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Lake Bâlea
Lake Bâlea is a striking glacial lake located at an altitude of 2,034 meters in the Făgăraș Mountains, the highest massif of the Southern Carpathians. Formed within a glacial cirque during the last ice age, the lake spans 4.6 hectares and reaches a maximum depth of 11.3 meters. It is most famous for sitting at the highest point of the Transfăgărășan highway, a world-renowned mountain pass that connects Transylvania with Wallachia. During the winter, the lake freezes over and the area becomes accessible only by cable car from Bâlea Waterfall. Since 2006, an Ice Hotel has been constructed annually on its shores using blocks of ice carved directly from the lake, along with a seasonal ice church. The lake serves as a primary starting point for high-altitude trekking toward the Moldoveanu and Negoiu peaks, Romania's tallest mountains. The surrounding alpine environment is a protected natural area, home to chamois and rare mountain flora like the edelweiss.
- Location: Sibiu, Romania
- Top sights: Iezerul Caprei · Văiuga · Panoramă Transfăgărășan
- Nearby: Victoria (8 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -5 | -3 | 1 | 7 | 12 | 16 | 18 | 18 | 13 | 8 | 2 | -3 |
| Rain mm | 41 | 37 | 48 | 62 | 96 | 117 | 105 | 76 | 62 | 62 | 48 | 46 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- Glacial lake situated at 2,034 meters in the Făgăraș Mountains.
- Covers 4.6 hectares with a maximum depth of 11.3 meters.
- Located at the summit of the famous Transfăgărășan mountain pass.
- Home to the first Ice Hotel in Eastern Europe, built every winter.
- Accessible only via a 3,700-meter long cable car during snowy months.
- Serves as a base for expeditions to the 2,544-meter Moldoveanu Peak.
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.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Lake Bâlea (8)
Vânătarea lui Buteanu
Mountain peak in the Făgăraș Mountains, Romania, one of the highest points of the massif.
Capra Waterfall
Waterfall on the Capra stream in the Făgăraș Mountains, near the Transfăgărășan road.
Fresh-meat
Theme park focused on gastronomy, located in the Bâlea Lake area.
Fereastra Zmeilor
Viewpoint in the Făgăraș Mountains, accessible via hiking trails.
Cascada Bâlea
Waterfall in Romania, at Bâlea Lake, one of the largest waterfalls in the country.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
How do you reach Balea Lake in winter?
Is there really an ice hotel there?
What is the altitude of Balea Lake?
Can you stay overnight at the lake?
Is swimming allowed in the lake?
Lake Bâlea: where is it located?
Lake Bâlea: what is there to see?
Lake Bâlea: when is the best time to visit?
Lake Bâlea: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Nature
More places
