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Stânca-Costești Lake
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Stânca-Costești Lake is a vast reservoir located on the Prut River, on the border between Romania and the Republic of Moldova. Covering an area of approximately 59 square kilometers, it is the second-largest reservoir in Romania, created in 1978 upon the completion of a monumental dam. The primary purpose of the project was to regulate the flow of the Prut River, provide flood protection, and generate electricity through a joint hydroelectric power plant. The lake is also a protected area of international importance, designated as a Ramsar site due to its role as an essential habitat for numerous migratory bird species. The landscape features spectacular views, particularly because of the limestone cliffs that give the locality of Stânca its name. Anglers and nature enthusiasts appreciate the abundant fish populations and the tranquility of the region. Despite its industrial function, the lake has become a vital ecosystem supporting biodiversity in this part of Eastern Europe. The cooperation between the two neighboring countries in managing the dam is an example of regional technical collaboration.
- Location: Botoșani, Romania
- Top sights: Marea Nordului · Biserica monument sec. XVII
- Nearby: Săveni (31 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -4 | -2 | 3 | 10 | 16 | 20 | 22 | 22 | 16 | 9 | 4 | -2 |
| Rain mm | 30 | 33 | 40 | 50 | 67 | 89 | 86 | 57 | 45 | 50 | 36 | 32 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
Access to this massive reservoir is typically via the national roads leading to the Stânca-Costești dam, which serves as a vital border crossing area.
Best season
Late spring through early autumn typically provides the most favorable conditions for bird watching, relaxed fishing, and appreciating the vast open waters.
Terrain & paths
The terrain involves a monumental concrete dam structure and natural shorelines that transition into protected wetland habitats, requiring some easy walking.
What to bring
Binoculars are highly recommended for observing the rich birdlife, along with sturdy walking shoes and windproof clothing to handle breezes coming off the large lake.
Parking
Parking is usually available near the main dam viewing areas and border control points, though spaces may be limited during periods of high cross-border traffic.
Safety
Visitors must strictly respect the restricted border zone regulations around the dam infrastructure and carefully observe any safety signs near the deep water.
Time needed
Most travelers typically spend one to two hours admiring the dam's engineering and the expansive reservoir view, unless they are specifically staying for a long fishing trip.
Geography
Facts
- The dam has a maximum height of approximately 47 meters.
- The total volume of water in the reservoir is about 1.4 billion cubic meters.
- The lake stretches over a length of almost 70 kilometers along the Prut River.
- The Ramsar Convention recognized the area as a wetland of international importance in 2004.
- Over 30 different species of fish live in the lake, including catfish and pike-perch.
- The power generated by the hydroelectric plant is shared equally between Romania and Moldova.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
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© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Stânca-Costești Lake (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Is fishing allowed on Lake Stânca-Costești?
Yes, fishing is allowed, but as it is a border zone with Moldova, you need a permit from the Border Police (P.G.).
Are there beaches for swimming?
There are no official beaches, but locals and tourists use certain sandy areas near Stânca for swimming.
What bird species can be observed here?
The lake is a protected area where you can see pelicans, egrets, herons, and numerous wild duck species.
How do you get to the reservoir?
Access is from Botoșani or Iași via the DN24C national road to the town of Ștefănești.
Are there accommodation options nearby?
Accommodation is limited; there are a few guesthouses in Ștefănești, but more options are available in Botoșani.
Stânca-Costești Lake: where is it located?
Stânca-Costești Lake is located in Botoșani, Romania.
Stânca-Costești Lake: what is there to see?
Highlights include Marea Nordului, Biserica monument sec. XVII.
Stânca-Costești Lake: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Stânca-Costești Lake: why is it worth visiting?
Stânca-Costești Lake is a vast reservoir located on the Prut River, on the border between Romania and the Republic of Moldova.
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Nearby cities
Botoșani
Botoșani is one of Romania's most significant cultural hubs, situated in the northern part of the Moldavia region.
Dorohoi
Historic town in the north.
Darabani
Northernmost Romanian town.
Flămânzi
Flămânzi is a town in Botoșani County, northeastern Romania, globally recognized as the epicenter of the Great Romanian Peasants' Revolt …
Săveni
Cheese production center.
Costești
Costești is known for the large Stânca-Costești hydroelectric plant on the Prut River, operated jointly with Romania.
Glodeni
Glodeni is a city in northwestern Moldova.
Rîșcani
Rîșcani is located in northern Moldova and is a significant regional center.
Pădurea Domnească
Moldova's largest nature reserve, home to European bisons and the mysterious 'Hundred Mounds' landscape.
Cupcini
Cupcini is an industrial city in the Edineț district of northern Moldova.
Edineț
Edineț is an important city in northern Moldova.
Făleștii Noi
Făleștii Noi is a locality near Fălești.
Drochia
Drochia is a city in northern Moldova known for its grand cathedral and its role in the sugar industry.
History & landmarks
🗺️
Cobani Reef
Part of the so-called 'Prut Toltry', this fossilized coral reef is an impressive testimony of the prehistoric sea.
Middle Prut Plain
The Middle Prut Plain is located in northwestern Moldova along the Prut River.
Prut Toltry
The Prut Toltry are a chain of limestone hills in northwestern Moldova, formed millions of years ago as coral reefs.
🗺️
Edineț Toltry
The Edineț Toltry are limestone reefs near Edineț city, forming a spectacular relief.
Nature
Hundred Mounds
This unique natural phenomenon consists of over 3,500 mounds located in the Prut floodplains.
Stinca-Costesti Reservoir
The largest reservoir on the Prut river is often called the 'Moldovan sea'.
Butesti Reef
The Butesti Reef is a massive limestone formation along the Camenca River.
Royal Forest Reserve
The reserve extends along the middle course of the Prut and is famous for its ancient oak forests and European bison population.
La Castel Landscape Reserve
This reserve in the Racovăț valley impresses with its massive coral reefs and deep erosion valleys.
Fetesti Landscape Reserve
Fetesti, often called 'Little Switzerland,' is a limestone reserve with steep cliffs along the Draghiște River.
More places
Mihai Eminescu Theatre Botoșani
The Mihai Eminescu Theatre in Botoșani is an important cultural center.
Botoșani County Museum
The County Museum in Botoșani preserves archaeological finds and historical artifacts of the region.
Unirii Monument Botoșani
The Unirii Monument in Botoșani celebrates the historic unification of Romania and is an important public location.
Uspenia Church Botoșani
The Uspenia Church in Botoșani is a significant religious monument, known for its historical architecture.
Formens Botoșani
Specialized in the production of high-quality men's suits.
Vorona Monastery
A historic monastery in the Botoșani region, famous for its peaceful atmosphere and beautiful 18th-century architecture.
Mihai Eminescu Memorial House
Birthplace of the national poet.
Silver Forest
The Silver Forest is a protected woodland area in the Prut River floodplain in the Glodeni District.