It is the reason the resort exists: in summer, under the fresh-water layer, the salt water reaches 30–40 °C one metre down, a phenomenon called heliothermy.
About the place
The lake covers about 40,000 m², has 1,180 m of shoreline and is more than 18 m deep; seen from above it looks like a stretched bearskin, hence the name. It formed after 1875, when the Auriu and Toplița streams dissolved the salt and the ground caved in. The streams' fresh water stays on top and traps the heat in the salt layer below.
The lake lies in the 'Lacul Ursu și arboretele de pe sărături' nature reserve (79 ha), together with the Aluniș, Roșu, Verde, Mierlei and Paraschiva lakes. A 1,085 m path with benches and viewpoints runs around it. The bathing area is run by Ensana; in 2026 it opened on 26 June and stays open, weather permitting, until mid-September.
Good to know
- Between 13 and 15 nobody may enter the water, while the lake's layers settle again.
- The water is very salty; keep it out of your eyes and rinse well afterwards.
- The ticket office also sells passes valid for several days.
Opening hours
Opening hours are not confirmed. Check the venue's website before you go.