Platou & Lake Meledic
✨ Short description
Lake Meledic, located on the Meledic Plateau in the commune of Mânzălești, Buzău County, is a unique freshwater lake located on a salt massif, a rare phenomenon in Europe. Up to 7 meters deep, this lake, also known as the “Bottomless Lake”, is surrounded by spectacular scenery, wooden sculptures and numerous legends. The Meledic Plateau, a protected area and part of the Ținutul Buzăului Geopark, includes the longest salt cave in Europe – the 6S Cave – and other natural and cultural attractions such as the Grunjul de la Mânzălești and the “Time of Man” Museum. The area is a symbol of biodiversity, karst landscapes and local history.
📜 History of the location
Meledic Plateau, where Meledic Lake is located, was documented in 1522. The name “Meledic” comes from the Slavonic word meaning “resting place”. This area is home to spectacular karst formations, salt deposits and freshwater lakes, unique in their location on salt masses. Throughout the ages, the region has attracted important figures such as Queen Elisabeth, who considered building Peles Castle here, and Alexandru Vlahuță, who dedicated a chapter to the Meledic Plateau in his work ‘Picturesque Romania’.
⭐ Importance and uniqueness of the location
Meledic Lake is a unique geological phenomenon, being a freshwater lake situated on a salt massif. The area is included in the Geopark Ținutul Buzăului, recognized as a UNESCO site. The Meledic Plateau, with its salt caves, canyons and biodiversity, is a destination of national and international importance, exploited both for tourism and scientific studies.
🐉 Local myths and stories
Meledic Lake is known as the “Bottomless Lake” due to a legend that its water has no bottom. It is also said that, in the 19th century, a barrel-laden wagon full of treasure sank in the lake, but attempts to drain it dry to retrieve the treasure failed. Locals also tell of the treasure hidden in the lake and its connection with the history of the local outlaws.
🗺️ What to visit
Meledic Lake is surrounded by wooden sculptures, created by local artists since 2001. The cave 6 S, the second longest salt cave in the world, can unfortunately not be visited as part of the entrance collapsed.
The area is also home to the “Time of Man” museum, an ethnographic collection that tells the story of the connection between man and nature. Other attractions include the Grunjul de la Mânzălești and the Living Fire at Lopătari.
📍 How to get there
Access is via county road 203K, starting from Buzău via Mărăcineni – Săpoca – Mânzălești. The plateau is located 56-60 km from Buzău. The road is paved up to Lopătari, and access to the plateau is possible on gravel roads, recommended for cars or minibuses.
🔎Things to keep in mind
- Access to 6S Cave is forbidden for safety reasons.
- Visitors are advised to respect the markings and avoid swimming in the lakes, as the water gets very cold at shallow depths.
- The area is less accessible in bad weather conditions.
⏳ Visiting hours and Fees
Meledic Plateau and Meledic Lake are accessible all year round. Visiting the local museum “The Time of Man” requires prior appointment and the entrance fee is 5 lei for adults and free for children and students.
Access to the lake and plateau is free