From a road route on the Transfăgărășan – the most spectacular mountain road in our country, a stop at the Vidraru dam and lake is a must. It is one of the most beautiful mountain reservoirs in Romania. In the following, we invite you to discover the history, the story and the curiosities of Lake Vidraru.
- Lake Vidraru: its history and particularities
- Curiosities and stories about Vidraru Lake and Dam
- What interesting things to do in the area
Lake Vidraru: its history and particularities
Before you visit Lake Vidraru and the hydro-technical construction here, it is ideal to read some useful information to help you discover this impressive place. In the following lines, you’ll find out about the special features and many unusual aspects.
Location and geography of Lake Vidraru
Vidraru Lake is located in Argeș County, in the natural setting of the Făgăraș Mountains. It is situated 29 km from Curtea de Argeș. Road access can be made from several directions, the most common being from Curtea de Argeș, on DN7C.
The most beautiful mountain road in our country, the Transfăgărășan (technically known as DN7C), passes by the Vidraru lake, being built along the Vidraru dam.
Lake Vidraru is a reservoir located between the Frunții Mountains and the Ghițu Massif, both mountain units belonging to the Făgăraș mountain range. Vidraru gathers the waters of two main mountain rivers, Capra and Buda, which form the Argeș River, and of several tributaries: Doamnei River, Cernatul, Vâlsanul Topologul, Valea lui Stan and Limpedea. The total surface area of Lake Vidraru thus reaches 8.93 km², with a water flow of 5.5 m³/s.
History of Vidraru Lake
Lake Vidraru was artificially created by a large-scale human intervention in 1965. Given the hydro-energy potential of the Făgăraș Mountains, a dam and a hydroelectric power station were built here, which brings significant energy to our country.
The formation of the reservoir at Vidraru was also necessary because of the danger of flooding, the high flow of the Argeș requiring a hydro-technical construction. Vidraru also made it possible to control the necessary agricultural irrigation in the Argeș basin. Therefore, we can say that the Vidraru lake has multiple important functions in terms of socio-economic development of the area.
Lake Vidraru has become a special tourist attraction on the Transfăgărășan road route. In the last part of this article, you will discover what you can do in this area.
Vidraru Dam – the largest arch dam in Romania
The Vidraru reservoir is the result of the construction of the Vidraru Dam, Romania’s largest arch-style dam. It is built between the slopes of Pleașa and Vidraru.
It is a dam on the Argeș, one of the important rivers of our country. The Vidraru dam was built between 1960 and 1966, with a height of 166 meters, a length of 307 meters and a thickness of the crest of 6 meters. 480,000 cubic meters of un-reinforced and waterproof concrete were used.
For the construction of the Vidraru dam, 42 km of underground tunnels were formed. From underground alone, more than 1 million cubic meters of rock were excavated, out of a total of 1,768,000 cubic meters.
The dam is crossed by 9 horizontal galleries from which the integrity of the construction is controlled. The communication between these galleries is made either from the inside, there are two elevators, or from the outside, on specially designed access paths.
With an installed capacity of 220 MW, the Vidraru hydropower plant, located below the dam, has the capacity to produce 400 GWh of electricity.
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Curiosities and stories about Vidraru Lake and Dam
Beyond the technical and practical aspects of this imposing construction, there are many more stories and curiosities about the Vidraru:
- The village of Cumpăna was located on the site of today’s Lake Vidraru. It is said that there were people who did not want to leave their homes, dying under the water. In fact, when the lake dries up, you can still see the foundations of the houses that once stood here. Locals say that the raising of the Vidraru dam has brought much sadness to the area;
- Although it is a great engineering jewel, the Vidraru lake and dam also meant great human sacrifice. No less than 80 people lost their lives during the construction and improvements that took place here;
- At the time of its completion, the Vidraru Lake dam was ranked 8th in Europe in terms of construction height. At 166 meters high, the Vidraru dam ranks 2nd in Romania, after the Gura Apelor dam, which is 2 meters higher;
- The Vidraru hydropower plant is located more than 100 meters below the Argeș River, with a control center dug into the mountain. Until 1989, the hydropower plant was called “Gheorghe Gheorghiu Gheorghiu-Dej” – the name of the country’s former communist leader, who wanted such a hydropower project;
- If there was serious damage to the dam and it broke, the flood would reach 12 meters high and reach the city of Pitesti in about 70 minutes;
- In July 1974, the dam failed during a test run. It caused a flood in the area, two people lost their lives and there was some material damage. This is the only notable damage to the dam;
- The biggest earthquake ever recorded in Romania, in March 1977, did not cause any cracks in the Vidraru hydropower construction.
