The Bear Lake in Sovata is the largest salty and heliothermic lake of Europe. The unique natural monument covers an area of 40.235 square meters, it has a circumference of 1,180 meters and a depth of 18 meters. The area where the Bear Lake is located is defined as a natural reserve of national interest.
The lake is the result of complex geological, meteorological and hydrological events which took place between 1875-1880. The salt mass was gradually dissolved by Auriu and Criș-Toplița streams, after which a landfall led to the creation of the lake. The name comes from its shape, which resembles a stretched bearskin.
The baths in the lake’s salty water are recommended for treating rheumatic, endocrinological, and cardiovascular diseases. Also, the silt extracted from the lake brings many benefits.