Located at over 2,000 meters above sea level, Tăul Țapului in Retezat is among the most spectacular glacial lakes in Romania. During this period, the lake is covered with a layer of ice, which increases its charm.
The Goat’s head. Photo: Atilla Dobai
Winter settled in the Retezat Mountains, and snow fell over the ridges and glacial caldera of the massif. Located at more than 2,000 meters above sea level, many of the more than 50 glacial lakes in Retezat are also covered these days with a thin layer of ice.
Access to the alpine area of Retezat is more difficult, but those who dare to make such trips find extremely spectacular places. One of them is Tăul Tăpului from Retezat (video: Atilla Dobai – Facebook) one of the most admired glacial lakes in Romania, located at the end of a difficult route that climbs up to 2,100 meters in the Retezat Mountains.
The photos taken by Atilla Dobai, a Hunedorian passionate about mountain hiking, show Tăul Ţapului and its islet covered in ice and snow.
And a year ago, also in November, Atilla arrived at the shore of the glacial lake, but then, the Goat’s Head was not yet frozen when winter came.
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The Goat’s Calf Photo Atilla Dobai (2) jpg
Tăul Ţapului in Retezat, located at over 2,000 meters above sea level, under the Closed Gates of Retezat, between the rocks, is known for its islet formed by an avalanche in the middle of the 2.3 hectare lake. It has a maximum depth of six meters, and is fed by four springs and snow avalanches. Its waters flow downhill, giving rise to a waterfall. The lake was stocked in 1977 with trout, and marmots can be seen around it in the summer.
Like other famous lakes in Retezat, Tăul Ţapului has its own legend:
“It is said that a handsome prince, with bright green eyes, ruled over the expanses of Retezat. Because the prince did not love, an evil witch turned him into a goat and threw him into a lake from a deep glacial caldera. The goat’s body gave birth to a small island in the middle of the lake, on which the two green eyes of the prince can still be seen“.
Tăul Ţapului in Retezat is protected by rocky walls, in a narrow caldera, and all the trails leading here require mountain experience. The most accessible of them starts from the commune of Pui, going up from the village of Hobita on the Bărbat river valley, to the Stâna de Râu refuge. From here, hikers can continue their journey on foot, past the closed gates of Retezatu, the Ciumfu Waterfall towards the lake in the mountains.
Roads closed in Retezat
Since November 15, several access roads to the Retezat National Park have been closed to car traffic for the duration of the cold season.
The closure of the sections remains in force until March 31, 2025, announced the Hunedoara County Council, the administrator of the county roads on the territory of the reservation
The roads in or adjacent to the Retezat National Park that are closed for the winter season, until March 31, 2025, include: DJ 660A: Câmpul lui Neag – Cabana Câmpul lui Neag – Gorj county border, on the sector Cabana Câmpul lui Neag – lim. Gorj county, between km 0+800 – km 6+750; DJ 667: Pui – Hobita – Cabana Baleia, on the sector Hobita – Cabana Baleia, between km 5+545 – km 21+600; DJ 667A: DN 66 – Sălaşu de Sus – Nucșoara – Cabana Pietrele, on the Cârnic – Cabana Pietrele sector, between km 17+000 – km 21+700; DJ 685: Cârneşti – Cabana Gura Zlata – Baraj Retezat – Cabana Rotunda, on the sector Baraj Retezat – Cabana Rotunda, between km 33+290 – km 48+700.
“Starting with altitudes above 1,200 meters, we can have snow cover, fog, strong wind, negative temperatures during the day as well. Request information from Salvamont regarding the status of the route you wish to travel. Don’t forget, the Salvamont teams, your reliable friends on the mountain paths, are the only structures legally authorized to carry out mountain rescue activities for injured people on the mountain.” informs Salvamont Romania.
