The Siriu Dam is the second-largest rock-fill dam in Romania, constructed using a specialized rock-fill and core design to withstand seismic activity.
During the filling of the reservoir, the original village of Siriu was submerged, necessitating the relocation of the local community.
The reservoir acts as a critical buffer for the Buzău River, significantly mitigating the risk of downstream flash floods common in the Carpathian foothills.
The water levels in the reservoir fluctuate significantly depending on the hydroelectric power demand and seasonal snowmelt from the Vrancea Mountains.
The surrounding landscape is part of a complex geological area featuring the 'Mud Volcanoes of Berca' further downstream in the Buzău region.
Lake Siriu is an artificial reservoir created by the damming of the Buzău River in the Vrancea Mountains, Romania. It was formed following the construction of the Siriu Dam, a large rock-fill structure with a clay core completed in 1985. The lake covers approximately 420 hectares and holds a water volume of about 155 million cubic meters. Its distinctive turquoise water is a result of sediment deposits and high mineral content from the surrounding Carpathian flysch terrain. The dam itself reaches a height of 122 meters and a length of 570 meters, ranking it among the highest dams in the country. The reservoir serves primarily as a hydroelectric power source and a flood control mechanism for the region. Surrounded by dense beech and coniferous forests, it acts as a central point for water-based recreational activities. The lake's irregular shape features numerous bays and inlets that follow the natural topography of the valley.
The viewing area along the DN10 road directly overlooking the dam wall and the primary basin.
Bring polarized sunglasses to better see through the water's surface reflection.
Plan to visit on weekdays to avoid heavy weekend traffic from tourists driving through the mountain pass.
Carry a light windbreaker, as the mountain valley creates consistent thermal breezes near the dam wall.
Attempting to swim near the dam intake structures due to strong, invisible underwater currents.
Respect local fishing regulations and do not leave waste in the non-serviced forest areas surrounding the lake shore.
