Băișoara (also known as Járabánya or Kisbánya in Hungarian and Kleingrub in German) is a commune located in the northeast of the Gyergyó Mountains, where the homonymous resort is situated. The commune of Băișoara consists of 9 villages: Băișoara, Frăsinet, Săcel, Moara de Pădure, Muntele Bocului, Muntele Cacovei, Muntele Băișorii, Muntele Filii, and Muntele Săcel. The resort is situated at the eastern foothills of Mount Mare in the Apuseni Mountains, along the middle course of the Iara River, approximately 50 km from Cluj-Napoca, at altitudes ranging between 1200 and 1500 meters. Notable tourist attractions include the Liteni Castle (from the 13th century) in the village of Liteni, the Heroes' Monument, the ski slope, and the waterfall in the village of Băișoara.
The history of Băișoara dates back to before the 15th century, although the first written mention is from 1426. It was a settlement that was part of the royal domain of Iara Castle. The early years of the settlement are closely tied to mining activities, especially gold mining, which is why it is also known as Banya (mine, bath).