Stunning Lake Știol (Lacul Știol): The Mirror of the Rodna Mountains +video and views
Posted: Sat Feb 07, 2026 3:21 pm
Discover the legend of the golden chariot at Lake Știol, a stunning glacial lake in the Rodna Mountains (see more). Explore one of the best nature places in Romania near Borșa.
If you are looking for one of the most breathtaking places in the Northern Carpathians, Lake Știol (also known as Lacul Izvorul Bistriței) is a must-see destination. Tucked away at an altitude of 1,800 meters in the Rodna Mountains National Park, this glacial lake is the true definition of a "hidden gem."
The Landscape
The lake sits in a massive glacial cirque, surrounded by emerald-green pastures and rocky peaks. What makes Știol unique is that it is the source of the Bistrița River, one of the most important rivers in Romania. The water is crystal clear, reflecting the sky like a giant mirror, and in early summer, the surrounding slopes are covered in pink rhododendrons (bujorul de munte), creating a landscape that looks like a postcard.
The Legend of the Golden Chariot
Locals in the Maramureș region still tell stories about the mysteries hidden beneath the cold waters of the lake.
The most famous legend says that during the Tartar invasions, the locals gathered all their gold and valuable belongings, placed them in a golden chariot, and hid it in the depths of Lake Știol to protect it from the invaders. It is said that on certain nights when the moon is full, the golden chariot glimmers through the clear water, but it is protected by a mountain spirit that ensures no one can ever retrieve it.
Another local belief is that the lake is "unfathomable" (without a bottom) and that it communicates directly with the sea through underground tunnels.
How to get there
The most popular route starts from Borșa Resort. You can take the chairlift up to the ridge, and from there, it’s an easy and beautiful 30-45 minute hike. Along the way, you’ll also encounter the famous Cailor Waterfall (Cascada Cailor) (see more), the tallest waterfall in Romania.
A Note on Safety
While the trail is accessible, remember that wild animals are unpredictable. The Rodna Mountains are home to bears and lynx. Always hike in groups, make noise to announce your presence, and keep a safe distance if you encounter any wildlife.
A video wich present Lake Știol (Lacul Știol) and mountain surroundings:
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Știol:
1. Where is Lake Știol located? The lake is situated in the Rodna Mountains National Park, Maramureș county, Northern Romania, near the town of Borșa.
2. How long is the hike to Lake Știol? If you take the chairlift from Borșa Resort, the hike is easy and takes about 30 to 45 minutes on a relatively flat trail.
3. Can you swim in Lake Știol? Swimming is not recommended as the water is extremely cold, being a glacial lake, and it is part of a protected National Park.
4. When is the best time to visit? The best time is from June to September. In June, you can see the blooming rhododendrons, but always check the weather as it can change quickly in the high mountains.
5. Are there bears near Lake Știol? Yes, the Rodna Mountains are a wild habitat for brown bears. Wild animals are unpredictable, so it is mandatory to hike in groups, stay on marked trails, and avoid carrying smelly food.
If you are looking for one of the most breathtaking places in the Northern Carpathians, Lake Știol (also known as Lacul Izvorul Bistriței) is a must-see destination. Tucked away at an altitude of 1,800 meters in the Rodna Mountains National Park, this glacial lake is the true definition of a "hidden gem."
The LandscapeThe lake sits in a massive glacial cirque, surrounded by emerald-green pastures and rocky peaks. What makes Știol unique is that it is the source of the Bistrița River, one of the most important rivers in Romania. The water is crystal clear, reflecting the sky like a giant mirror, and in early summer, the surrounding slopes are covered in pink rhododendrons (bujorul de munte), creating a landscape that looks like a postcard.
Stunning view of Lake Stiol in Rodna Mountains, Romania, with blooming rhododendrons.
The Legend of the Golden ChariotLocals in the Maramureș region still tell stories about the mysteries hidden beneath the cold waters of the lake.
The most famous legend says that during the Tartar invasions, the locals gathered all their gold and valuable belongings, placed them in a golden chariot, and hid it in the depths of Lake Știol to protect it from the invaders. It is said that on certain nights when the moon is full, the golden chariot glimmers through the clear water, but it is protected by a mountain spirit that ensures no one can ever retrieve it.
Another local belief is that the lake is "unfathomable" (without a bottom) and that it communicates directly with the sea through underground tunnels.
How to get thereThe most popular route starts from Borșa Resort. You can take the chairlift up to the ridge, and from there, it’s an easy and beautiful 30-45 minute hike. Along the way, you’ll also encounter the famous Cailor Waterfall (Cascada Cailor) (see more), the tallest waterfall in Romania.
A Note on SafetyWhile the trail is accessible, remember that wild animals are unpredictable. The Rodna Mountains are home to bears and lynx. Always hike in groups, make noise to announce your presence, and keep a safe distance if you encounter any wildlife.
A video wich present Lake Știol (Lacul Știol) and mountain surroundings:
Frequently Asked Questions about Lake Știol:1. Where is Lake Știol located? The lake is situated in the Rodna Mountains National Park, Maramureș county, Northern Romania, near the town of Borșa.
2. How long is the hike to Lake Știol? If you take the chairlift from Borșa Resort, the hike is easy and takes about 30 to 45 minutes on a relatively flat trail.
3. Can you swim in Lake Știol? Swimming is not recommended as the water is extremely cold, being a glacial lake, and it is part of a protected National Park.
4. When is the best time to visit? The best time is from June to September. In June, you can see the blooming rhododendrons, but always check the weather as it can change quickly in the high mountains.
5. Are there bears near Lake Știol? Yes, the Rodna Mountains are a wild habitat for brown bears. Wild animals are unpredictable, so it is mandatory to hike in groups, stay on marked trails, and avoid carrying smelly food.