Romania · Eastern Carpathians

Lake Colibița

Directions

Lacul Colibița

Colibița Lake is an artificial reservoir in the Călimani Mountains, in Bistrița-Năsăud County. It was created by the Colibița dam on the Bistrița River, built between 1977 and 1991 for hydropower, to supply water to the settlements downstream and to industry and irrigation, and to regulate the flow of the river. The lake covers about 3 km² and is 13 km long. The tourist resort of Colibița stands on its shores, and holiday villages are scattered around the lake.

How it formed

The lake lies at about 830–900 m, between the Călimani and Bârgău mountains, with Căsaru peak (1,580 m) above it. It is nicknamed the “sea in the mountains”. Local legend says that a village and a church cross can be seen when the water is low.

Gallery

2 photos

Photo: Miehs · CC BY-SA 4.0

Photo: Paul Gabriel Pasztor · CC BY 2.0

Show all photos

Visit

Swimming

No reliable information

Tips

By car from Bistrița, follow the Bârgău valley for about 50 km and turn off about 6 km after Mureșenii Bârgăului; it can also be reached from Vatra Dornei. There is no public transport to the lake itself. Kayaks and paddleboards can be hired, and the lake is meant for non-motorised boats. There are no lifeguards, and small beaches are still being developed.

Guesthouses and campsites line the shore. Trails lead to the 12 Apostles reserve and Bistricioru peak in the Călimani, and nine mountain-biking routes and a ride around the lake are also possible. Anglers will need a permit.