Lake Invartita and the dragon from the depths

Up on the hill, hidden between traditional houses and surrounded by centuries-old trees, Lake Invartita or Nucșoara reflects the tranquility and beauty of a place as if taken from a fairy tale.

It is positioned at an altitude of 780m and is known as the largest karst lake in Romania formed on gypsum.

Over time, many stories have been mirrored in its waters, the legend of the dragon in its depths being the most widespread of all.

It is said that in a forest in Nucșoara lived a dragon that kidnapped virgins and hid them in a cave dug inside the highest mountain.

One day, the dragon stole the one who was to be the wife of Nucușor, the son of the Spirit of the Forest and a beautiful mortal from the village. Nucușor went in search of her, meeting with the fairies of the forest who tried without success to twist his mind, the love he had for the girl being much too strong. In appreciation of his love and devotion, the Eels showed him the way to the beast’s lair and helped him save his beloved. The dragon, frightened and wounded, fell from the heights of the sky into the Whirling Lake, where it is believed to be hiding even today.

Today, the lake is part of the Măgura – Nucșoara nature reserve, being one of the main points of attraction for lovers of beauty and nature.

GPS coordinates:

Latitude: 45.3419266

Longitude: 24.7799778