Scropoasa Lake (Lacul Scropoasa): The Emerald Heart of the Bucegi Mountains +video and views
Posted: Fri Jan 30, 2026 8:48 pm
If you're looking for Romania’s best-kept secrets, look no further than Scropoasa Lake. Tucked away in the Bucegi Natural Park, this stunning reservoir is famous for its mesmerizing turquoise waters that look like they’ve been plucked straight from a fairy tale.
Why It’s a Must-Visit for Every Traveler
-The Colors of Nature: The lake’s vibrant emerald-green hue is a natural spectacle, changing its intensity depending on the sunlight and the reflection of the surrounding pine forests.
-The Narrowest Gorges in Romania: To get there, you’ll pass through Orzei Gorges (Cheile Orzei), a breathtaking passage where the limestone walls almost touch, creating a dramatic and photogenic landscape.
-Sacred Waters: Just a 10-minute hike away is the 7 Springs Waterfall (Cascada 7 Izvoare). Legend says the Dacians believed this was the purest water in the world, and modern tests often confirm its incredible purity.
The Legends of Scropoasa Lake & The Seven Springs
1. The Living Water of Zamolxis (The Seven Springs)
The Legend: Just a few minutes from Scropoasa Lake lies the "Seven Springs" waterfall (Click HERE to see more), which is scientifically proven to have some of the purest water in the world. The Story: Ancient legends say that this was the sacred water source of Zamolxis, the supreme god of the Dacians. It is believed that the Dacian priests and warriors drank from these springs to gain superhuman strength and healing powers. The symbol of the seven springs was even found on ancient Dacian shields, marking the area as a "Zone of Immortality."
2. The Silver Underground Lake
The Legend: Why is the water at Scropoasa so pure and its color so emerald-green? The Story: Local folklore suggests that beneath the mountains surrounding Lake Scropoasa lies a massive, hidden underground lake. This water is said to pass through a silver deposit before surfacing, which naturally purifies it and strips it of all bacteria. This "Silver Path" is the mythical explanation for the crystal-clear, almost magical appearance of the lake.
3. The Forbidden Source of the Dictator
The Legend: A modern legend from the communist era. The Story: It is said that Nicolae Ceaușescu was so obsessed with the purity of the water near Scropoasa that he had the area strictly protected. Legend has it he wanted the water exclusively for himself and his top officials, believing it held the secret to longevity and eternal health. Access was heavily restricted, fueling rumors of secret laboratories hidden in the nearby cliffs.
Adventure Awaits
Scropoasa is more than just a photo op; it’s a gateway to the wild. The trail is accessible, making it perfect for those who want a rewarding hike without extreme climbing. It’s the definition of "slow travel"—breathing in the crisp mountain air and listening to the rush of the Ialomița River.
A Short and beautiful video with Scropoasa Lake:
Traveler’s Tips
-Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn for the most vivid water colors.
-What to Wear: Comfortable hiking shoes are a must, as the path can be damp near the gorges.
-Pro Tip: Combine this trip with a visit to the Ialomița Cave (Click HERE to see more) for the ultimate Bucegi Mountains (Click HERE to see more) day trip!
Frequently Asked Questions about Scropoasa Lake
1. Where is Scropoasa Lake located?
Scropoasa Lake is situated in the Bucegi Natural Park, in Dambovita County, Romania. It sits at an altitude of 1,197 meters, nestled between the Zanoaga and Orzei Gorges.
2. Why is the water in Scropoasa Lake green?
The lake is famous for its unique emerald-turquoise color, which is a result of the water's purity, the limestone bed of the Ialomita River, and the reflection of the surrounding lush pine forests.
3. Can you swim in Scropoasa Lake?
Swimming is not recommended and often restricted. Scropoasa is a reservoir used for hydropower, and the water is extremely cold even in the summer. It is best enjoyed for its scenery and photography.
4. How do I get to Scropoasa Lake?
The most popular way is by car via DJ714 (towards Bolboci Lake (Click HERE to see more) ), followed by a hike. You can start your hike from Camping Zanoaga; it’s an easy-to-moderate trail that takes about 45-60 minutes.
5. Is Scropoasa Lake worth visiting?
Absolutely! It is considered one of the most beautiful "hidden gems" in the Carpathian Mountains, offering a perfect mix of wild nature, dramatic gorges (Orzei), and the legendary 7 Springs Waterfall.
