Pețea Lake (Lacul Pețea): The Ancient Geothermal Sanctuary +video and views
Posted: Tue Feb 17, 2026 1:38 pm
Pețea Lake (Rezervația Naturală Pârâul Pețea) is a unique site in the world, located in the 1 Mai resort, very close to Oradea. This nature reserve was specifically designed to protect a prehistoric ecosystem that survived the Ice Age. It is the only place in Europe where a sub-tropical ecosystem existed naturally, fueled by thermal springs that keep the water warm all year round.
A Trilogy of Rarities
The lake and its thermal stream were famous for hosting three species that made this place a world-renowned botanical and zoological sanctuary:
The Legend of the Warm Tears (Legenda Lacrimilor Calde)
Local folklore tells of a beautiful girl named Pețea, the daughter of a local shepherd, who fell in love with a young man from a rival village. Their families forbade them from ever seeing each other, so they decided to meet in secret every night by the banks of a small, cold stream.
One winter, the young man was sent away to war. Pețea waited for him every evening at their meeting spot, crying inconsolably as the snow fell around her. Legend says her heart was so full of passion and grief that her tears became burning hot. As they fell into the stream, the water began to warm up, and the ice around her melted away.
Even after she was gone, the spring remained warm, a symbol of a love that could melt the frost of any winter. It is said that the white lilies that appeared later are the souls of the two lovers, finally united in the calm, warm depths of the lake that now bears her name.
The Silent Crisis and Restoration
In recent years, the lake has faced a major challenge: the natural thermal springs began to dry up due to over-exploitation of the geothermal aquifer. For a period, the lake almost disappeared, and the species were on the brink of extinction. However, through the efforts of dedicated volunteers and scientists, the species were saved in controlled environments, and there are ongoing projects to restore the lake to its former glory.
A video which present Pețea Lake (Lacul Pețea):
FAQ: Pețea Lake (Lacul Pețea)
A Trilogy of Rarities
The lake and its thermal stream were famous for hosting three species that made this place a world-renowned botanical and zoological sanctuary:
- The Thermal Water Lily (Nymphaea lotus var. thermalis) (see more): The "star" of the lake, a flower that has lived here for over 25,000 years.
- The Pețea Scardine (Roșioara lui Racoviță): (see more) A small fish (Scardinius racovitzai) that lived exclusively in these warm waters and nowhere else on Earth.
- The Thermal Snail (Melanopsis parreyssii): Another endemic species, a tiny survivor from the Tertiary period.
A mystical view of Pețea Lake at night, with mist rising from the warm thermal waters and white water lilies in the foreground.
Local folklore tells of a beautiful girl named Pețea, the daughter of a local shepherd, who fell in love with a young man from a rival village. Their families forbade them from ever seeing each other, so they decided to meet in secret every night by the banks of a small, cold stream.
One winter, the young man was sent away to war. Pețea waited for him every evening at their meeting spot, crying inconsolably as the snow fell around her. Legend says her heart was so full of passion and grief that her tears became burning hot. As they fell into the stream, the water began to warm up, and the ice around her melted away.
Even after she was gone, the spring remained warm, a symbol of a love that could melt the frost of any winter. It is said that the white lilies that appeared later are the souls of the two lovers, finally united in the calm, warm depths of the lake that now bears her name.
The Silent Crisis and Restoration
In recent years, the lake has faced a major challenge: the natural thermal springs began to dry up due to over-exploitation of the geothermal aquifer. For a period, the lake almost disappeared, and the species were on the brink of extinction. However, through the efforts of dedicated volunteers and scientists, the species were saved in controlled environments, and there are ongoing projects to restore the lake to its former glory.
A video which present Pețea Lake (Lacul Pețea):
FAQ: Pețea Lake (Lacul Pețea)
- Where is the lake located?
In the "Băile 1 Mai" spa resort, Bihor County, just 8 km away from the city of Oradea. - Can I visit the reserve today?
Yes, the area is accessible to visitors. While the water levels fluctuate, you can still see the canals and the unique vegetation that defines this thermal ecosystem. - Is it a protected area?
Yes, it is a scientific reserve and a monument of nature. It is strictly protected by law to ensure that the unique species can eventually be fully reintroduced into their natural habitat. - What else can I see in the area?
The resort of Băile 1 Mai is famous for its healing waters and its proximity to Băile Felix, another famous spa destination with thermal lakes.