The Blue Lake of Baia Sprie

The Blue Lake: A Natural Wonder

Probably the most impressive place in all of Romania, the Blue Lake is located in Maramureș County, three kilometers from Baia Sprie. I say impressive for a very good reason – it is the only one in the world that changes color depending on various factors, including light and the activities of people in it.

Formation and Characteristics

The years 1919-1920 marked the formation of this natural beauty. Following the collapse of a mining gallery, rainwater collected here in varying amounts, which was subjected to the solubilization of sulfur compounds. Often, the water has emerald reflections lightly embroidered on a bluish-green crystalline color.

Swimming and Water Quality

If you're wondering how deep it is, you'll be pleased to know that you can even swim in it, at a depth of 4 meters and a stretch of 50 meters. The idyllic beauty of the landscape is complemented by a few pine trees that surround the lake's water, which has a concentration of 7.8 grams per liter. The pH of the water is 4, with no living creatures.

What is noteworthy and important to mention is the lack of danger for those who swim in it – the water's breath does not affect the human body.

Local Legends

There are numerous legends among the locals, some marvelous and fabulous, while others are extremely interesting and seemingly without logical explanation. Locals say that the lake communicates with the Black Sea through the ancient underground galleries that collapsed, which I mentioned earlier, and are extremely deep. The truth is that the mouths and ventilation channels extend underground, suggesting that the veracity of the legend could, within certain limits, be taken into consideration.

Color Changes of the Lake

Let's take a moment to see how, when, and why the color of the lake changes in certain situations:

• A beautiful shade of green that slightly leans towards blue envelops the place when the mine is flooded.
• It shifts strongly to a perfect blue when several people swim in the lake.
• Just a few steps away, you can enjoy a stunning panorama of the city of Baia Sprie.

Visiting the Blue Lake

Since 1977, the Blue Lake has been a natural reserve under the auspices of the Administration of the Maramureș Mountains Natural Park. To reach the destination, it is essential to allocate 45-60 minutes, as the trail will take a bit longer than you might expect to traverse.

Believe me, despite this small inconvenience, you have no reason to worry – the view is worth any effort you put in!