Lake Iezer (Lacul Iezer): The Glacial Jewel of the Massif +video and views
Posted: Fri Jan 23, 2026 12:43 pm
Lake Iezer is undoubtedly the "crown jewel" of the Iezer-Păpușa Mountains. If you’re planning a trek there, here is everything you need to know about this postcard-perfect destination:
Geographic Features
Lake Iezer is a glacial lake, formed in a hollow carved out by ancient glaciers. It sits at an impressive altitude of 2,135 meters, nestled right below the Iezerul Mare Peak.
Shape: It has a nearly circular shape, sheltered within a massive glacial cirque (a bowl-shaped valley).
Depth: It is not very deep (around 4 meters), but its water is crystal clear and remains freezing cold year-round.
Surface: It covers approximately 0.4 hectares.
A 4K video who presenting the Lake Iezer (Lacul Iezer):
The Legends of Lake Iezer (The Mountain's Eye)
1. The Lake with "No Bottom" (Iezer-Păpușa)
The Legend: Locals from the Muscel area have feared and respected this lake for centuries. The Story: Old shepherds say that Lake Iezer is "bottomless" and that it is connected directly to the Black Sea through mysterious underground tunnels. There is a dark legend about a wedding party that tried to cross the frozen lake in winter; the ice broke, and they were swallowed by the depths. It is said that their belongings surfaced weeks later... in the Danube Delta (see more). This myth warns travelers never to underestimate the "Eye of the Mountain."
2. The Legend of the Unspoken Love (Iezer, Rodna Mountains)
The Legend: This lake is famous for its shape, which perfectly mimics the map of Romania. The Story: Folklore tells of a young girl from the valley who fell in love with a mountain spirit (a Vântos). Her father forbade the union, so she climbed to the highest peak and cried for seven days and seven nights. Her tears gathered in the hollow of the mountain, forming the lake. It is said that the lake took the shape of the land she loved so much, and its crystal-clear water represents her pure, untainted soul.
3. The "Cursed" Stones
The Legend: Both lakes are surrounded by massive, jagged rocks. The Story: Legend has it that the boulders scattered around the lake were once giants who were turned to stone by a divine curse because they tried to steal the stars from the sky. On stormy nights, hikers say you can hear the rocks "groaning" under the weight of the snow, as if the giants are trying to wake up.
The Iezer Refuge
Located right next to the lake is the Iezer Refuge, a sturdy stone structure that provides shelter for hikers.
Important Note: This is a refuge, not a mountain chalet with a restaurant. It provides basic sleeping platforms (bunks), but you must bring your own sleeping bag and food. It is a legendary spot for the Romanian hiking community and a strategic point for those crossing the ridge.
What Makes it Special?
Water Color: On a sunny day, the water shifts between deep blue and emerald green, creating a sharp contrast with the grey rocky walls (the "Iezer Wall") towering above.
Absolute Silence: Unlike Lake Bâlea in the Făgăraș Mountains, there are no roads leading here. The only way to reach it is on foot, which preserves its wild and pure atmosphere.
Mountain Peonies: If you visit in June, the entire area surrounding the lake is covered in vibrant pink Rhododendrons, creating a surreal and stunning landscape.
How to Get There
The most popular trail starts from Voina Cabin (near the town of Câmpulung Muscel).
Route: Voina Cabin — Iezer Valley — Iezer Refuge.
Marker: Blue Cross.
Duration: Approximately 3.5 to 5 hours (depending on your pace and gear). It is a steady climb, but the moment the lake appears after the final ridge, every bit of effort is rewarded.
Frequently Asked Questions: Lake Iezer (Iezer-Păpușa Mountains)
1. What is Lake Iezer?
Lake Iezer (Lacul Iezer) is a stunning glacial lake located at an altitude of 2,135 meters in the Iezer-Păpușa Mountains (Click HERE to see more) . It is nestled in a massive glacial cirque, right below the Iezerul Mare Peak. It is known for its crystal-clear water and the serene, wild landscape surrounding it.
2. How do I get to Lake Iezer?
The most popular route starts from Cabana Voina (near Câmpulung Muscel).
The Route: Follow the blue dot (punct albastru) marker.
Duration: It takes approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours to reach the lake from Voina.
Difficulty: Moderate. The trail is well-marked but involves a steady uphill climb through the forest and then through alpine shrubbery.
3. Can I stay overnight at the lake?
Yes, there are two options:
Iezer Mountain Refuge: Located right next to the lake, this is a basic stone shelter. It is intended for emergencies but is often used by hikers. It has no utilities (no electricity or running water inside).
Camping: You can set up your tent near the refuge. It is one of the most scenic camping spots in the Southern Carpathians, offering incredible views of the night sky.
4. Is there drinking water available at Lake Iezer?
Yes. There is a natural spring located very close to the Iezer Refuge. It is one of the few reliable water sources on the high plateau, making the lake a vital stop for hikers trekking the entire ridge.
5. Can I swim in the lake?
While not strictly forbidden, swimming is not recommended. The water is extremely cold even in mid-summer (often below 10°C), and as a glacial lake in a fragile ecosystem, it is best to keep the water unpolluted by sunscreen or other chemicals.
6. What is the best time to visit?
The best window is from late June to September. Before June, the trail can be covered in dangerous snow patches. In October, the weather becomes very unpredictable, and sub-zero temperatures at night are common.
7. What should I see nearby?
Once you reach the lake, it is a short but steep climb (30–45 minutes) to Iezerul Mare Peak (2,462 m). From the top, you get a spectacular view of the Făgăraș Mountains (Click HERE to see more) and the Piatra Craiului limestone ridge.
