Băile Felix: Thermal Waters and Nature

Thermal waters, nature and architectural history give a trip to Băile Felix a range of possible focuses. If you are looking for a hotel in Băile Felix, you can first decide whether mineral water and the thermal water lily, outdoor activities, or natural and cultural history will shape your stay.

Thermal Waters and the Thermal Water Lily

The spring temperatures of the mineral waters in Băile Felix range from 40 to 49 °C; the waters are classified as oligomineral. The water lily adds a seasonal natural feature to the thermal theme: from April to the end of October, the thermal water lily appears on the water's surface. Its flowers open at dusk and close in the morning. If you are especially interested in this plant, its season provides a specific guide for planning your trip.

The thermal water lily has the botanical name Nymphaea lotus var. Thermalis and was declared a natural monument in 1931. In 2015, the first plants were relocated to the Lacul cu Nuferi Nature Reserve in Băile Felix. The two years point to different chapters: the declaration as a natural monument and, later, the relocation of the first plants to the reserve.

The plant life in the microclimate shaped by thermal springs is also varied. It includes the white water lily (Nymphaea alba), Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera), the thermal water lily and the bald cypress (Taxodium distichum). Together with the daily opening and closing of its flowers, the thermal water lily makes the nature theme interesting both botanically and seasonally.

Water, Forest and Outdoor Activities

Aqua Park President has 13 indoor and five outdoor pools with thermal water. There are also slides, a wave pool and a volleyball court. The complex therefore offers a range of leisure activities in addition to its pools. These features can help you consider the water park as a separate part of your stay.

If you would rather include trails and outdoor exercise in your plans, the Felix Forest near Băile Felix has walking and hiking trails as well as a jogging track. ATV excursions are also possible in the forest around Băile Felix and on the surrounding hills. These are different ways to explore the area; no shared route or specific duration is given.

Horse-riding excursions are offered in natural surroundings. Rides in a wagon or carriage can be arranged on request. This request requirement is a practical distinction: arrangements for such rides should be confirmed in advance.

Natural and Architectural History

Betfia Cave is located in the area around Băile Felix. The limestone cave is 86 metres deep and is home to a bat colony. Its depth, rock and bats give the nature theme a different focus from the plants and thermal springs. If you are interested in geological features, the cave is one of the area's notable natural attractions.

Architectural history offers another point of interest: Romania's 2010 list of historic monuments includes the wooden church “Sf. Arhangheli” in Băile Felix. The wooden church of Brusturi in Băile Felix bears an inscription dated 1785. The monument list and the inscription offer different historical clues: an entry in a list and a specific date on the church building.

You can therefore explore Băile Felix according to different interests: thermal waters and the water lily, plants and caves, trails and excursions, or the wooden churches.

Discover more destinations: Nucet, Margarethen, Oșorhei, Călățea, Pietroasa, Oradea, Săcădat, Auşeu

Return to the regional travel overview: Bihor.