Lake Bâlea, situated in the heart of the Făgăraș Mountains, is one of Romania’s most impressive natural treasures. This glacial lake of particular beauty attracts thousands of tourists every year thanks to its spectacular scenery and its privileged location on the Transfăgărășan, one of the most spectacular roads in the world. The view of the lake, framed by rocky slopes and coniferous forests, offers an unforgettable visual experience, whatever the season. In winter, the region transforms into a fairytale land of ice hotels and winter sports, while in summer the lake becomes a starting point for numerous mountain trails.
Accessible in the summer by car through the picturesque winding Transfăgărășan or all year round by cable car, Bâlea lac Sibiu is a destination that combines adventure with relaxation. From exploring the wild relief to admiring the local flora and fauna, this area offers activities for all types of tourists, whether they are keen on hiking, nature photography or extreme sports. In addition, the lake is surrounded by famous sights, making it a real magnet for nature lovers.
In the following lines, we invite you to discover this place of particular beauty, together with the tourist attractions around it.
- Location and origin of Lake Ballea
- The legend of Lake Ballea
- How to get to Lake Ballea
- Flora and fauna around Lake Ballea
- Tourist attractions
- Ice hotel
Location and origin of Lake Ballea
Lake Bâlea is located in the Făgăraș Mountains, in Sibiu county, in the central part of the country. It is situated at an altitude of 2,034 meters above sea level, at the foot of high peaks such as Iezerul Caprei (2,417 m) and Vârful Buteanu (2,507 m), which dominate the landscape. The Făgăraș Mountains are part of the Southern Carpathians, and Lake Bâlea is situated on the northern slopes of this mountain massif. The Transfăgărășanul, one of the most spectacular mountain roads in the world, winds its way up to the lake, offering easy access in the warmer months when snow allows the road to be open.
Bâlea lac Sibiu is a glacial lake, formed by the retreat of glaciers that shaped the landscape of the Făgăraș Mountains during the last glacial period, about 10,000-12,000 years ago. The process of glacial erosion created a hollow in the hard rock of the mountain, in which water from melting snow and rain accumulated, giving rise to today’s lake.
Initially, in its middle there was an island and an isthmus approaching the shore. Over time these developed into a peninsula, giving the lake its present appearance. The expanse of water has a surface area of about 4.65 hectares and a maximum depth of 11.35 meters, making it one of the largest and most impressive glacial lakes in the Southern Carpathians.
Due to its high-altitude location, Bâlea lake Sibiu is subject to a harsh mountain climate, with long, cold winters and snow typically covering the area from October to May. This means that access by car is only possible during the summer season, and during the rest of the year, the cable car from the Bâlea waterfall area remains the only option to reach the lake.
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The legend of Lake Ballea
Legend has it that one day a shepherd named Bâlea, grazing his sheep in the mountains, encountered a ferocious bear. He managed to defeat the animal, and his brave deed quickly spread through the nearby villages and reached the ears of the emperor. Impressed by his bravery, the king invited Ballea to stay at his court. The shepherd accepted the offer and soon learned the art of arms, becoming the commander of the emperor’s army.
After a while, his longing for the simple life and his sheep led Ballea to ask the emperor’s permission to return home. The emperor and his daughters tried to persuade him to stay. The eldest daughter, disguised as an old woman, visited Ballea one evening, asking for help with some herbal remedies. Being merciful, the shepherd offered her hospitality, inviting her to stay the night so that she would not leave in the dark.
The next morning, Bâlea discovered the truth: the old woman was, in fact, the Emperor’s daughter. Mesmerized by her beauty, he decided to propose. The emperor was delighted and began preparations for the wedding.
The following spring, however, a blizzard caught the shepherd and his wife in the mountains. The force of the storm was too strong and they fell into the lake at the foot of the mountain, where they met their tragic end. In their memory, the locals decided to name the lake Bâlea, thus perpetuating the story of the brave shepherd and his unfortunate fate.
How to get to Lake Ballea
For those who choose to travel by car, the most popular route is via the Transfăgărășan (DN7C). This famous mountain road, considered one of the most spectacular in the world, links Sibiu and Argeș counties and offers stunning views throughout the journey.
Here are the distances between Lake Ballea and the nearest towns:
- Sibiu – 77 km;
- Curtea de Argeș – 85 km;
- Brasov – 134 km;
- Ploiești – 209 km;
- Bucharest – 240 km.
Leaving the capital, you can follow the DN1 to Pitești, then the DN73 to Curtea de Argeș, from where you will head towards the Transfăgărășan. Continuing on DN7C, you’ll reach Bâlea Cascadă, the starting point for the road to Bâlea Lake. There is a parking lot here, where tourists can take the cable car or continue on foot.
The most comfortable and picturesque way to get to Bâlea lake Sibiu is via the cable car that departs from Bâlea Cascade. The cable car runs during the summer season, but also in winter, and is a popular option for tourists. The trip takes about 10-15 minutes and climbs from an altitude of 1,300 meters to 2,034 meters.
It is important to note that Transfăgărășanul is usually open from June to October, depending on weather conditions. In winter, the stretch of road to Bâlea lac Sibiu may be closed due to snow and severe weather conditions, but the cable car remains a viable access option.
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Flora and fauna around Lake Ballea
In summer, in the alpine meadows around Lake Ballea, the vivid colors of the flowers contrast starkly with the rocky relief and steep landscape. Among the best-known and popular plants growing here is the Queen’s flower, a symbol of the Carpathians and a rare plant protected by law.
