Lake Galeș is a glacial lake at about 1,990 m in the Retezat National Park, enclosed by the Galeș, Valea Rea and Mare peaks, and considered by many to be the most beautiful in the range.
Visit
Swimming
No reliable information
Tips
From the former Pietrele hut, a red-triangle trail crosses the Pietrele brook and the Galeș stream, passes the turning to Tăul dintre Brazi and climbs a series of rock steps past the Galeș sheepfold to the lake. The route to Vârful Mare above takes 4–4.5 hours in all, with about 1,100 m of climbing. It is demanding, and dangerous in winter. From the lake, a marked path heads on towards Peleaga saddle.
A park ticket is required, available at the Nucșoara visitor centre, the main entrances or from park staff. Bathing and boats are banned on the park’s lakes, camping is allowed only in the designated places, open fires are banned, and dogs must be kept on a lead. Pietrele is one of the designated camping places.
Nearby lakes
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Sources & data
- Romania's 2022 Water Framework Directive reporting to the EEA: lake (LW) and transitional (TW) water bodies, field cArea, European Environment Agency (WISE WFD), reported by Romania, 2022
- OpenStreetMap: Galeș (way 169852648), OpenStreetMap contributors
- Pietrele – Vârful Mare, Welcome to Romania
- Cabana Pietrele – Lacul Galeș – Vârful Mare, Munții Noștri
- Tourist information, Retezat National Park Administration