Lake Beliș-Fântânele

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## Lake Beliș-Fântânele, a Mirror of Mountains and History Lake Beliș-Fântânele is one of the largest reservoirs in Romania, located in the heart of the Gilău Mountains at an altitude of 990 meters. Covering an area of 9.8 square kilometers and stretching 13 kilometers in length, the lake was created between 1970 and 1974 following the construction of a dam on the Someșul Cald River. This project required the relocation of residents from the old commune of Beliș, whose villages—such as Pleș, Dădești, Bolojeni, and Giurcuța de Jos—were submerged by the waters. During dry summers, when the lake's level drops, the ruins of houses and the church from Giurcuța de Jos become visible, silent witnesses to a vanished world. ## Landscape and Activities in the Heart of Nature The shores of the lake are home to the Beliș-Fântânele resort, an ideal starting point for exploring the area. Here, visitors can enjoy water sports such as boat rides or hydro-biking, while in winter, the ski slopes at Fântânele offer excellent conditions for winter sports. Hiking is another major attraction, with trails leading to spectacular sights: the Ponor Citadels, the Someșul Cald Gorges, the Răchițele Waterfall, or the Bears' Cave. The area is also rich in historical monuments, such as the Wooden Church of Beliș and the Fortified Church of Văleni, which complement the natural charm of the region. ## Short Visitor’s Guide To reach Lake Beliș-Fântânele, follow county road DJ108C from Cluj-Napoca, which crosses the Gilău Mountains. The resort offers accommodation facilities and restaurants, and access to the lake is free, except in protected areas. Information about fees and visiting hours can be obtained at local ticket offices or tourist information points. The area is accessible year-round, with each season offering a different face of this mountain paradise.