Another plant specific to the area is the dwarf rhododendron, a species of dwarf rhododendron, which colors meadows with its deep pink hues in summer. This plant plays an important role in maintaining soil stability and preventing soil erosion and is an essential component of the mountain ecosystem.
Also found around the lake are plants of the genus Gentiana, known for their blue or violet flowers, which add an extra touch of charm to alpine meadows, and the bloodroot, also protected by law.
The fauna of the Bâlea lac Sibiu area is as diverse and interesting as the flora, reflecting its adaptation to the harsh mountain environment. Some of the region’s most impressive creatures are the black goats, agile animals perfectly adapted to rugged terrain and rocky slopes. They are often seen near the ridges and on the steep cliffs around the lake, a true symbol of the resilience of the alpine fauna.
Another notable inhabitant of these mountains is the marmot, a friendly rodent that lives in burrows dug in alpine meadows. Marmots are easiest to spot in summer, when they spend their time feeding and preparing for hibernation in the colder months.
In the high altitudes of the Făgăraș Mountains, around Lake Bâlea, you can also spot the mountain eagle, one of the biggest predators of the skies in this area.
Tourist attractions
Thanks to its central location in this massif, Bâlea lac Sibiu offers access to famous peaks and spectacular scenery, making it ideal for short hikes as well as more challenging expeditions for experienced hikers.
Buteanu Peak
Buteanu Peak is one of the most accessible peaks near Lake Ballea and also one of the most visited. At 2,507 meters high, it offers hikers an incredible panoramic view of the entire area.
The trail starts at Lake Bâlea and follows the blue cross marking, passing through a rocky but accessible area to the Caprei saddle. From here it continues along a short but spectacular ridge leading directly to the summit. The route is of medium difficulty and can be completed in about 2-3 hours round-trip.
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Negoiu Peak
Negoiu Peak, the second highest peak in Romania, is one of the most sought-after objectives for mountain hiking enthusiasts. The route to the peak is difficult and demanding, but the rewards are worth it. The route starts at Bâlea lac Sibiu and follows the red-band marked trail.
The route passes through Căldarea Bâlei and continues to Șaua Doamnei, then under the summit of Lăițel (2,390 m), another notable sight in the area. From here, the route heads to Strunga Dracului, a more technical area with chains and steep sections, which requires attention and experience. After this challenge follows a final ascent to Negoiu Peak.
The hike can take between 6 and 8 hours round-trip, depending on the hikers’ physical condition and the weather conditions. The effort is rewarded with an impressive 360-degree panorama of the entire Făgăraș massif.
Moldoveanu Peak
Moldoveanu Peak, the highest peak in Romania, is a dream destination for any hiker. The trail from Bâlea lac Sibiu is long and difficult, requiring good physical condition and careful planning. The red-banded trail passes through a series of peaks and saddles, offering hikers spectacular scenery at every turn.
The hike to Moldoveanu takes about 10-12 hours round-trip, which makes many hikers opt to camp on the trail or split it into two days. From Moldoveanu Peak the views are unrivaled: the sharp ridges of Făgăraș, deep valleys and a seemingly endless horizon.
Capra Saddle and Capra Lake
For hikers who prefer a shorter and easier route, this trail is an excellent choice. It is marked with a red cross and starts at Lac Bâlea, climbing gently up the southern slope.
After about an hour’s walk you reach the Caprei Saddle, from where there is a breathtaking view of the Capra Lake, another picturesque glacial lake, located at an altitude of 2,230 meters. From here you can also see Buteanu Peak and the entire mountain landscape in the southern part of Făgăraș. The trail is suitable for tourists of all ages and is less demanding.
The route to Podragu hut
Another popular trail starts from Bâlea lac Sibiu and leads to Cabana Podragu, a mountain refuge located at an altitude of 2,136 meters. The trail follows the red lane and passes through Șaua Podrăgel and Căldarea Podragului, offering breathtaking views of high peaks and glacial valleys along the way.
Podragu Hut is an important stop-off point for hikers who want to explore the Făgăraș Mountains further or to rest before continuing the ascent to peaks such as Moldoveanu or Visca Mare; the route takes between 4 and 5 hours.
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Ice hotel
The ice hotel at Lake Ballea was opened in 2005 with a novel idea: creating a retreat combining tradition and innovation in a spectacular landscape. Over the years, the hotel has evolved into a sought-after destination for tourists from all over the world, attracted by its unusual concept. Each year brings a new design theme, and the builders use around 5,000 cubic meters of ice and snow to bring it to life.
The hotel is built with a strong focus on aesthetics and functionality. It has several room types, each with a unique design and surprising comfort. Even though temperatures inside can drop below freezing, guests are provided with sleeping bags, specially designed to ensure a comfortable night’s sleep.
In addition to accommodation, the ice hotel offers a wide range of services. Guests can enjoy traditional Romanian and international cuisine in the hotel’s restaurant, which is also made of ice. Hot drinks and cocktails are served in a bar made of ice blocks, offering a unique tasting experience.
Lake Ballea is a true mountain paradise where nature reveals its most beautiful and impressive forms. The nearby tourist attractions complete the magic of this place, making every visit a memorable journey. Whatever the season, Lake Ballea continues to attract and inspire visitors from all over the world, becoming a symbol of wild nature and the unspoiled beauty of the Carpathian Mountains.
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