Bâlea Lake Romania
A stunning glacial lake high in the Făgăraș Mountains, accessible via the iconic Transfagarasan Highway. Offers breathtaking alpine views and a winter...

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, clearer views
Bâlea Lake Romania
Best Time
Fewer crowds, clearer views

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning glacial lake high in the Făgăraș Mountains, accessible via the iconic Transfagarasan Highway. Offers breathtaking alpine views and a winter ice hotel.
"One of the most breathtaking alpine locations in Romania — Bâlea Lac is pure magic from above."
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
It's cold even in summer! Bring a jacket, hat, and gloves. :cloud:
🚗 Parking Options
Two parking lots available; prices vary significantly. Look for the cheaper one! :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Glacial Lake Views
Bâlea Lake
A stunning glacial lake reflecting the rugged Fagaras Mountains. Pure alpine magic.

Transfagarasan Highway Drive
Access road to Bâlea Lake
The iconic serpentine road offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Carpathians.

Winter Ice Hotel
Near Bâlea Lake
Experience a unique stay in a hotel carved entirely from ice during winter months.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dress for the Mountains
Transfagarasan Road Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
It's cold even in summer! Bring a jacket, hat, and gloves.
:cloud:🚗 Parking Options
Two parking lots available; prices vary significantly. Look for the cheaper one!
:car:🐻 Bear Sightings
You might see bears on the drive up, but do NOT feed them.
:bear:🚶♀️ Hiking Trails
Several hiking routes start from the lake for more adventure.
:hiking_boot:Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Pack Warm Layers
It's cold even in summer! Bring a jacket, hat, and gloves.
:cloud:🚗 Parking Options
Two parking lots available; prices vary significantly. Look for the cheaper one!
:car:🐻 Bear Sightings
You might see bears on the drive up, but do NOT feed them.
:bear:🚶♀️ Hiking Trails
Several hiking routes start from the lake for more adventure.
:hiking_boot:♻️ Respect Nature
Please take your trash with you and keep the area clean.
:recycle:What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking alpine scenery and the exhilarating drive along the Transfagarasan Highway. The glacial lake and mountain views are consistently praised as spectacular. However, some mention the cold temperatures even in summer and the potential for motion sickness on the winding roads. Parking costs can also be a point of consideration.
"This is definitely worth the drive, absolutely beautiful views and very fun roads to drive if you are a car enthusiast. I recommend driving it in the morning during the summer if you want to have fun on the roads with minimal traffic."
Blake Roach
"This place is a shame. A stunning natural lake has been turned into a dirty, chaotic bazaar. Stalls, smoke, garbage, and noise everywhere. No respect for nature, no organization. Authorities are asleep while one of Romania’s most beautiful treasures is being destroyed in front of everyone."
Eugeniu Toma
"You come for the lake but market makes you stay longer. Lake is a beautiful sight and market offers Romanian traditional. Be prepared to pay for entrance to toilet so bring cash."
Vita Udre
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular way is by car via the Transfagarasan Highway (DN7C). From Sibiu, it's about a 90-minute drive.
If you're not driving, consider organized tours or buses from Sibiu. The road is usually open from late June to October.No, the Transfagarasan Highway is typically closed due to snow from October to late June. Always check the current road status before planning your trip.
While direct public transport is limited, some bus services operate during the summer months from Sibiu. Organized tours are a more reliable option for public transport users.
Bâlea Lake is approximately 90 minutes driving distance from Sibiu, covering about 70-80 kilometers depending on the route.
Yes, it's common to see bears along the Transfagarasan Highway, especially on the southern side. However, it's crucial not to feed them for their safety and yours.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee to access Bâlea Lake itself. However, parking near the lake is usually paid.
Bâlea Lake is an outdoor natural attraction and is accessible year-round, weather permitting. The Transfagarasan Highway access road has seasonal closures.
Yes, if you plan to stay at the Ice Hotel (which is seasonal), booking well in advance is highly recommended due to limited availability.
While not explicitly stated, always be mindful of local regulations regarding drone usage in natural parks and protected areas. Check with local authorities if unsure.
There are parking lots available near the lake, but they are often paid. Travelers have noted significant price differences between lots, so compare options.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy the stunning glacial lake views, take photos, hike in the surrounding mountains, and visit the Ice Hotel in winter. There are also chalet restaurants.
Yes, the area is generally suitable for all ages, offering beautiful scenery and accessible paths. However, keep an eye on children near the water and be prepared for mountain weather.
Bâlea Lake is situated at an impressive altitude of 2,034 meters (6,673 feet) in the Făgăraș Mountains.
Swimming in Bâlea Lake is generally not recommended due to its icy temperatures, even in summer, and its glacial origin. It's primarily for scenic enjoyment.
Several hiking routes start from Bâlea Lake, offering opportunities to explore the Făgăraș Mountains. Trails range from moderate to challenging.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are chalet restaurants located near Bâlea Lake offering food and drinks with scenic views.
The restaurants typically serve traditional Romanian cuisine, often hearty mountain fare. Expect dishes like sarmale, mici, and polenta.
Prices can be higher due to the remote mountain location. It's advisable to check menus and prices before ordering.
Yes, bringing your own food for a picnic is a great option, especially if you want to save money or enjoy the scenery at your own pace. Remember to pack out all your trash.
Options may be limited, but traditional Romanian cuisine often includes vegetable-based dishes like mămăligă (polenta) or various soups. It's best to inquire directly with the restaurants.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire area offers incredible photo opportunities. Focus on the lake's reflections, the surrounding peaks, and the winding Transfagarasan road. Drone shots offer unique perspectives.
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting, but the clear light of midday can also be stunning for capturing the vibrant blues of the lake and greens of the mountains.
A wide-angle lens is great for landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing distant peaks. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance the lake's colors and reduce glare.
Yes, drone photography is very popular here and provides spectacular aerial views of the lake and the Transfagarasan Highway.
In winter, protect your camera from extreme cold and moisture. Batteries drain faster in the cold. Snow can create beautiful, but also challenging, lighting conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚗 Road Trip Enthusiasts
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Transfagarasan Highway Experience
Travelers often describe the drive as exhilarating, with some noting that those prone to motion sickness should be prepared for the winding roads. The journey provides ample opportunities for stunning photography, with viewpoints scattered along the route. Many visitors combine a trip to Bâlea Lake with a drive along a section of the Transfagarasan, making it a highlight of their Romanian adventure.
Bâlea Lake's Natural Beauty and Activities
Beyond admiring the views, visitors can embark on hiking trails that begin near the lake, offering more challenging routes into the mountains for experienced trekkers. For a unique winter experience, the Bâlea Lake Ice Hotel is constructed annually, providing an unforgettable, albeit cold, accommodation option. Even outside of winter, the stark beauty of the snow-capped peaks and the frozen lake (if conditions allow) offers a dramatic contrast.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit