The end: Devastating flood shuts down iconic Praid salt mine forever

The Praid salt mine was more than just a tourist attraction in the heart of Székely Land—it was a vital economic and cultural hub. But a natural disaster in May has forever changed that. Torrential rains caused the Korond stream to swell, breaching the mine’s protective geofabric and flooding the underground chambers. Since then, the mine has been completely closed.

The extent of the damage is staggering: an estimated seven million cubic meters of water flooded the mine’s tunnels—approximately the equivalent of fifteen years of salt production dissolved. According to those affected, the Praid salt mine, as we once knew it, will never reopen.

Economic collapse: Tourism and local community devastated

Index reports that the mine’s tourism sector generated roughly €10 million in annual revenue, much of which supported the local population. Around 2,000 guesthouses operated in the village, mostly within family homes. Now, these accommodations stand empty, bringing in no income.

The closure isn’t just an economic disaster—it has dealt deep wounds to the community. Locals had built long-term plans around the mine, and now they’re grappling with the harsh reality that neither production nor visitor returns are guaranteed.

Lack of accountability

One pressing question remains: who is responsible for the disaster? During a panel discussion at the Bálványos Summer Free University, county councilor László Geréb and Zoltán Zakariás, president of the Hungarian Alliance of Transylvania, both pointed to serious state-level negligence. Geréb argued the mine’s fate lies with the state, which failed its obligation to protect this valuable asset.

He even raised suspicions of mismanagement, noting that the state was responsible for operating the sal tmine. Zakariás added that not only the mining company, but also the water management authority—and indeed the entire state—were at fault. While he acknowledged the local community may have been complacent, he emphasized they are not to blame, trusting instead that experts and decision-makers would fulfill their duties.

Geréb noted that residents kept quiet about longstanding issues—not out of bad faith, but out of fear. He explained that when smaller leakages were disclosed in the past, tourism took a hit, so the community chose not to jeopardize their livelihoods.

Their silence stemmed from hope that those in charge would address the problems. Mine workers, who witnessed the situation firsthand, were reportedly prohibited by the mining company from speaking out, leaving many crucial details hidden from the public for far too long.

Praid Salt Mine disaster transylvania korond stream — The picture shot by a drone showing the part of the salt mine where the water managed to break in. Photo: MTI/Gábor Kiss

The end of an era—What’s next for Praid?

While there had been plans to extend the salt mine’s operational life, those are now irrelevant. Salt extraction has ceased in its current form, and even the feasibility of opening a new mine remains uncertain from both a technical and financial standpoint.

Proposed tourism alternatives—such as adventure parks or event venues—would only operate seasonally and cannot match the former year-round revenue. Reopening the salt mine’s health and wellness facilities has been discussed, but that would take years and require major investments. Zakariás emphasized that without a new, genuinely attractive tourist concept, the entire hospitality industry built around the salt mine could collapse.

The Praid salt mine was one of Székely Land’s best-known attractions, drawing hundreds of thousands annually who benefited from its unique microclimate to treat respiratory ailments, asthma, and other conditions in its underground rest areas. Now, this era has come to an end.

Although the waters of the Korond have since been diverted, the salt mine appears to be beyond saving. The question is no longer whether the past can be restored—but what can come next, and how everyday life in a tourism-driven community can regain meaning.

As speakers at Tusványos made clear: the local population cannot be blamed. Accountability lies with the state, which must now chart a new path forward—or risk letting not just a mine, but an entire village lose its future. As the people of Praid themselves put it: hope isn’t dead—yet only real plans and consistent decisions can breathe new life beneath the salt-filled ground.

Read more Transylvania-related stories on Daily News Hungary.

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