Bear Lake, Sovata
Sovata, Romania
A small salt lake in a forested valley that is warm on top in summer, a short walk from the spa town of Sovata. Come outside peak weekends if you want a quiet shoreline.
Lake Ursu (Bear Lake) near Sovata formed in 1875, when a torrential downpour washed hay from a pasture into a sinkhole and blocked it; the hollow then gradually filled with water. It has had its present name since 1910, after its shape, which resembles a spread-out bearskin. It lies in a 79-hectare protected area and is regarded as the largest heliothermal lake in the world: the water warms to 40 to 45 °C down to a depth of about 2 m. Salinity rises from around 100 g/l at the surface to 220 to 300 g/l at depth.
Bathing is usually possible in summer from the end of June, with a break around midday. Educational trails and promenades lead through the woods. Allow two to three hours for a walk and a swim; the shore is busier on peak weekends.
- Nearest town
- Sovata, Romania
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 46.5950, 25.0800
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Romania: Vignette needed for motorways. Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Örökzöld CampingCampsite0 km from Bear Lake, Sovata
- Camping Perla LaculuiCampsite0 km from Bear Lake, Sovata
- Vasskert CampingCampsite1 km from Bear Lake, Sovata
- Camping Stâna de ValeCampsite2 km from Bear Lake, SovataTentsCaravansDrinking waterShowersToilets
- Mustang CampingMotorhome stopover10 km from Bear Lake, SovataTentsMotorhomesElectricityToilets
- Nomad CampCampsite10 km from Bear Lake, SovataTents
All campsites in Romania · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Bear Lake, Sovata?
Bear Lake, Sovata is in Sovata, Romania, at GPS 46.5950, 25.0800. It is about 47 km from Sighișoara.
Can you camp near Bear Lake, Sovata?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Örökzöld Camping, about 0 km away; within 25 km there are 9 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Bear Lake, Sovata?
Places worth a stop nearby: Sighișoara Historic Centre (47 km), Lacu Roșu (58 km), Viscri Fortified Church (60 km) and Bicaz Gorges (62 km).
When is the best time to visit Bear Lake, Sovata?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)