In the heart of Transylvania, hidden between the peaceful, wooded hills of Sovata, lies a true natural wonder: Lake Ursu. With features that make it unique in Europe, it attracts many visitors, interested not only in its fairy-tale landscapes, but also in the peaceful atmosphere it offers to all who come here. Over the years, the lake has become a tourist destination of reference, a place where nature shows its full beauty through the intense color of the water, the fresh air and the vegetation surrounding this sanctuary of relaxation.
For those who want more than a simple escape into nature, Bear Bear Lake is an invitation to a profound experience for both body and soul. Set in a wild but breathtakingly beautiful landscape, the lake is the perfect place for moments with the family or just a moment of respite, when the city noises and everyday worries seem far away, lost somewhere along the winding meandering paths that lead to this corner of heaven.
In the following lines, we invite you to discover more about Lake Ursu, a destination that will surely make its place in your future vacation plans.
- Geographical location
- Lake Ursu Sovata – characteristics and formation
- What is a heliothermal lake
- World records held by Lake Ursu
- Health benefits of Bear Lake waters
- Things to do in the Bear Lake area
- Ursu Lake Sovata: program
- What to see in the area
Geographical location
Lake Ursu, the jewel of Sovata resort, is located in the heart of Romania, in Mures county, at the foot of the Gurghiu Mountains. The area is easily accessible, about 60 kilometers from Târgu Mureș and relatively close to other major Transylvanian cities such as Brasov, Cluj-Napoca or Sighisoara.
The resort of Sovata is surrounded by lush vegetation, with deciduous and coniferous forests spreading over the surrounding domed hills and mountain slopes. The wooded area creates a comforting atmosphere and is a natural filter that purifies the air, giving it a freshness of its own.
The location of the lake in a natural valley, at an altitude of about 500 meters above sea level, makes it sheltered from strong winds, and the climate is mild and stable most of the year, with moderate summers and relatively mild winters, a climate conducive to relaxation and reconnecting with nature.
Lake Ursu blends harmoniously into the resort’s landscape, surrounded by landscaped paths, walkways and areas where visitors can admire both the lake and the mountains in the distance. Sovata is part of the Călimani-Gurghiu volcanic chain, and the relief of this area is marked by ancient tectonic activity, making it particularly rich in mineral waters and salt deposits. The proximity of the Gurghi slope and the nature reserves in the area contribute to the charm of the region, attracting tourists who want to explore not only the resort’s facilities, but also the mountain trails and the neighboring forests.
Thus, Sovata, with Lake Ursu at its center, is a unique combination of a mountain and spa resort, a place where the natural landscape offers a peaceful and picturesque scene, isolated from the urban agglomeration.
👉 When traveling with your family, you want unique experiences and comfort. Valea Verde Retreat’s accommodation options offer you the possibility to opt for one of the recently renovated, traditional houses located right next to the restaurant. Here you can enjoy delicious meals with your loved ones in a pleasant and relaxing environment.
Lake Ursu Sovata – characteristics and formation
The stories handed down from generation to generation say that this Dead Sea of Europe, as it has been called, was formed in the second half of the 19th century, in the 1870s, when an old salt mine collapsed.
After this event, streams flowing down the mountainsides began to flow into the void, gradually filling it. The fresh waters came into contact with the soda salts and chloride compounds in the area, and this mixture created a natural phenomenon unique in Europe.
Over time, there has been a gradual reduction in the lake’s temperature. In 1902, the water temperature reached 61 degrees Celsius, falling to 51 degrees in 1910 and 33 degrees in 1965. Possible reasons for the drop include exploitation of the lake’s resources and a reduction in the flow of freshwater from the streams on the slopes that feed it.
Initially, the lake, which was later named after its bear-fur shape, was called “Illyes,” after the local landowner who helped develop the area by founding Sovata de Sus in 1900.
Ursu Lake depth
Its maximum depth reaches 18.1 meters, while the average depth is about 10 meters. Lake Ursu stretches 400 meters long with a maximum width of about 170 meters, covering a total area of 40,235 square meters.
From a certain depth, the water temperature in Bear Lake remains constant all the way down to its base. Compared to seawater, which has an average salinity of 34 g/liter, the salt concentration in Lake Ursu reaches 220-300 g/liter at certain depths. In other words, the salinity of the lake increases with its depth. These unique properties have attracted the interest of researchers, and in the last century the phenomenon of heliothermal has been intensively studied, with specialists recommending Bear Lake for its exceptional health benefits.
👉 If you have decided to visit this natural wonder, unique in Europe, but you also want to explore other places in the surroundings, choose the accommodation in Valea Verde Resort and discover Transylvania through the excursions we organize for you in the most representative places in the area!
What is a heliothermal lake
The heliothermal phenomenon was observed for the first time in Romania between 1898 and 1901 by the scientist Sándor Kalecsinszky. He discovered that the water in Lake Ursu has a high salinity and that the amount of salt in the water increases as the depth of the lake increases. As the upper freshwater layer of the lake warms up due to solar radiation, this heat is gradually transferred to the deeper layers. In the case of a heliothermal lake, the salt water at the bottom acts as a thermal reservoir, retaining heat.