Geographic Features
Lake Iezer is a glacial lake, formed in a hollow carved out by ancient glaciers. It sits at an impressive altitude of 2,135 meters, nestled right below the Iezerul Mare Peak.
Shape: It has a nearly circular shape, sheltered within a massive glacial cirque (a bowl-shaped valley).
Depth: It is not very deep (around 4 meters), but its water is crystal clear and remains freezing cold year-round.
Surface: It covers approximately 0.4 hectares.
A 4K video who presenting the Lake Iezer (Lacul Iezer):
The Legends of Lake Iezer (The Mountain's Eye)1. The Lake with "No Bottom" (Iezer-Păpușa)
The Legend: Locals from the Muscel area have feared and respected this lake for centuries. The Story: Old shepherds say that Lake Iezer is "bottomless" and that it is connected directly to the Black Sea through mysterious underground tunnels. There is a dark legend about a wedding party that tried to cross the frozen lake in winter; the ice broke, and they were swallowed by the depths. It is said that their belongings surfaced weeks later... in the Danube Delta (see more). This myth warns travelers never to underestimate the "Eye of the Mountain."
2. The Legend of the Unspoken Love (Iezer, Rodna Mountains)
The Legend: This lake is famous for its shape, which perfectly mimics the map of Romania. The Story: Folklore tells of a young girl from the valley who fell in love with a mountain spirit (a Vântos). Her father forbade the union, so she climbed to the highest peak and cried for seven days and seven nights. Her tears gathered in the hollow of the mountain, forming the lake. It is said that the lake took the shape of the land she loved so much, and its crystal-clear water represents her pure, untainted soul.
3. The "Cursed" Stones
The Legend: Both lakes are surrounded by massive, jagged rocks. The Story: Legend has it that the boulders scattered around the lake were once giants who were turned to stone by a divine curse because they tried to steal the stars from the sky. On stormy nights, hikers say you can hear the rocks "groaning" under the weight of the snow, as if the giants are trying to wake up.
The Iezer RefugeLocated right next to the lake is the Iezer Refuge, a sturdy stone structure that provides shelter for hikers.
Important Note: This is a refuge, not a mountain chalet with a restaurant. It provides basic sleeping platforms (bunks), but you must bring your own sleeping bag and food. It is a legendary spot for the Romanian hiking community and a strategic point for those crossing the ridge.
What Makes it Special?Water Color: On a sunny day, the water shifts between deep blue and emerald green, creating a sharp contrast with the grey rocky walls (the "Iezer Wall") towering above.
Absolute Silence: Unlike Lake Bâlea in the Făgăraș Mountains, there are no roads leading here. The only way to reach it is on foot, which preserves its wild and pure atmosphere.
Mountain Peonies: If you visit in June, the entire area surrounding the lake is covered in vibrant pink Rhododendrons, creating a surreal and stunning landscape.
Lake Iezer (Iezer Papusa mountains) winter landscape
How to Get ThereThe most popular trail starts from Voina Cabin (near the town of Câmpulung Muscel).
Route: Voina Cabin — Iezer Valley — Iezer Refuge.
Marker: Blue Cross.
Duration: Approximately 3.5 to 5 hours (depending on your pace and gear). It is a steady climb, but the moment the lake appears after the final ridge, every bit of effort is rewarded.
Frequently Asked Questions: Lake Iezer (Iezer-Păpușa Mountains)1. What is Lake Iezer?
Lake Iezer (Lacul Iezer) is a stunning glacial lake located at an altitude of 2,135 meters in the Iezer-Păpușa Mountains (Click HERE to see more) . It is nestled in a massive glacial cirque, right below the Iezerul Mare Peak. It is known for its crystal-clear water and the serene, wild landscape surrounding it.
2. How do I get to Lake Iezer?
The most popular route starts from Cabana Voina (near Câmpulung Muscel).
The Route: Follow the blue dot (punct albastru) marker.
Duration: It takes approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours to reach the lake from Voina.
Difficulty: Moderate. The trail is well-marked but involves a steady uphill climb through the forest and then through alpine shrubbery.
3. Can I stay overnight at the lake?
Yes, there are two options:
Iezer Mountain Refuge: Located right next to the lake, this is a basic stone shelter. It is intended for emergencies but is often used by hikers. It has no utilities (no electricity or running water inside).
Camping: You can set up your tent near the refuge. It is one of the most scenic camping spots in the Southern Carpathians, offering incredible views of the night sky.
4. Is there drinking water available at Lake Iezer?
Yes. There is a natural spring located very close to the Iezer Refuge. It is one of the few reliable water sources on the high plateau, making the lake a vital stop for hikers trekking the entire ridge.
5. Can I swim in the lake?
While not strictly forbidden, swimming is not recommended. The water is extremely cold even in mid-summer (often below 10°C), and as a glacial lake in a fragile ecosystem, it is best to keep the water unpolluted by sunscreen or other chemicals.
6. What is the best time to visit?
The best window is from late June to September. Before June, the trail can be covered in dangerous snow patches. In October, the weather becomes very unpredictable, and sub-zero temperatures at night are common.
7. What should I see nearby?
Once you reach the lake, it is a short but steep climb (30–45 minutes) to Iezerul Mare Peak (2,462 m). From the top, you get a spectacular view of the Făgăraș Mountains (Click HERE to see more) and the Piatra Craiului limestone ridge.