Zetea Reservoir
A 2.6 km long turquoise lake on the upper Târnava Mare — one of the most popular
hiking and sport-fishing spots in the Székely Land, a quiet ecotourism hub at the foot of Hargita Mădăraș.
The turquoise crown of the Târnava Mare
The Zetea Reservoir (also known as the Sub-Cetate Dam or Zetea Dam) is the only artificial lake on the upper Târnava Mare and plays a key role in the water management of Harghita County. It lies at the foot of Hargita Mădăraș — the perfect meeting of nature and tourism.
The reservoir is 2.6 km long in total, of which 1.4 km lies along the original bed of the Târnava Mare. The width of the water surface varies: at the dam and along the main sections it is 400–800 metres, while in the two inflow arms (the valleys of the Târnava Mare and the Sicasău Stream) it narrows to 150–200 metres.
The lake's capacity is impressive: it can store about 50 million cubic metres of water. Under normal operating conditions it holds roughly 16.5 million cubic metres of water.
Panorama of the reservoir · local source
Triple strategic function
The reservoir is not just a tourist attraction — it is a key element of the water-management system of Harghita County, fulfilling three important roles at once:
1. Flood protection
It protects the settlements in the valley from floods caused by spring snowmelt and heavy rains. The 48-metre-high dam can absorb sudden surges in water flow.
2. Flow regulation
In times of drought it ensures the minimum flow of the Târnava Mare. A continuous water supply is vital for the entire Târnava valley.
3. Pollution dilution
A strategic reserve for ecological disasters. Clean water released from the reservoir was used, for example, to dilute the 1900 mg/l salt concentration that occurred on the Târnava Mică.
An engineering marvel
The 48-metre-high, 520-metre-long valley dam · local source
The valley dam is 48 metres high and 520 metres long, built from earth and concrete. County road 138 runs along its crest — motorists and cyclists can enjoy the panorama from here.
A small hydroelectric plant also operates at the foot of the dam, feeding into the local electricity grid.
Construction began in 1976 and took a long time — the official handover only took place in 1992–1993, meaning it was completed in 17 years.
The story of the "Zetea Colony"
During construction, between 1980 and 1984, "Apele Române" (the Romanian Water Authority) set up the "Zetea social colony" to house the workers. Interestingly, instead of the usual temporary barracks, solid concrete buildings were erected:
- 2 family blocks — with 36 flats
- 2 single-worker hostels — with 18 studio flats
- Grocery store and clubroom
The buildings remained even after the dam was completed — although the settlement was deserted after 1994. Today these concrete buildings are silent witnesses of a past era around the lake.
The "king" of the lake and its other inhabitants
The water quality is excellent, allowing more demanding fish species to thrive and grow to extreme sizes. The reservoir is managed by the Târnava Mare Hunting and Sport Fishing Association, with significant annual restocking.
👑 Trout
The "king" of the lake. Thanks to the vast habitat its growth is virtually unlimited: sources mention specimens of over 10 kg, although certified catches usually range between 6 and 8 kg.
Chub
A significant native population that also grows large in the clean water. After the trout, it is the lake's secondary treasure.
Other species
Over the years the fauna has expanded considerably: crucian carp, common carp, pikeperch, pike, nase, common bream, burbot, perch, as well as small fish (minnow, bleak).
Strict rules for sustainability
The regulations are extremely detailed — the aim is to keep the reservoir from becoming a mass-tourism destination and to preserve it as a place for quiet relaxation and sport fishing.
📏 Size limits (minimum keepable)
🏆 Trophy (Record) Protection
It is FORBIDDEN to keep:
- Trout larger than 3 kg
- Carp, pike, pikeperch larger than 5 kg
- Catfish larger than 10 kg
These must be released! This rule ensures that the lake keeps its reputation for record-sized fish.
📋 Bag limit and closed seasons
Daily bag limit
A maximum of 5 kg of fish may be kept per day. Of the noble species (pikeperch, pike, carp), only 1 specimen per day.
Seasonal closures
General closure between 15 April and mid-June, but from 1 May spinning for trout is allowed (strictly with artificial lures). At the inflow of the Sencied Stream, a full ban may apply to protect pikeperch spawning grounds.
🎫 Permit prices (2024–2025)
Adult day permit
approx. 40–55 RON (depending on operator and season)
Children/Seniors
approx. 25 RON · Taking fish home is subject to an additional fee.
Silence and cleanliness — without motors
The most important rule: the use of internal-combustion engines is STRICTLY FORBIDDEN. Only rowing boats, kayaks, canoes or electrically powered craft may be used on the water. This ensures both quiet and water cleanliness.
Kayak and canoe
Kayaks can be rented on site (e.g. from KayaKing). The ideal way to explore the lake quietly and slowly.
SUP board
Stand-up paddleboards are also for hire — a popular new sport among young people. Price: about 40 lei/hour.
Pedal boats
Family-friendly watercraft, safe even with small children. A quiet ride on the turquoise water.
The reservoir in pictures
Képek forrásai: local sourceok
Camping and accommodation around the lake
The lake's Târnava Mare side is gentler, and this is where the organised camping zone is located. The Sicasău side is steeper and more wooded. In recent years the area around the reservoir has shifted from "wild camping" towards more organised tourism.
In the area — especially in Sub-Cetate, 1–2 km from the lake — a strong accommodation infrastructure has developed: guesthouses and pensions with wellness services (salt-water tubs, sauna) welcome visitors.
💰 Prices (indicative)
- Camping: approx. 30 lei/night
- With electricity hookup: approx. 50 lei/night
- Kayak/SUP rental: approx. 40 lei/hour
- Wellness services at nearby pensions
3.5 km on Mount Deság
Right next to the lake, on Mount Deság, there is a 3.5 km nature trail — it is worth setting aside at least half a day for it.
Route: it starts between Zetea and Sub-Cetate, passes the site of Zete Castle (an archaeological reserve) and several viewpoints.
⚠️ Warnings:
- There is no drinking-water source on the trail — bring water with you!
- On the rocky sections, common adders may be encountered — watch where you step!
- Waterproof shoes may be needed even in cool weather
Useful information
How to find
- Locality: Zetea / Sub-Cetate
- County: Harghita
- GPS: 46.4638° N, 25.4001° E
- From Odorheiu Secuiesc: approx. 17 km
When
- Open all year round
- Bathing: late June – mid-August
- Fishing: all year round by season
- Closed season: 15 April – mid-June
Entry and prices
- Entry: FREE
- Daily fishing permit: 40–55 RON
- Camping: 30–50 lei/night
- Water-sport rental: 40 lei/hour
Tips
- Early hours: mirror-smooth water, prime trout time
- Bring water with you on the trail!
- From the Sicasău side: escape from the crowds
- Wellness pensions in Sub-Cetate