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A very hot July day in Transylvania. Our itchy travel feet took us to Gilau, Cluj County, where we stayed for 4 days. On a Sunday, we asked our host whether there are some easy to moderate hikes in the area. The answer came swiftly: the lakes near Gilau are really easy to get to and can be a fun hike.

The hike

Couple of sandwiches and some bottled water later, followed by a quick phone to a local to ask some details and we were off. Right near Profi Store, there’s Republicii Street, which is very long but takes you exactly to Somesul Cald Dam (also known as Gilau Damn). Two alternative – and parallel – streets take you there as well, so choose the one you like more.

Walking on Republicii Street won’t pose any problems but you will want to have your all terrains, for the hike onward. Make sure to cover your head – I prefer to use a bandana – and use sunscreen.

Right at the end of the street, you will see the Dam and a road which makes a right. Keep going on the road and then make a left to cross the Dam (and take photos, of course).

Somesul Cald Dam is providing the water into Gilau Lake and was constructed in 1971. At that time, Somesul Cald Lake did not exist, so the water came directly from Tarnita Lake.

Did you know? Gilau Lake provides the drinking water for the entire city of Cluj Napoca.

Once you cross the Dam, make a left and continue onward. The road – also paved – continues through patches of forest and of fields. Pay attention to the on-coming traffic. Unfortunately they don’t seem to be very acquainted to the hikers , so be extra careful.

Safety tip: Always face the on-coming traffic when you hike. In this way, you are able to see the cars and they can see you , as well.

Keep following the road and you will continue to pass by Gilau Lake It is quite picturesque and you may be able to see some local fauna. By the way, as we were hiking on the road , we have seen hazelnut trees (unfortunately it was too early to pick them up).

Coming on the main road, you will see a crossroads (there’s a grocery store right at the corner) and a sign pointing to Tarnita. Should you want to continue to Somesul Cald Lake and Tarnita Lake , you need to make a right here and follow the road.

Because it was too hot and the traffic was terrible – had some scary encounters – we decided to go further a bit (so not take the road to Tarnita Lake) and find a shaded area to stop and eat our sandwiches. We found it quite easily, in front of the Caminul Cultural (Cultural House) in Somesul Rece village.

The hike to here was roughly 6 km / 3.8 miles and it was easy. Anyone can do it.

Map of the hike we did , first part :

On the way back, we took a flight different route. We wanted to buy some trout – as there is a store right at the bottom of the Dam . Instead of crossing the Dam and following the same road we took on the way to the lake, we kept going forward following the signs to the store. Which was closed.

So we passed by the water treatment facility and , using our navigation from the smartphone, we made a right , crossed the Somesul Mic Channel and ended up on the parallel street to the one we took on the way to the lake.

Map of the hike we did, second part (coming back):

If you want to continue to Tarnita Lake

The hike to Tarnita Lake (from the crossroads) is another 6km, making it a total of 12 km / 7.5 miles from Gilau, still totally doable by anyone used to some hiking.

Tarnita Lake is now a summer getaway for those living in Cluj Napoca. Whenever the sun is shining, you can bet everyone is going to be here. There are also plenty of travelers from the rest of Romania coming to the area, which accounts for the high traffic, especially on a Sunday , in the middle of summer (what exactly were we thinking?)

Map of the hike to Tarnita Lake:

About Gilau:

Gilau is located in Cluj County , in Transylvania, Romania. It sits at the north eastern base of Apuseni Mountains , at about 15 km / 9.3 miles from Cluj Napoca.

Things to keep in mind:

• wear comfortable, all terrain walking shoes
• choose a light-weight day pack but which can hold enough water and snack for the hike
• wear something to cover your head, such as a bandana
• don’t forget your fitness tracker
• if the weather is cloudy, bring your waterproof jacket, such as this one