The Myth and the Miracle
The story of Colibița is intertwined with local folklore and a touch of the miraculous.
- The Submerged Village: The lake was created in the late 1970s by damning the Bistrița River, flooding the original village of Colibița. Local legends say that on calm, quiet nights, the bell from the old village church, now submerged beneath the deep blue waters, can still be heard tolling.
- The Healer's Air: For decades, Colibița has been famous for having some of the purest air in Romania, and possibly Europe. Early in the 20th century, a sanitarium existed here, where doctors treated respiratory ailments solely through the healing properties of the fresh mountain air, enriched by the vast surrounding pine and fir forests.
Panoramic view of Colibița Lake in the Bârgău Mountains, Romania, with mountain reflections in the water.
Colibița is not just about the water; it is a gateway to the rich biodiversity of the Bârgău Mountains.
- Forests and Fauna: The hills encircling the lake are carpeted with dense ancient forests, a sanctuary for bears (see more), wolves, wild boars, and deer (see more).
- The Winged Inhabitants: Bird watchers can spot numerous species, including the black stork and the majestic golden eagle, soaring over the peaks. The forests are alive with the sounds of various woodpeckers and songbirds.
- Fish Species: For anglers, the lake's clean waters are home to a thriving population of fish, including trout, carp, and pike.
- Unique Alpine-Sea Landscape: The visual of a vast lake mirrored against high, pine-covered mountain peaks is a rare and breathtaking view that captivates every traveler.
- Unbeatable Fresh Air: Come and experience the rejuvenating properties of air so pure it was once medically prescribed. A few days here feels like a complete restart for your lungs.
- Untamed Nature and Quiet: Colibița offers a serene, wild environment far from the crowded beaches and bustling city centers, making it the perfect escape for nature lovers and those seeking solitude.
- The Floating Islands: During heavy spring snowmelt, small sections of the lake’s shoreline occasionally break away, creating charming, small floating islands of peat and vegetation that drift across the lake.
- A "Himalaya" Close to Home: When the peaks of the Bârgău are covered in snow, some locals jokingly refer to the view across the lake as "Little Himalaya."
- Bram Stoker's Inspiration: The Bârgău Mountains, which surround the lake, are part of the very region that inspired Bram Stoker for his famous novel, Dracula. The dramatic landscape perfectly fits the atmospheric gothic tone of the book.
Altitude: 900 meters.
Maximum Depth: 92 meters.
Access: Via DN17 road, through Bistrița Bârgăului.
A nice aerial video presenting Colibița Lake (Lacul Colibița):
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Colibița Lake
1. Why is it called "The Sea from the Mountains"?
Because of its massive size and the way the blue water meets the horizon of the Bârgău Mountains, giving you the feeling of being at the seaside while at an altitude of 900 meters.
2. Can you swim in the lake?
Yes, swimming is allowed in many areas. However, be careful as the water is mountain-fed and can be quite cold, even in summer, and the depth increases very quickly.
3. Do I need a boat to explore the lake?
While not mandatory, it’s highly recommended! You can rent kayaks, pedal boats, or electric boats. Fuel-powered engines are generally restricted to keep the water and air pure.
4. Is the legend of the sunken church true?
Historically, the village was indeed flooded to create the lake. While the "ringing bell" is more of a local myth, it adds a mysterious and poetic charm to the place.
5. How is the road to Colibița?
The road from Bistrița to the lake is paved and accessible for any type of car. It offers a very scenic drive through the Bârgău Gorge.
6. What should I pack?
The weather can be unpredictable. Even if the forecast is sunny, bring a waterproof jacket and a warm sweater for the evenings, as mountain temperatures drop significantly after sunset.
