Bâlea Lake is a glacial lake at roughly 2,030 metres above sea level, in the cirque below the main ridge of the Făgăraș Mountains. It is the most visited spot on the Transfăgărășan and, unlike the road itself, it can be reached in any season.
Two ways to get there
By car, in summer
Along the Transfăgărășan, for as long as the alpine section is open — usually from the end of June until around 1 November.
By cable car, all year round
From Bâlea Waterfall, in a few minutes. The only option in winter, and a good alternative in summer if you would rather skip the hairpin bends.
On foot
A marked path climbs up from Bâlea Waterfall. It is a serious ascent, not a stroll — allow several hours and proper gear.
What you find up there
The lake sits in a glacial cirque, ringed by rock walls. In summer its shore is the starting point for several ridge routes, among them the one up to Vânătoarea lui Buteanu Peak. In winter the whole area turns white and the ice hotel is built nearby.
It is also one of the few places in the Făgăraș where you can see chamois without hiking for hours — they like to come down close to the road, especially in the early morning and towards evening.
What to keep in mind
- The temperature is often 10–15 degrees lower than down in the valley
- The weather changes fast — fog can climb up within minutes
- The car park fills up at weekends, especially between 10:00 and 16:00
- Do not feed the chamois or the bears — it is dangerous both for them and for you
Bâlea in a day, from Albota
From Arpașu de Sus it takes about 20 minutes to the start of the Transfăgărășan, and another 45 or so from there up to the top. It makes for an easy day trip: you set off after breakfast, you are at the lake before the crowds and you are back in time for dinner.
