Vidraru Dam

Located in Argeș County, on the confluence of Argeș and Capra Rivers, the **Vidraru Dam** remains one of Romania’s most impressive engineering achievements of the 20th century. Inaugurated in 1966, it is not only a strategic target for the national energy system, but also a major tourist attraction – the gateway to the spectacular Transfagarasan Highway.

🏗️ History: Engineering Epic

The construction of the dam was a huge effort, carried out at a relatively rapid pace for the time:

Period of construction:** Works began in **1961** and were completed in **1966**.
Objective:** The main objective was to generate electricity (via the CHE Vidraru underground power plant) and regulate the flow of the Argeș River to prevent flooding.
Human effort:** More than **10,000 people** worked on the project. 42 km of underground tunnels were dug and over 1.7 million cubic meters of rock were excavated.
Sacrifice:** To create the reservoir, the village of **Cumpăna** was flooded, and its inhabitants were evacuated. According to local legends, even today, when the water level is extremely low, the remains of the old houses can be seen.

📊 Facts and technical data

When completed, the Vidraru Dam was the fifth dam of its kind in Europe and the ninth in the world in terms of height.

Type of structure:** A concrete dam in a **double-curved arch**. This shape allows it to absorb the enormous water pressure and transfer it to the mountain slopes (Frunții and Ghițu Mountains).
Height:** 166 meters (about the size of a 50-story building).
Length of the crown:** 305 meters.
Length of the reservoir:** 28 km and a maximum depth of 155 meters, with a water volume of approximately **465 million cubic meters**.
Power plant:** is located over 100 meters underground and can generate a power of **220 megawatts**.

🏔️ Tourism and attractions

The Vidraru Dam is a leading destination for tourists crossing the Southern Carpathians, and offers spectacular mountain views.

⚡ Prometheus (Iron Man) Statue

On Mount Pleașa, overlooking the dam, stands the “Electricity Monument” – a giant statue of **Prometheus** holding lightning in his hands, the work of sculptor Constantin Popovici. Visitors can climb hundreds of steps to the statue’s platform and enjoy a breathtaking view of the lake and the Făgăraș Ranges.

🛶 Lake Activities

• Boating:** There are regular sailings, and you can also rent boats and pedalos from the pier.
• Bungee Jumping:** The Vidraru Dam has one of the highest bungee jumps in Europe (more than 160 m free fall), but availability varies depending on the season.
• Fishing:** The lake is stocked with trout, chub and barbel, and is a popular destination for sport fishermen.

🚗 Access and surroundings

Transfăgărășan Road (DN7C):** The dam is a must-see along the famous road. From here the road continues towards Bâlea Lake and Transylvania.
Poenari Fortress:** Just a few kilometers from the dam is Vlad the Impaler’s real fortress, which can be reached after climbing 1,480 steps.

**Visitor Tip:** The area is known for the frequent presence of Carpathian Brown Bears on the roadsides, especially in recent years. It is recommended to stay in the vehicle and not feed the animals in any way.