, allowing close observation of this fragile ecosystem.

Flora and fauna
Rare species include:

sundew (carnivorous plant)
cranberry and blueberry
bog rosemary (glacial relict)
over 20 species of moss
The area hosts unique microfauna and wetland-adapted species.

Puturoasa Cave & Mofettas
The Puturoasa Cave near Băile Balvanyos is one of the most famous natural mofettas in Europe.

What is a mofetta?
A mofetta is a natural gas bath where volcanic gases (mainly carbon dioxide and sulfur gases) rise from the ground and have therapeutic effects.

✔ improves circulation
✔ helps with joint and mobility issues
✔ supports blood pressure regulation

Warning: inhaling the gases can be dangerous. Always follow safety rules!

The cave experience
The cave can be reached via a scenic forest path in about 30 minutes.

As you approach, the smell of sulfur becomes noticeable. Inside:

sulfur deposits can be seen on the walls
a warm sensation spreads through the body
Despite its eerie atmosphere, the gases are known for their healing properties when used properly.

Other attractions nearby
Buffogó peat area
ruins of Bálványos Castle
The region is rich in history and ancient traditions.

Recommended route
Odorheiu Secuiesc – Miercurea Ciuc – Băile Tușnad –
Saint Anne Lake – Mohos Bog – Puturoasa Cave
(approx. 115 km)

Legend of Saint Anne Lake
According to legend, fairies once lived in the lake and danced on its surface at night. Disturbed by the sound of a nearby chapel bell, they convinced a young man to steal it.

Instead of rewarding him, they drowned him. Later, a young man named Gergő broke the spell by kissing one of the fairies, turning her human. Together they retrieved the bell, and the fairy king was transformed into a frog.

Discover a place where silence, mystery and nature meet in perfect harmony.

We wish you a relaxing and unforgettable experience!