# Bear Lake, Sovata

> 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…

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/sovata-bear-lake/

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

## 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.

## Sources

- [The Bear Lake in Sovata – Visit Mureș](https://visitmures.com/en/blog/the-bear-lake-in-sovata)

## Nearby

- [Sighișoara Historic Centre](https://camping-spirit.com/places/sighisoara-citadel/) – 47 km
- [Lacu Roșu](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b16-lacu-rosu/) – 58 km
- [Viscri Fortified Church](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b16-viscri-church/) – 60 km
- [Bicaz Gorges](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b16-bicaz-gorges/) – 62 km

## 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)