Although Lake Ursu is part of a protected nature reserve, access is allowed within a well-defined perimeter. There are set times for entering the lake, which allow the heliothermal layers of water to replenish. The reason is simple: during swimming, water currents move the layers with different salt concentrations, and the freshwater layer on the surface can no longer maintain the greenhouse effect, mixing with the saltier water at the bottom. This is why it is essential to respect the set time intervals to maintain an optimal heliothermal effect.
The therapeutic properties of the water from Lake Ursu became quickly known, and in 1928 the first treatment center was established. Since then, a spa complex has developed in the area, including hotels, guesthouses and various facilities for visitors to relax and recover.
World records held by Lake Ursu
Bear Lake is one of the most famous tourist attractions in the world, holding three world records, based on research carried out by experts:
- is the warmest and largest heliothermal lake in the world;
- is the only salt lake that is surrounded by a mountain of salt and diverse vegetation on mountainous volcanic soil;
- The exact date of the lake’s formation is known with remarkable precision, down to the minute – May 27, 1875, 11:00.
These three world records have aroused great interest among tourists from all over the world, making Lake Ursu a top destination in the tourist and spa rankings.
Its unique features and spectacular surrounding landscapes have significantly contributed to the development of tourism in the Sovata region, attracting more and more visitors every year.
👉 A truly successful family vacation is about relaxing, but also discovering new places. If you choose to stay at the Valea Verde Resort, in addition to visiting Lake Ursu and Sovata resort, you also have easy access to 10 tourist attractions in the Făgăraș region, representative of the culture and history of Transylvania.
Health benefits of Bear Lake waters
The water in Bear Lake reaches its maximum therapeutic effects between July 1 and August 15. Between 1-25 July, the water temperature at a depth of 1.5-2 meters reaches between 35 and 45 degrees Celsius. During this period, the water is extremely beneficial for gynecological treatments, such as female infertility, chronic inflammatory conditions of the pelvic region, premenstrual syndromes, but also for various chronic rheumatological conditions.
Subsequently, between July 25 and August 15, the water temperature at the same depths drops to between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius, and it becomes effective in:
- relief of musculoskeletal conditions, such as degenerative rheumatism (spondylarthrosis, gonarthrosis, coxarthrosis) and inflammatory rheumatism in remission (e.g. ankylosing spondylitis);
- treatment of post-traumatic conditions, such as recovery from fractures, sprains, strains, sprains or surgery (hip prostheses, knee, etc.), as well as soft tissue disorders (tendonitis, tenosynovitis, bursitis, fibromyalgia);
- treating dermatologic conditions such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and chronic eczema;
- support in hormone deficiencies, including ovarian failure, hypothyroidism and perimenopause and menopause-related conditions;
- combat chronic fatigue, constant stress, insomnia and psychasthenia by rebalancing the vegetative nervous system.
Things to do in the Bear Lake area
For those looking to relax or have fun, the Bear Lake area offers plenty of activities to suit all tastes.
You can choose to enjoy sunbathing and swimming, or venture out for a boat or hydro bike ride. Over the years, terraces, playgrounds, a park and picnic areas have been laid out around the lake, so there are plenty of options for leisure.
You can also explore the charming town of Sovata, renowned for its tradition in spa tourism. The town offers a variety of restaurants, cafes and shops where tourists can enjoy local dishes, buy souvenirs or learn more about the history of the area.
👉 Just an hour’s drive from the resort of Sovata and Lake Ursu Sighișoara’s medieval fairytale town, another unique landmark of Transylvania, which you can easily include on your must-see list, especially if you choose to stay at the Valea Verde Resort, located within walking distance from these attractions.
Ursu Lake Sovata: program
From the end of June until mid-September, Bear Lake welcomes its visitors every day between 10:00 and 18:00, with a break for restoring the heliothermal qualities of the water between 13:00 and 15:00.
Admission is 50 lei for adults and 40 lei for children and senior citizens.
What to see in the area
If you are in the Sovata area, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the other nearby lakes: the Paraschiva Sovata, Aluniș, Mierlei, Negru, Verde and Roșu. A recommended route is the one that starts at Lake Ursu and climbs through the forest to the Tivoli Hotel, as well as the one that climbs to the Cireșelu peak and Saca Hill.
Just 10 km from Sovata, in Harghita county, is the Praid salt mine, one of the largest salt mines in Romania and Europe. The Praid Salt Mountain is a protected area of national interest in the municipality of the same name. It covers the largest salt deposit in the country, with layers up to 2.7-3 km deep.
Southwest of the Praid Salt Mountain is the Corundului Gorges, a spectacular canyon carved into the salt by water currents, and below the Red Lake is the Bicaz Gorges, a spectacular 6km trail linking Transylvania and Moldova.
Lake Ursu is not only a special natural destination, but also a true health sanctuary, offering visitors a rare combination of natural beauty and therapeutic benefits. The heliothermal phenomenon, unique in Europe, together with the fascinating scenery and the tradition of spa tourism in the area make Ursu Lake a top destination for those seeking a natural way to revitalize body and soul.
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