Borsec, a resort chiefly known for its mineral water and favourable climate, is situated in the intracarpaticdepression of the same name, at an altitude of 900 m (3,000 ft).
The Borsec Depression has an oval shape and is northeast oriented, being separated from the hilltop of the Rotunda Chair in two subunits. The locality is composed of two areas that correspond geographically to the two small depression areas that join: The Upper Borsec (Borsec de Sus) and The Lower Borsec (Borsec de Jos). The latter is southwest along national road DN15 [ro] at its junction with county road DJ128 Borsec-Ditrău, and Borsec de Sus (or the resort itself) is located on the plateau located northeast of the primary settlement, which is at higher altitude on average with 80–100 m. In the west, at a short distance, one can reach Toplița, the Pass of Creangă and to the east the Bistricioara valley. The Borsec depression is located at a higher altitude to that of Giurgeu but lower than that of Bilbor. Within the resort there are alleys and tourist trails, most of which are located in the outskirts of the resort, especially for visiting the nature monuments from the reservation of the Scaunul Rotund and Făget (Bükkhavas). They have the necessary arrangements to perform the field treatment under appropriate conditions, including tourist markings.
Mineral water springs – the main resource of Borsec
Viaduct support of mineral water supply for the bottling plant
Mineral water springs are numerous, with a close and stable chemical composition over time, with variable but sufficient flows to be economically used and are currently the main economic engine of the resort. The mineralization characters fall into the group of bicarbonate, calcium, magnesium, carbonate and hypotonic mixed mineral waters. The springs of the Borsec Depression occur in two groups - the northern one of greater importance - the springs line having originating from dolomitic crystalline limestone, sources characterized by the accumulation of water in the cracks and the karstic voids (springs 1, 2, 3, 5, 6); and the southern group - the line of springs cantonated in calcareous tuff with a restricted circulation of water through cracks and areas of alteration (springs 10, 11, 15). The most important springs qualitative and as flow of the resort are the springs 1 and 2. Both are captured, their carbonated water - bicarbonated being used for bottling, external and internal cures.
Indications of treatment (hydromineral, peloid, balneoclimatic)
It is not advisable to use mineral water in the form of a cleanse without medical indication.
In the internal cure (through the direct consumption of mineral water), the springs in Borsec are indicated:
In the Upper Borsec in the wet areas formed on a clayey layer located on the right side of the Usturoi brook there is a peat (in some parts the thickness exceeds 10 m). The chemical composition gives it qualities of therapeutic sludge that makes it possible to use it in rheumatic diseases.
Unfortunately, nowadays the Medical Recovery activity is stopped as a result of the closure of the Treatment Base.
Name
Its name is derived from Hungarian "borvizszék" meaning "Seat of Mineral Water".
Tourism
Borsec owes its fame to its mineral waters, known for their curing properties. Natural cures (the healing properties of the microclimate, surrounding air, soil and water) and physiotherapeutic properties are reputedly able to improve nutrition and heal a host of metabolic disorders. Borsec is a favorable place for rest and recreation: it is a real paradise for those who enjoy excursions (known destinations include Poiana Zânelor, the ice cave, the bears' cave, Izvorul Străvechi, Cetatea Bufnițelor), those who like winter sports (on Făget and Făgețel for beginners and those more advanced) as well as those who like to fish, who can try their luck in the waters of Bistricioara or the Bicaz Lake, which are near the resort.
One famous visitor to Borsec was Moldavian writer Vasile Alecsandri, who wrote the following in 1845: "at Borsec they all are brothers, if not in Jesus then in mineral water [...] one of the most important merits of Borsec is that it gives people human feelings!"
According to the 2002 census, the town's population was 2,864, of whom 2,240 (78.2%) ethnic Hungarians, 607 (21.2%) ethnic Romanians, and 0.6% others.[5] The 2011 census revealed the population dropped by 10.2%, to 2,573, with an ethnic makeup as follows: 1,975 (76.8%) Hungarians, 584 (22.7%) Romanians, and 0.5% others.[6] At the 2021 census, Borsec had a population of 2,391.[7]
Exports
"Borsec, Queen of Mineral Waters" (since 1806) is bottled there and exported to nations such as Hungary, Italy, Germany, France, United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Israel, South Africa, Sweden, Jordan, Greece, Lebanon, Emirates[citation needed].