- The outline of the Vidraru dam can be seen at night from an airplane, as it is electrically illuminated;
- Lake Vidraru reaches a maximum depth of 155 meters in the curved area of the dam. It is considered the deepest reservoir in Romania. It ranks third in terms of surface area after the reservoirs of Izvorul Muntelui (Bicaz) and Vidra (Lotru);
- Diving in Lake Vidraru is dangerous because of the wind-driven torrents and varying depths. Even the most experienced swimmers can risk their lives here. The temperature difference can also lead to medical problems such as hypothermic shock or heart attacks;
- Various legends have also developed, with fishermen saying that there are very large sea monsters in Lake Vidraru.
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What interesting things to do in the area
Once at the dam and Lake Vidraru, the first thing to do is enjoy the scenery. After that, here are the most interesting things to do in the area:
Activities around Lake Vidraru
Depending on your preferences, courage and time available, around Lake Vidraru you can consider the following activities:
Belvedere – Prometheus
The Iron Man or Prometheus is considered the ‘Monument of Electricity’. The giant stainless steel statue, 10 meters high, was created by Romanian sculptor Constantin Popovici. The Iron Man is holding a lightning bolt as a symbol of energy. He stands on a concrete platform on Mount Pleașa.
To enjoy a spectacular view of the lake and the Vidraru dam, a staircase structure has been set up. Well worth the climb!
Bungee jumping
The most exciting activity you can do here, even if it’s not for everyone, is extreme sports.
The highest bungee jumping runway in the country has been set up in the Vidraru Lake area. So the brave are invited to try this adrenaline-pumping jump!
Boat trips
Lake Vidraru allows you to take pleasure boat trips. It’s a pleasant ride on the calm waters of Lake Vidraru, with the possibility to see the landscape from a completely different perspective.
Camping area
Lake Vidraru offers camping opportunities, with spectacular natural scenery as soon as you step out of your tent. In fact, the whole Argeș valley has picturesque places where you can camp. If you fancy such an experience, make sure you have everything you need for camping!
Tourist attractions in the Vidraru area
The Argeș area has tourist potential worth discovering. Therefore, consider the following tourist attractions of interest:
Curtea de Argeș Monastery
In Curtea de Arges, you can make a nice visit to the monastery of the same name.
The Curtea de Argeș Monastery is, from an architectural point of view, one of the most attractive religious places in the country. Founded by Neagoe Basarab between 1515-1517, it also serves as the necropolis of the Royal Family of Romania.
Poenari Fortress
Poenari Fortress, considered the second residence of Vlad Țepeș, is a medieval fortress located downstream of the Vidraru dam, on top of the Cetățuia mountain. It played an important strategic-military role against Turkish invasions.
To reach it, you have to climb 1480 steps. It’s quite a demanding climb, but the view over the Arges Valley is enchanting.
Transfăgărășan
The most beautiful mountain road in Romania is, without a doubt, an attraction in itself just by traveling it. However, there are still a few points of interest to stop off at.
So, in addition to the Vidraru dam, Bâlea Lac is also a stop not to be missed. Bâlea Cascade is also a natural tourist attraction that can be reached by hiking.
⏩ From towering mountain peaks and breathtaking landscapes to fortresses and fortified churches, Fagaras Country is a fairytale land of Romania. Make your vacation plans here and discover the sights!
Lake Vidraru offers one of the most spectacular hydrographic landscapes in the mountainous area of Romania. It is also a point of interest for all visitors who set out to discover the Transfăgărășan. If you haven’t been here yet, don’t hesitate!
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