The lake Vidraru and the Vidraru Dam (Lacul si Barajul Vidraru) – The Giant of the Carpathians +video and views
Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2026 11:57 am
Along the Transfagarasan (Click HERE to see more) , at 40 kilometers from Curtea de Arges (Click HERE to see more) , between Pleasa and Vidraru slopes, is located Vidraru Lake and Dam - built between 1960 to 1966, for the production of electricity, irrigation and flood prevention, being now an excellent place also for recreation, tourism and sports, eg Bungee jumping extreme sport.
The legends of Lake Vidraru:
1. The Sunken Village (Atlantis of the Carpathians) The Legend:
Beneath the 465 million cubic meters of water lies a lost world.The Story: When the dam was built in the 1960s, the entire village of Cumpăna was flooded to make room for the lake. Legend has it that on very quiet nights, or when the water level drops significantly, you can still hear the bells of the sunken church ringing from the depths. Divers speak of an eerie silence underwater, where the skeletons of old houses still stand, frozen in time.
2. The Iron Giant (Prometheus of Vidraru) The Legend:
High above the dam, on Mount Pleasa, stands a massive, shiny statue.The Story: It is the statue of Prometheus (the titan who stole fire from the gods), holding a lightning bolt. For tourists, it’s a great photo spot, but for locals, it’s the "Electricity God." Legend says the statue was placed there to guard the dam against the "fury of the waters." It is said that as long as Prometheus watches over the valley, the walls of the dam—which are over 166 meters high—will never break.
3. The "Bottomless" Tunnels The Legend:
The massive underground galleries of the power station.The Story: The Vidraru hydroelectric plant is hidden 100 meters deep inside a mountain of rock. There are rumors of secret tunnels that connect the dam to other strategic points in the Făgăraș Mountains, built during the Cold War. Some hikers say they've found ventilation shafts in the middle of nowhere, miles away from the dam, whispering of a hidden "underground city."
Height: 166 meters (taller than a 50-story skyscraper).
Curvature: A double-curvature arch dam designed to withstand immense pressure.
Historical Context: Completed in 1966, it was once the 5th largest dam in Europe and the 9th in the world.
The Power Beneath: Home to a massive underground hydropower plant located 100 meters below ground level.
A 4K video with The lake/dam Vidraru (lacul si barajul Vidraru)
The Lake: A reservoir holding over 465 million cubic meters of water, acting as a mirror for the surrounding peaks.
Boat Cruises: Relaxing ferry or private boat tours to see the mountains from a different perspective.
Photography: The perfect spot for landscape photographers, especially during the "golden hour."
The Statue of Prometheus: Visit the "Iron Man" of Vidraru, a towering monument symbolizing electricity and human power. See the video below with the Vidraru lake and the Prometheus statue:
Bungee Jumping: Home to the highest bungee jumping platform in Romania for the ultimate adrenaline rush. See the video below:
Gateway to the Transfăgărășan: The starting point for the world’s most spectacular road, as famously featured on Top Gear. Click HERE to read more about Transfagarasan -the most beautiful road in the world
Valea lui Stan: Nearby access to one of Romania's most thrilling canyoning trails. See the video below with "Valea lui Stan" canyon:
Frequently Asked Questions: Vidraru Dam & Lake
1. What is the Vidraru Dam famous for?
Completed in 1966, the Vidraru Dam was once the 5th largest arch dam in Europe. It was built to produce hydroelectric power and to control the waters of the Argeș River. Today, it is an iconic landmark of Romanian engineering, standing 166 meters tall with a crest length of 305 meters.
2. Where is Vidraru Dam located?
The dam is located in Argeș County, on the DN7C highway (Transfăgărășan). It is approximately 30 km north of the town of Curtea de Argeș and serves as the starting point for the high-altitude section of the Transfăgărășan road.
3. Can I take a boat tour on Lake Vidraru?
Yes! During the summer season, there are boat cruises and small motorboats available for rent at the "Casa Argeșeană" or near the dam. A boat trip is the best way to appreciate the scale of the artificial lake, which stretches over 10 kilometers into the mountains.
4. What is the statue looking down at the dam?
That is the Statue of Prometheus (also known as the Statue of Electricity), created by sculptor Constantin Popovici. It depicts Prometheus holding a lightning bolt, symbolizing the power of electricity. You can climb the stairs to the statue for a stunning panoramic view of the lake and the dam.
5. Can I go Bungee Jumping at Vidraru?
Vidraru Dam is home to the highest Bungee Jumping spot in Romania (and one of the highest in Europe), with a drop of approximately 166 meters. However, jumps are only organized by specialized clubs during specific events in the summer. Always check for availability in advance.
6. Are there bears near Vidraru?
Yes, the area surrounding Lake Vidraru is a natural habitat for brown bears. It is very common to see them along the DN7C road.
Important Safety Note: Do not get out of your car to take photos and never feed the bears. It is illegal and extremely dangerous for both you and the animals.