6. When is the best time to visit?
The best time is from May to October. During these months, the colors of the lake are most vibrant, and the hiking trails are safe and accessible.
Panoramic view of Scropoasa Lake in Romania with turquoise water, surrounding pine forests and limestone cliffs in Bucegi Mountains.
Why It’s a Must-Visit for Every Traveler-The Colors of Nature: The lake’s vibrant emerald-green hue is a natural spectacle, changing its intensity depending on the sunlight and the reflection of the surrounding pine forests.
-The Narrowest Gorges in Romania: To get there, you’ll pass through Orzei Gorges (Cheile Orzei), a breathtaking passage where the limestone walls almost touch, creating a dramatic and photogenic landscape.
-Sacred Waters: Just a 10-minute hike away is the 7 Springs Waterfall (Cascada 7 Izvoare). Legend says the Dacians believed this was the purest water in the world, and modern tests often confirm its incredible purity.
The Legends of Scropoasa Lake & The Seven Springs1. The Living Water of Zamolxis (The Seven Springs)
The Legend: Just a few minutes from Scropoasa Lake lies the "Seven Springs" waterfall (Click HERE to see more), which is scientifically proven to have some of the purest water in the world. The Story: Ancient legends say that this was the sacred water source of Zamolxis, the supreme god of the Dacians. It is believed that the Dacian priests and warriors drank from these springs to gain superhuman strength and healing powers. The symbol of the seven springs was even found on ancient Dacian shields, marking the area as a "Zone of Immortality."
2. The Silver Underground Lake
The Legend: Why is the water at Scropoasa so pure and its color so emerald-green? The Story: Local folklore suggests that beneath the mountains surrounding Lake Scropoasa lies a massive, hidden underground lake. This water is said to pass through a silver deposit before surfacing, which naturally purifies it and strips it of all bacteria. This "Silver Path" is the mythical explanation for the crystal-clear, almost magical appearance of the lake.
3. The Forbidden Source of the Dictator
The Legend: A modern legend from the communist era. The Story: It is said that Nicolae Ceaușescu was so obsessed with the purity of the water near Scropoasa that he had the area strictly protected. Legend has it he wanted the water exclusively for himself and his top officials, believing it held the secret to longevity and eternal health. Access was heavily restricted, fueling rumors of secret laboratories hidden in the nearby cliffs.
Adventure AwaitsScropoasa is more than just a photo op; it’s a gateway to the wild. The trail is accessible, making it perfect for those who want a rewarding hike without extreme climbing. It’s the definition of "slow travel"—breathing in the crisp mountain air and listening to the rush of the Ialomița River.
A Short and beautiful video with Scropoasa Lake:
Traveler’s Tips-Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early autumn for the most vivid water colors.
-What to Wear: Comfortable hiking shoes are a must, as the path can be damp near the gorges.
-Pro Tip: Combine this trip with a visit to the Ialomița Cave (Click HERE to see more) for the ultimate Bucegi Mountains (Click HERE to see more) day trip!
Frequently Asked Questions about Scropoasa Lake
1. Where is Scropoasa Lake located?
Scropoasa Lake is situated in the Bucegi Natural Park, in Dambovita County, Romania. It sits at an altitude of 1,197 meters, nestled between the Zanoaga and Orzei Gorges.
2. Why is the water in Scropoasa Lake green?
The lake is famous for its unique emerald-turquoise color, which is a result of the water's purity, the limestone bed of the Ialomita River, and the reflection of the surrounding lush pine forests.
3. Can you swim in Scropoasa Lake?
Swimming is not recommended and often restricted. Scropoasa is a reservoir used for hydropower, and the water is extremely cold even in the summer. It is best enjoyed for its scenery and photography.
4. How do I get to Scropoasa Lake?
The most popular way is by car via DJ714 (towards Bolboci Lake (Click HERE to see more) ), followed by a hike. You can start your hike from Camping Zanoaga; it’s an easy-to-moderate trail that takes about 45-60 minutes.
5. Is Scropoasa Lake worth visiting?
Absolutely! It is considered one of the most beautiful "hidden gems" in the Carpathian Mountains, offering a perfect mix of wild nature, dramatic gorges (Orzei), and the legendary 7 Springs Waterfall.
6. When is the best time to visit?
The best time is from May to October. During these months, the colors of the lake are most vibrant, and the hiking trails are safe and accessible.