How to Get by Car to Geamana, the Abandoned Town Sacrificed for a Mine?
Geamăna is an abandoned village located in Romania. It became infamous due to its tragic history tied to a copper mining operation. The town was deliberately flooded and abandoned in 1978 due to a mine.
Where is Geamăna?
Geamăna was a picturesque village located in Alba County, in the western part of the country.
What happened in Geamăna?
Tucked away in the Apuseni Mountains, the village was evacuated in the 1970s to make room for a waste pond for copper mining operations at the nearby Roșia Poieni mine, one of Europe’s largest copper reserves. The Romanian government, under the communist regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu, ordered the relocation of residents to create a tailings dam for the mine. Villagers were forced to abandon their homes as the area was flooded with toxic sludge, a byproduct of copper extraction laced with cyanide and other chemicals. Many were relocated with minimal compensation, while some refused to leave until their homes were overtaken by the water. The church steeple remains visible, standing above the polluted waters as a reminder of the village. It is actually extremely tragic but also really very unusual.
Is it safe to go to Geamăna?
Today, Geamăna is considered a ghost village, with remnants of its past submerged in a toxic lake. The area attracts visitors, both for its historical significance and its surreal landscape, created by the combination of pollution and the beauty of the surrounding mountains. The area poses significant safety risks due to the toxic waste pond from the Roșia Poieni mine, containing hazardous substances like heavy metals and cyanide. The area is unstable, with risks of landslides and no safety measures in place. Visitors should avoid contact with the water, stay clear of the lake’s edges, wear sturdy footwear, and avoid visiting during or after heavy rain. Informing someone about your trip and going with a knowledgeable guide is strongly recommended.
How long is the road to Geamăna?
Starting from Lupșa, the road to Geamăna is totally unpaved. It’s called DC99. It’s 6.3 km (3.91 miles) long, and the gravel is loose, so you can easily lose control. In winters, it’s usually impassable. A 4x4 vehicle is recommended.