Sovata & Bear Lake - Nature therapy!

Sovata & Bear Lake
Sovata is the most famous spa resort of the Székely Salt Region, internationally known for its therapeutic properties. The settlement was founded at the end of the 16th century by families who guarded the surrounding salt mountains.

Sovata lies in a picturesque basin, surrounded by untouched, dense coniferous forests. Thanks to this natural environment, the area has a unique microclimate, with cool summers and mild winters. The fresh, resin-scented air mixed with salt particles has a proven beneficial effect on health.

The Lakes of Sovata
The resort is renowned for its series of salt lakes:

Bear Lake (Lacul Ursu)
Aluniș Lake
Green Lake
Red Lake
Black Lake
Mierlei (Blackbird) Lake
Serpilor (Snakes) Lake
These lakes contain highly concentrated saline water (40–250 g/l), and some display unique heliothermal properties.

Bear Lake – A Natural Wonder
Bear Lake is unique in Europe and among the rarest in the world. Its name comes from its shape, which resembles a stretched bear skin when viewed from above.

Main characteristics:

Length: 306 m
Perimeter: 910 m
Maximum depth: 18.1 m
The lake is famous for its heliothermal phenomenon. A thin layer of freshwater from nearby streams floats on the surface, allowing sunlight to pass through while preventing heat loss. As a result, the deeper saltwater layers can heat up significantly during summer.

Swimming here is a truly unforgettable experience: floating in warm, salty water, surrounded by forests at an altitude of 502 meters.

On the lake shore, visitors can find modern spa facilities offering:

mud therapy (pelotherapy)
weight baths
massages

Nearby Attractions
Close to Bear Lake, you will find smaller lakes such as the Red Lake and Green Lake, where bathing is also possible in a more natural setting. These waters are even richer in minerals and salt.

Not far away lies Aluniș Lake, which, although not heliothermal, is very popular during summer.

The area also features impressive salt rock formations, shaped over millions of years.

Health & Wellness Benefits
Sovata is especially known for treating:

gynecological conditions (including infertility)
rheumatic and musculoskeletal disorders
post-traumatic conditions
peripheral neurological issues
endocrine disorders
certain cardiovascular problems

The resort offers a wide range of facilities:

thermal baths with saltwater
mud treatments
hydrotherapy and electrotherapy
physiotherapy and medical fitness
saunas and wellness services

Accommodation options are diverse, including hotels, villas, guesthouses, and cabins, many with their own treatment bases.

Leisure options include:

indoor pools and wellness centers
sports and recreational facilities
excursions to nearby hills and scenic viewpoints

The Legend of Bear Lake (The Fairy’s Tears)
According to legend, a beautiful fairy lived in a magnificent castle above Sovata. She fell in love with a shepherd boy, but according to fairy laws, they were not allowed to meet.

One day, unable to resist, she descended into the valley and found the boy kissing another girl. In her rage, she turned them—and the sheep—into stone.

As punishment, she was condemned to wander the mountains. Her abandoned palace sank into the ground, and from her tears a stream formed, which later became a lake.

It is said that the fairy’s hidden fire still warms the waters of Bear Lake from below.

Recommended Route
Odorheiu Secuiesc – Lupeni – Corund – Praid – Sovata
(approx. 55 km)

Discover Sovata, where nature, wellness, and relaxation meet in perfect harmony.

Have a wonderful trip!