Lake Vida, the paradise of Bihor

One of the most beautiful lakes in Romania, unique for its colour shades and its tropical colour, Lake Vida is definitely a tourist attraction you should not miss.

Bihor is one of the counties with the greatest tourism potential in the country, with a range of sights and attractions and wonderful natural landscapes, among other things. Lake Vida is one of them, special largely because of its colours, which change with the season, like those of exotic lakes.

The surface of the lake is about 6 ha and it stretches over 2 kilometres. About 40 kilometres from Oradea, the dam was built from rockfill and was put to use for the mines that extracted bauxite in the area. It was commissioned in 1967, and it was used to discharge surplus water, as it was fitted with a funnel-type spillway.

Besides the changing colours of the lake, the whirlpool in the middle of it draws tourists like a magnet. Its purpose is to relieve some of the pressure that the 40,000 cubic metres of water put on the dam, especially when there is heavy rain.

Besides the natural beauty of the lake, its shades of turquoise, the forest that surrounds it and the complete silence, in the area you can visit caves, springs and the gorges in the Valea Roșie, where you can explore the karst area on hikes or through water sports. Do not miss a visit to the best-known caves nearby: the Crystal Cave at Farcu (251 metres long, in the central-southern part of the Pădurea Craiului Mountains), Meziad Cave, Cow Cave, Horse Cave, Gubleș Cave (350 metres long). In fact, the area is literally riddled with caves, more than 300 of them. If you follow the stream that feeds the lake, you will reach a cave that was once used as a refuge.

Lake Vida is also known as the lost paradise of anglers, as its waters hold lake trout, perch and chub.

Where the lake with its whirlpools is today, the oldest mill in the village once stood, known as Lioliu’s mill. In the area there were only two houses, the miller’s and his son’s.

Near the lake you can also visit the church in Luncasprie, a historic monument built at the end of the 17th century, as well as the Heroes’ Monument in Dobrești, raised for those who sacrificed themselves in the First and Second World Wars.

How can you get to Lake Vida? It is 40 kilometres away, in the commune of Dobrești in Bihor County, and the route is very easy to follow: Oradea – Sâmbăta – Dobrești – Luncasprie – Valea Vida – Lake Vida.

Where can you find accommodation in the Vida paradise? Nearby, 15 minutes away, you will find purpose-built places to stay, or, if you do not mind, the locals practise an open-doors system 😊

Photo source: Marocico Adrian.