On June 20, summer officially begins at Sovata with the opening of the Bear Lake (Lacul Ursu) bathing area. Yes, we’re opening Lake Ursu and celebrating swimming season and vacation. It’s green, beautiful, and the air is fresh—come bathe and relax with us.
From June 20, the star attraction, Lake Ursu, welcomes visitors for swimming! Don’t hesitate—join us! Come try the lake water right on opening day! Whether you choose to swim for relaxation or health, know that at Sovata you can enjoy the sun and vacation right on the shores of Lake Ursu.
“This year, Lake Ursu is in great condition, so we’re kicking off summer on June 20. We’re starting a new swimming season in the world’s largest heliothermal lake,” informs Andrei Rusu, General Manager at Ensana Health Spa Hotels Sovata.
Come to Sovata to see and swim in the unique and unparalleled Lake Ursu. As the largest heliothermal lake in the world, it has one of the highest salt concentrations on the planet. This year marks the lake’s 150th anniversary since its formation—and it’s the only lake known down to the exact year, day, hour, and minute it was formed: May 27, 1875, at 11:00 AM, on a pasture fed by two streams that disappeared into a sinkhole in a salt mountain. According to historians, heavy rain carried hay and vegetation into the sinkhole, creating the lake.
With a surface area of 40,000 m², a depth of 18 m, and an average salinity of 300 g/L, Lake Ursu is a true source of health. The heliothermal phenomenon arises from a continuous freshwater stream and rainfall forming a protective layer above the saltwater—creating a greenhouse effect that heats the deeper layers. The water and mud’s therapeutic effects are well known, underpinning treatments for rheumatic, dermatological, gynecological conditions, and respiratory illnesses.
Take note: from June 20, a new health cure begins in Sovata with the opening of Lake Ursu for the new swimming season! You have every reason to bathe in this lake: the water temperature is a perfect 28 °C at the surface and 39 °C at a depth of 1.5 m.
“Lake Ursu has a record salt concentration. It’s highest at the base and at 1.5–2 m depth. At this mesothermal layer, summer temperatures reach 40 °C or more. Also, at this depth, there is a maximum concentration of estrogen and progesterone-like hormones—similar to human female hormones—released into the water by the brine shrimp Artemia salina,” explains Dr. Cristina Fulop Nagy, balneologist at Ensana Health Spa Hotels.
Good news doesn’t stop there! Lake Aluniș, Lake Ursu’s smaller sister, has already opened at the end of May, as always. Its highlight is the clay mud, which benefits the treatment and prevention of locomotor disorders, arthroses, spondylosis, neurological and gynecological conditions.
Spa entrance ticket prices
Entrance at Lake Ursu, managed by Ensana hotels in Sovata, is 55 lei for adults and 40 lei for children. At Lake Aluniș, the rates are 40 lei for adults and 30 lei for children. Multi-entry tickets valid for several days are also available. Between 1 PM and 3 PM, the lake is “rested”—we allow a layer of freshwater to form over the saltwater, reheating it. During this time, visitors can stay in the spa area but swimming is not allowed. Depending on weather conditions, Lake Ursu welcomes visitors until mid-September.
