Lake Ursu, Salt lake nature reserve in Sovata, Romania.
Lake Ursu is a salt lake nature reserve where the water is much saltier than the ocean, allowing swimmers to float effortlessly. The lake sits in a depression surrounded by forest and has a unique two-layer water system with fresh water on top and salty water below.
The lake formed in 1875 when flooding filled a sinkhole and dissolved surrounding salt deposits over time. This natural creation became recognized as a special place worth protecting for its unusual water chemistry.
The name comes from the Romanian word for bear, as the shoreline resembles a stretched bearskin when seen from above. Local people have long associated the lake with this image, making it part of the area's folklore.
Swimming sessions are limited to maintain the lake's natural heat and water quality for all visitors. It is best to plan your visit in advance and check local conditions before arriving.
The lake has a remarkable natural heating system where fresh water on the surface acts like a lens, focusing sunlight into the salty layer below. This creates water temperatures between 35 and 50 degrees Celsius, which occurs naturally without mechanical help.
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