7. Is the road to Vidraru open in winter?
The road from Curtea de Argeș to the Vidraru Dam is usually open year-round. However, the section of the Transfăgărășan that continues north from the dam toward Bâlea Lake typically closes from late October to June due to heavy snow.
The Vidraru lake and Dam (Lacul si Barajul Vidraru) aerial landcaspe
1. The Sunken Village (Atlantis of the Carpathians) The Legend:
Beneath the 465 million cubic meters of water lies a lost world.The Story: When the dam was built in the 1960s, the entire village of Cumpăna was flooded to make room for the lake. Legend has it that on very quiet nights, or when the water level drops significantly, you can still hear the bells of the sunken church ringing from the depths. Divers speak of an eerie silence underwater, where the skeletons of old houses still stand, frozen in time.
2. The Iron Giant (Prometheus of Vidraru) The Legend:
High above the dam, on Mount Pleasa, stands a massive, shiny statue.The Story: It is the statue of Prometheus (the titan who stole fire from the gods), holding a lightning bolt. For tourists, it’s a great photo spot, but for locals, it’s the "Electricity God." Legend says the statue was placed there to guard the dam against the "fury of the waters." It is said that as long as Prometheus watches over the valley, the walls of the dam—which are over 166 meters high—will never break.
3. The "Bottomless" Tunnels The Legend:
The massive underground galleries of the power station.The Story: The Vidraru hydroelectric plant is hidden 100 meters deep inside a mountain of rock. There are rumors of secret tunnels that connect the dam to other strategic points in the Făgăraș Mountains, built during the Cold War. Some hikers say they've found ventilation shafts in the middle of nowhere, miles away from the dam, whispering of a hidden "underground city."
Height: 166 meters (taller than a 50-story skyscraper).
Curvature: A double-curvature arch dam designed to withstand immense pressure.
Historical Context: Completed in 1966, it was once the 5th largest dam in Europe and the 9th in the world.
The Power Beneath: Home to a massive underground hydropower plant located 100 meters below ground level.
A 4K video with The lake/dam Vidraru (lacul si barajul Vidraru)
The Lake: A reservoir holding over 465 million cubic meters of water, acting as a mirror for the surrounding peaks.
Boat Cruises: Relaxing ferry or private boat tours to see the mountains from a different perspective.
Photography: The perfect spot for landscape photographers, especially during the "golden hour."
The Statue of Prometheus: Visit the "Iron Man" of Vidraru, a towering monument symbolizing electricity and human power. See the video below with the Vidraru lake and the Prometheus statue:
Bungee Jumping: Home to the highest bungee jumping platform in Romania for the ultimate adrenaline rush. See the video below:
Gateway to the Transfăgărășan: The starting point for the world’s most spectacular road, as famously featured on Top Gear. Click HERE to read more about Transfagarasan -the most beautiful road in the world
Valea lui Stan: Nearby access to one of Romania's most thrilling canyoning trails. See the video below with "Valea lui Stan" canyon:
Frequently Asked Questions: Vidraru Dam & Lake1. What is the Vidraru Dam famous for?
Completed in 1966, the Vidraru Dam was once the 5th largest arch dam in Europe. It was built to produce hydroelectric power and to control the waters of the Argeș River. Today, it is an iconic landmark of Romanian engineering, standing 166 meters tall with a crest length of 305 meters.
2. Where is Vidraru Dam located?
The dam is located in Argeș County, on the DN7C highway (Transfăgărășan). It is approximately 30 km north of the town of Curtea de Argeș and serves as the starting point for the high-altitude section of the Transfăgărășan road.
3. Can I take a boat tour on Lake Vidraru?
Yes! During the summer season, there are boat cruises and small motorboats available for rent at the "Casa Argeșeană" or near the dam. A boat trip is the best way to appreciate the scale of the artificial lake, which stretches over 10 kilometers into the mountains.
4. What is the statue looking down at the dam?
That is the Statue of Prometheus (also known as the Statue of Electricity), created by sculptor Constantin Popovici. It depicts Prometheus holding a lightning bolt, symbolizing the power of electricity. You can climb the stairs to the statue for a stunning panoramic view of the lake and the dam.
5. Can I go Bungee Jumping at Vidraru?
Vidraru Dam is home to the highest Bungee Jumping spot in Romania (and one of the highest in Europe), with a drop of approximately 166 meters. However, jumps are only organized by specialized clubs during specific events in the summer. Always check for availability in advance.
6. Are there bears near Vidraru?
Yes, the area surrounding Lake Vidraru is a natural habitat for brown bears. It is very common to see them along the DN7C road.
Important Safety Note: Do not get out of your car to take photos and never feed the bears. It is illegal and extremely dangerous for both you and the animals.7. Is the road to Vidraru open in winter?
The road from Curtea de Argeș to the Vidraru Dam is usually open year-round. However, the section of the Transfăgărășan that continues north from the dam toward Bâlea Lake typically closes from late October to June due to heavy snow.