Caves & Nature · Săcele
Barajul și Lacul Tărlung
The reservoir near Săcele that supplies Brașov with drinking water, on the DN1A road to Ciucaș. It is not developed for tourism, and the rules for access to the shore are not published.
NavigateWhatsAppAt a glance
Town SăceleAbout the place
Current status (checked 12 October 2026)
Tărlung is not a developed tourist site but a reservoir that supplies Brașov with drinking water, with infrastructure managed by Apele Române (Romanian Waters). The rules for public access to the shore and the dam are not published. Follow the signs on site and do not enter fenced areas.
The lake that supplies Brașov with water
The lake lies on the Tărlung river, in the area of the town of Săcele, about 17 km south-east of Brașov. Its water goes to the Tărlung water plant, where it is treated for the people of Brașov, as a Transilvania 365 report from September 2026 showed. The lake also helps protect against floods: in June 2025, during floods, it held almost 20 million cubic metres. In periods of high water, controlled releases from the dam can temporarily flood the DN1A national road.
On the road to Ciucaș
The DN1A passes by the dam and climbs towards the Bratocea Pass, so you see the lake on the way to Ciucaș. Keep the roadworks in mind: in March 2026 the old bridge on the DN1A in the Brădet area was demolished, and traffic uses a temporary bridge. Mountain trails also start in the area, for example the one from the Tărlung reservoir to the Grohotiș ridge, and the Tărlungeni – Șaua Teslei route passes by the dam and Brădet towards the former Babarunca chalet.
Opening hours and prices (checked 12 October 2026)
Opening hours and prices are not published for 2026 — check the official source. There is no official website for visitors. The length of a stop and pushchair access are not stated in the sources consulted.
Getting there
From MAX International in Râșnov, drive towards Brașov, then to Săcele and on along the DN1A, towards the Bratocea Pass. The dam is next to the DN1A, between Săcele and the Bratocea Pass. You can see the exact distance and time with the navigation buttons on this page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the MAX International Local Guide?A guide to attractions, trails and events in the Râșnov–Brașov–Bran area, designed as an information point for MAX International guests. Each attraction shows the distance from MAX, a map and access details.
How far are the attractions from MAX International?It varies: some attractions are right in Râșnov (Râșnov Citadel, Valea Cetății Cave), others are further away, in the Prahova Valley (Bușteni, Sinaia). The distance and driving time from MAX are on each attraction's page, calculated by road.
Is the guide's information verified?Yes. Every published attraction has a confirmed official source and map. Opening hours and prices can change seasonally, so please check the official link before your visit.
Can I ask for recommendations at the MAX International reception?Yes. The MAX International reception and concierge can help with recommendations, transfers and bookings, based on the season and your preferences.
How do I reach the attractions without a car?The MAX reception can help with a private transfer or transport information. Nearby attractions (Râșnov Citadel, Râșnov town centre) are easily reachable on foot.
What is the best time to visit the area?The area is attractive year-round: summer for trails and caves, winter for slopes and cable cars. Each attraction indicates its recommended season.
Can I book accommodation near these attractions?Yes — MAX International Râșnov is a central base for exploring the area. See the accommodation section or message us on WhatsApp for availability.
Getting there
NavigateWazeApple MapsUber from MAXWhatsAppAround Brașov
All places in this areaIn this area
CCartfest Cristian
- Events
An annual art and culture festival in the village of Cristian, near Brașov, featuring theatre, books, music and architecture. It usually takes place in September; the full programme appears on the official cartfest.ro website.
≈8,7 km · 7 min by car
DetailsNavigateBrașov
- Destinations
The city at the foot of Mount Tâmpa carries its crown right in its name: Corona, Kronstadt, Brassó. Discover the Black Church, the Council Square and Rope Street, in a fortress of Saxon merchants located a quarter of an hour from Râșnov.
14 km · 20 min · 1–2 days
DetailsNavigateBrașov Jazz & Blues Festival
- Events
A jazz and blues festival held in Brașov, part of the city's cultural calendar.
≈20 km · 21 min by car
DetailsNavigate BZilele Brașovului
- Events
The annual celebration of the city of Brașov, with cultural events, concerts and activities in the historic centre.
≈20 km · 21 min
DetailsNavigateTârgul de Crăciun Brașov
- Events
At the foot of Tâmpa, Piața Sfatului (the Council Square) transforms in winter into a Christmas market with wooden chalets, mulled wine and a huge natural fir tree, right beneath the tower of the Council House. It is the closest large festive market to Râșnov, just a few kilometres away.
20 km · 21 min by car
DetailsNavigateJunii Brașovului — Coborârea în Cetate
- Events
On the first Sunday after Easter, Brașov's Șchei district dons its festive best: bands of mounted young men (juni) ride down from the neighborhood toward the heart of the citadel, hurling maces into the sun and shouting "Christ is risen!". A tradition attested since 1728.
≈20 km · 21 min by car
DetailsNavigateSee all attractions
Back to the Local GuideEverything at MAX, in one place
1 December at MAX: a 3-night mini-break
See the packageAccommodation
Rooms and apartments for couples, families and groups
See the roomsRestaurant
Fresh dishes, breakfast and an à la carte menu
See the restaurantParking & Access
On-site parking, an EV charger and easy access
See the parking See all of MAX NavigateI'm a paragraph. I'm connected to your collection through a dataset. Click Preview to see my content. To update me, go to the Data Manager.