Băile Tușnad and Lacul Sfânta Ana: a 15 km circuit
Romania's only volcanic crater lake, on a 15 km circuit with 849 m of ascent from a spa town on the Olt. Just under four hours by train from Bucharest; the circuit begins in the town.
Băile Tușnad is a small spa town at 650 m on the Olt valley, between the Bodoc and Harghita mountains. Above it sits Lacul Sfânta Ana, the only volcanic crater lake in Romania, and the walk up to it is one of the most satisfying easy circuits in the country.
The reason to put it on your list: the circuit begins in the town, so you can do the whole thing from the railway station without a car.
15 km · 849 m up, 849 m down · 4–6 hours
- Circuit: 15 km
- Time: 4–6 hours
- Ascent: 849 m up, 849 m down
- Out on: Blue stripe (bandă albastră) — 2–3 hours to the lake
- Back on: Red stripe (bandă roșie)
- Base: Băile Tușnad, 650 m
Getting there
We took the CFR train from Bucharest Gara de Nord and were in Băile Tușnad by about 16:00, a journey of a little under four hours. By car it is roughly four hours from Bucharest and one from Brașov.
Being able to arrive by train, sleep in the town and pick the route up in the town itself is what makes this one work without a car. Our route passed directly in front of the inn we had eaten at the night before.
The circuit
Out on the blue stripe via Cabana Sfânta Ana to the lake, two to three hours. Back on the red stripe. The full loop is 15 km with 849 m of climbing, and takes four to six hours depending on how long you sit by the water.
Piatra Șoimilor
If you want a short second walk, Piatra Șoimilor — the Falcons’ Rock — is the viewpoint directly above the town, and it is an easy hour.
Where to stay and eat
We stayed at Vila Bradul and ate at Hanul Secuiesc, which is Székely food and generous. The town is small enough that nothing is far.
Part of our guide to hiking in Romania beyond Brașov and the Bucegi.
Looking for the Romanian version? This route is written up in full, with more photos and a GPS track, at greuladeal.ro.
