Description of the area

The erosion of its rivers have turned the Borsec Basin into two smaller plateaus (Lower Borsec Basin and Upper Borsec Basin). Borsec is famous for its mineral waters. In 2004 it also gained a prize for the Best Mineral Water of the Year. Due to the mineral waters Borsec has been a famous resort and mineral water exporter since the 18th century, its heydays being dated to the 19th century, up to the first decades of the 20th century. Once it also had a flourishing industry (lignite and construction materials were produced here).

Kerekszék is a geology reserve. It is located south-east from Lower Borsec, 973 m above sea level. In fact it is a 70-100 meters thick travertine hill. It forms a wall above Lower Borsec and it extends to 1,5 square km. Travertine has been deposited by mineral springs for thousands of years. It is white or brownish-grey, has a fibrous appearance, it can be carved easily, therefore it is used as prime material of decorations on buildings.

A specific phenomenon of Kerekszék is the Ice Cave. Water seeping into the cave freezes in early spring and defreezes in late spring. The Dripstone Cave and the Bear Cave is also located here, the latter one being a natural cave with deep gorges and high cliffs, named after some bear stones found inside it.

Szentes Sarolta, Demeter László