Lake Izvorul Muntelui, Artificial reservoir in Moldova region, Romania
Lake Izvorul Muntelui is a reservoir in the Moldova region of Romania that stretches along the Bistrița valley for several dozen kilometers. Steep wooded slopes frame the deep green water, which reaches depths of more than one hundred meters in some sections.
The dam was built during the 1950s to generate hydroelectric power and regulate flooding in the region. The project transformed the landscape completely and created what is now the largest inland body of water in Romania.
Families from surrounding villages gather along the shore on weekends for fishing or picnics. Locals often refer to the body of water simply as Bicaz Lake, named after the dam at its southern end.
Access to the shore is possible at several points along the main road, though some sections are easier to reach than others. The best time to visit is between spring and autumn, when roads are in good condition and boat trips run regularly.
Beneath the surface lie the remains of old villages that were abandoned before the valley was flooded. When water levels drop, foundations and stone remnants sometimes appear, reminding visitors of the submerged settlements.
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