Description

From: Buzau County, Lakes and Dams, Muntenia

Eagle Lake, more commonly known as the Bottomless Lake, is located in the vicinity of Siriu commune, in Buzau County, an area that is well-known all throughout Romania for its extraordinary landscapes and large tourist presence.

Eagle Lake is one of the particularly important tourist attractions in the area, located at an altitude of 1,420 m, in the Siriu Mountains, on the eastern side of the Malaia slope, and stretches over 0.9 acres, with a maximum depth of 2.5 m, despite its common denomination “bottomless”.

As a periglacial lake, Eagle Lake is synonymous with beauty. The landscapes surrounding it are breathtaking, and the lake itself supplements this beauty, almost elevating it to an art.

LEGENDS OF EAGLE LAKE

The name Eagle Lake comes from the great writer Alexandru Vlahuta and the notes in his work, Romania Pitoreasca (Picturesque Romania, TN). Alexandru Vlahuta writes that this used to be a spring dwelling for eagles, who would teach their young to fly in this area. This wonderful legend gave the lake its name, and made it famous throughout the country.

Its second name, The Bottomless Lake, is due to another famous legend in these parts, which is, however, in no way related to its depth. It is said that a shepherd, fed up with his trade, abandoned his flock by throwing his cane into the lake. After a long time, he found it floating on the Danube and, overwhelmed with nostalgia for his homeland, decided to return to his old activity, found his flock and realized that he was in fact meant to be a shepherd.

NOVELTY

The area in close proximity to Eagle Lake is known as the only area where you can find chamois, an endangered species which is protected by law. This is also due to the fact that this area is a wilderness in the true sense of the word.

TOURIST ROUTES

The tourist routes in this area are not precisely the most accessible ones, especially in the winter, due to the harsh conditions, characterized by snowdrifts and seemingly endless snow, and also due to the notable temperature differences in the area.

Overall, the route is approximately 3 hours long, passing through Valea Neagra (Black Valley, TN), and ending at Eagle Lake or Bottomless Lake. Additionally, you can also use the route going towards Intorsura Buzaului, on the highway leading to Brasov. It is known that access by car is by far the most efficient, comfortable, and this time also the most accessible, from every point of view. Thus, after you pass what was once the Baile Siriu resort, now in ruins, you reach the cabin bearing the name of the area, which is Valea Neagra.

Once here, things become considerable easier, because you can find accommodation within the cabin, which can host up to 12 people. The slightly unpleasant aspect is the fact that in the past, in order to get accommodation, you had to obtain the written consent of the Nehoiasu Forest Society. Nevertheless, as of 2004, the Nehoiasu Forest Society has been decommissioned, and now the Valea Neagra cabin belongs to a private person who facilitates tourist access, thus making things much easier.

If you decide to go further, towards your destination, you pass the creek bearing the name of the forest society, Nehoiasu, then you must remember to turn right on that corresponding forest road. At the end of that forest road you will have to cross a rivulet. At this point you have to be cautious of the bumps in the road. The road is known as being dangerous, therefore you should follow the markings carefully. The next target on this route is called Eagle Gate.

Once here, you have almost reached your final destination, because Eagle Lake is very close. Here you will be greeted by the Eagle Lake hunting lodge. What is truly wonderful is that there is a freshwater spring in close proximity to the Eagle Lake cabin.

From here, the only thing left for you to do is enjoy the surroundings and the gift of nature.

EAGLE LAKE LOCATION

Eagle Lake is located in Buzau county, in the vicinity of Gura Siriului town, at an altitude of 1,420 m, on the eastern side of the Malaia slope.