Lake Oașa is one of Romania's most impressive reservoirs, tucked into the Șureanu Mountains and stretching for roughly 6 km through a dramatic gorge. As the largest reservoir on the Sebeș River, it offers a striking mix of turquoise water, forested slopes and rugged mountain scenery that draws hikers, photographers and road-trippers alike.

The 91-meter-high dam is an impressive sight on its own, especially when approached via the legendary Transalpina road that winds through the surrounding peaks. In summer, the lake shimmers under green hillsides and buzzes with visitors enjoying the fresh mountain air; in autumn the slopes turn gold and red, while winter blankets the whole area in snow, giving it a quiet, almost otherworldly feel. Whether you stop for a picnic, a short walk along the shore, or just to take in the view, this is a place that rewards a slower pace.

How to get there

• DN67C road (Transalpina) between Sebeș and Novaci — by car, the dam sits directly along the route, easy access
• Mountain trails through the Șureanu range — varying difficulty, moderate to demanding

Practical information

• The Transalpina pass can be closed or difficult to access in winter due to snow
• Trout is the dominant fish species — a popular spot for anglers

Fun fact: the dam, completed in 1979, was built with rockfill rather than an arched concrete design because the local gravel contained too much mica — a small geological detail that shaped the entire structure.