30 kilometers outside of Cluj-Napoca, in a village called Aghiresu, one can find one of the most beautiful natural lakes in Romania. With an unusual azure-like colour, huge sand dunes, bulrush bushes of a bright green, and white sand, it looks like something out of a fairy tale. And best of all, it is very secluded. It is not included in any tourist circuits, so it is only known by locals.
The lake was formed on a former mining site, where kaolin used to be extracted. Kaolin is a soft white clay with green and yellow hues and the remnants of this rock that can be found at the bottom of the lake are what give the water that sky-like blue colour. The Blue Lagoon is situated in the middle of a crater that was excavated by machinery. And the water, coming from rain or underground springs, collected here and created the lake.
The lake went dry in the year 1995 due to some work done on the site. It had even had fish. Fortunately, the water collected again and there are fish once again. The reed that has grown around the lake complements the scenery and adds yet another hue to the already rich variety of colours.
The beauty of the place is enhanced by the presence of a sessile forest located nearby. It is also a wonderful place to go swimming or just sunbathing as, in the summer, the water can reach a temperature of 25°C. The soft white sand contributes to the impression that you are actually at the seaside. This is why the Blue Lagoon of Aghires is one of the preferred spot for Cluj dwellers, when they want a respite from the tumultuous city life.
Another beautiful and unusually-coloured lake, also in the area, is the Red Lagoon, which was named this way due to the red tint of its water.
Both lakes are beautiful and offer the opportunity to relax and enjoy nature. Those who are interested in photography can take advantage of this natural wonder and shoot not only the unusual relief that is particular to the area, the lively colours, but the wildlife as well.
Sources:
“Laguna Albastră (Aghireşu, Cluj)”, Turactiv, Available at: http://www.turactiv.ro/index_alfabetic/index_alfabetic_L_Laguna_Albastra_Laguna_Albastra.htm, Accessed: 09.21.2015.
“Laguna Albastră – o minune a naturii”, I like Cluj, Available at: http://www.ilikecluj.ro/laguna-albastra-o-minune-a-naturii/, Accessed: 09.21.2015.
Pop, Ecaterina, “Laguna Albastră – un lac românesc spectaculos”, Financiarul, July 30th 2013, Available at: http://www.financiarul.ro/2013/07/30/laguna-albastra-un-lac-spectaculos/, Accessed: 09.21.2015.
Andra Mihaela Cimpean
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