The dam's construction involved digging 42 kilometers of underground galleries and pouring 480,000 cubic meters of concrete.
The reservoir is shaped like a sprawling letter 'S', following the contours of the deep mountain valley.
A massive 10-meter-tall statue of Prometheus, representing electricity, overlooks the dam from the Cumpăna peak.
Water levels in the reservoir can fluctuate significantly depending on the power plant's generation requirements and seasonal snowmelt.
The dam's design includes a spillway capable of discharging 500 cubic meters of water per second.
Lake Vidraru is an artificial reservoir created in 1965 by the construction of the Vidraru Dam on the Argeș River in the Făgăraș Mountains. The dam stands 166 meters tall and ranks among the highest in Europe. Spanning approximately 10 kilometers in length, the lake covers an area of about 870 hectares and holds 465 million cubic meters of water. The reservoir serves as the primary water source for the Vidraru Hydroelectric Power Plant. Visitors access the lake via the Transfăgărășan highway, which winds through the surrounding mountain peaks. The dam itself is an arch-type construction, a significant feat of Romanian engineering during the mid-20th century.
The observation platform located at the top of the dam wall provides the best vantage point for both the lake and the hydroelectric structure.
Bring binoculars to observe the steep, forested slopes surrounding the lake, where wild chamois and bears are occasionally spotted.
Weather changes rapidly in the Făgăraș range; bring waterproof layers even on sunny days.
If planning a boat tour, verify operational status on-site as services are weather-dependent.
Do not attempt to swim in the reservoir, as the water temperatures remain extremely cold and currents near the dam intake are dangerous.
Access to the dam is restricted during winter months when the Transfăgărășan highway is closed due to snow.
Do not feed local wildlife, particularly bears, which are known to frequent the roadside areas.
