Lake Surduc
About Lake Surduc
Lake Surduc, officially Lake Fârdea, lies within the commune of Fârdea, in the north-west of the Poiana Ruscă Mountains. The name everyone knows comes from the village of Surducu Mic, the last settlement on the access road from Traian Vuia. It is a reservoir formed on the Gladna river, a tributary of the Bega, behind a dam whose construction began in 1972; the water started to build up in 1976.
The dam is a rockfill structure with a concrete facing, 36 m high and 130 m long at the crest. The lake is not only for leisure: it supplies Timișoara with drinking and industrial water, the reservoir holds back part of the floods, and a 2 MW micro-hydropower plant uses the water released. The lake and its surroundings are a protected natural area, for the fish and the waterfowl, some of which winter here.
Over the years holiday cabins have lined the shores, and some have become permanent homes. People from Timișoara and Lugoj come here to swim, fish, take a boat out or camp.
What you can see
From the dam you see the concrete face sloping down to the water with broadleaf forest behind it, and upstream the lake opens wide between low hills and narrow bays.
Good to know
The dam is undergoing rehabilitation and flood-risk reduction works, which continue in 2026.
Information verified on 29 October 2026.
- The concrete face of the 36 m dam, seen from the shore with forest behind.
- The broad lake, ringed by hills and woods, with quiet bays.
- The shores with cabins, from where the lake shows between the trees.
- The waterfowl that spend the cold season on the lake.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: from Timișoara take the DN6 to the entrance to the A1 motorway, then the A1 for about 52 km towards Lugoj and Deva, after which you leave it for a short stretch on the DN68A and continue on the DJ681A towards Fârdea and Surducu Mic; about 84 km in all, roughly 1 h 10 min. From Lugoj it is about 33 km, roughly 35 min.
Public transport: the easiest way to get there is by car.
- Rules
The lake is a reservoir also used for drinking water, in a protected natural area: follow the signs on the shore, take your litter away and do not light fires outside designated spots. Swimming is at your own risk, as the water is deep and its level varies. Fishing requires a recreational fishing licence and compliance with the administrator's rules.
- Facilities
Cabins and accommodation along the shores
Frequently asked questions about Lake Surduc
What are the opening hours of Lake Surduc?
Opening hours at Lake Surduc: daily open 24 hours. More under “Opening hours”
Can you visit Lake Surduc with kids?
Yes, Lake Surduc is suitable for children (deep water, needs supervision).
How do I get to Lake Surduc?
Lake Surduc is located at DJ681A, towards the village of Surducu Mic, Fârdea, Timiș County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Lake Surduc?
The best season for Lake Surduc: May – October (swimming and boats in summer).
Reviews
Other attractions nearby
The closest attractions to Lake Surduc, sorted by distance.
21 km from Lake Surduc
26 km from Lake Surduc
38 km from Lake Surduc
