Waters

Lake Saint Anne · Ciomad / Băile Tușnad

Lake Saint Anne

Romania’s only volcanic lake, hidden inside a crater of the Ciomad massif, where the water seems quieter than the place around it.

Read the legend

Field notes Location

Real place

Lake Saint Anne

Type

volcanic crater lake

Region

Ciomad / Băile Tușnad

Altitude

approx. 946 m

Common value mentioned in the consulted geographic sources.

Visit duration

1–2 hours for the lake; longer if combined with Mohos Peat Bog

Access

road access to the visitor area, then a walk down to the lake

Exact parking, shuttle, or local access rules should be rechecked before publishing.

Season

spring–autumn; winter only after checking conditions

Suitable for

nature, photography, quiet travel, families with attention to rules

Frame

Fiction and reality

The legend published on this page is an original work of fiction inspired by the atmosphere of the place. Known local legends, real facts, and practical information are separated below.

Local folklore

local story

Anne and the lake that bears her name

One widespread version tells of a girl named Anne, forced toward an unwanted marriage, who threw herself into the lake; the place is said to have taken her name. Details vary between sources.

Local/folkloric legend reported in several travel and tradition sources; not presented as historical fact.

local story

The two brothers and the chariot

Another legend speaks of two tyrannical brothers and a contest of pride, where a chariot and the girls harnessed to it lead to the collapse of an old world. Versions vary.

Folkloric legend reported in travel sources; details should be treated as story variants, not verified history.

Featured legend

to be completed

O legendă despre o apă tăcută, un gând rău și felul în care unele locuri par să te lase să ajungi doar până unde vor ele.

The story text is currently being written.

Geography & Science

Real facts

Place identity

Lake type

volcanic crater lake

Context

set inside a crater of the Ciomad massif

Protection

part of the Lake Saint Anne–Mohos Peat Bog Natura 2000 site

Geographic facts

Altitude

approx. 946 m

Area

approx. 19.5 ha

Length

approx. 620 m

Maximum width

approx. 460 m

Maximum depth

approx. 7 m

The lake water

Water source

mainly from precipitation; the lake has no known surface springs

Character

very low mineralization, often described as close to distilled water

Visiting notes

Rules

local visiting rules should be checked before the trip

Swimming

generally prohibited to protect water quality; check current rules

Visiting guide

Practical notes

Accessibility

road access + walk

Access is by road to the visitor area, followed by a walk toward the crater and lake. Exact route, parking, and local rules should be checked before publishing.

Time & Season

1–2 hours for the lake; 3–4 hours if also visiting Mohos Peat Bog · spring–autumn

Ideal time: early morning or late afternoon, when the place is quieter

Getting there

The lake lies in the Băile Tușnad–Bixad area, in the Ciomad massif. Access is by road to the visitor area, followed by a walk toward the lake. Before leaving, check current access rules, parking, and any seasonal restrictions.

When to go

For a quieter experience, go early in the morning, late in the afternoon, or outside peak season. Spring, summer, and autumn are best for an easy visit.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes, with attention to weather, footwear, and pace. The walk down and back up the crater can be tiring for small children, and reserve rules must be strictly followed.

Keep in mind

The lake is part of a protected natural area. Do not treat it as just a photo stop: keep quiet, stay on permitted paths, and check current rules before visiting.

Notice this

As you descend toward the lake, notice the moment when the sounds of the forest seem to fade and the crater begins to feel like a closed room.

Location

Where it is

46.12638, 25.88689

Follow the thread of history on the interactive map to discover the exact place of this legend.

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Exploration

Nearby traces

peat bog / oligotrophic bog

Mohos Peat Bog

Mohos Peat Bog · Harghita

Itineraries

Journeys that include this trace

Ciomad / Băile Tușnad / Bálványosto be verified

The Road of Water and Stone

A journey through volcanic places, silent waters, peat bogs, sulfurous caves, ruins, and watchful cliffs.

Includes

5 traces

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We only write when a new journey opens: one legend, a map, and a few traces you can visit.