Balea Lake essentials

Bâlea Lake, a glacier lake at 2,034 meters in the Făgăraș Mountains, serves as a central hub for exploring the Transfăgărășan highway's highest point. The area features the 2,507-meter Vânătarea lui Buteanu peak and the 2,417-meter Iezerul Caprei. Visitors can access the lake via the winding mountain road in summer or by cable car year-round. Nearby, the Capra Waterfall drops from an altitude of 1,690 meters, while the Fereastra Zmeilor rock formation marks a distinct saddle on the main ridge trail.

Balea Lake Essentials — Map

Daniel Pandelea / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Panoramă Transfăgărășan

Transfagarasan Panorama is a scenic viewpoint located along the Transfagarasan Highway, a mountain road crossing the Făgăraş Mountains in Romania. It is popular for sightseeing, hiking, and driving, offering spectacular views and access to mountain huts.

Ioan Cepaliga / CC BY 3.0

B

Bâlea Lake

Bâlea Lake is a glacier lake situated in the Făgăraș Mountains at 2034 meters altitude. It is known for its natural beauty and tourist attractions such as the annually constructed ice hotel. The lake is accessible by car during summer via the Transfăgărășan road and by cable car during other seasons.

Țetcu Mircea Rareș / CC BY-SA 2.5

C

Cascada Capra

Located on the southern slope of the Făgăraș Mountains at 1,690 meters, this 40-meter waterfall is fed by the Capra glacier lake and is visible directly from the Transfăgărășan highway.

Vic Sirbu / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Telecabină Bâlea Lac

A 3.7-kilometer aerial tramway connecting Bâlea Cascadă to the lake. It provides the only access to the mountain plateau during winter months when the Transfăgărășan road is closed to vehicle traffic.

Asybaris01 / Public domain

E

Vânătarea lui Buteanu

Vânătarea lui Buteanu, at 2,507 metres, is the eighth-highest peak in Romania and the fifth-highest peak from Făgăraș Mountains, after…

F

Cabana Bâlea Lac

A mountain chalet situated on a peninsula within the glacier lake. Reconstructed in 2000, it provides accommodation and a restaurant at an altitude of 2,034 meters.

G

Capra

A glacier lake situated at 2,230 meters on the southern slope of the Făgăraș Mountains. It serves as a frequent camping spot for hikers crossing the main ridge near the Iezerul Caprei peak.

Asybaris01 / Public domain

H

Iezerul Caprei

A mountain peak in the Făgăraș Massif reaching an altitude of 2,417 meters. It overlooks the Capra glacier lake and offers views across the Transfăgărășan pass.

I

Fereastra Zmeilor

A natural rock arch and mountain saddle located at 2,175 meters. This geological formation marks a junction on the main Făgăraș ridge trail between Bâlea Lake and Podragu.

J

Tarabe

Outdoor stalls near the lake parking area selling traditional Romanian products, including cured meats, local cheeses, handmade souvenirs, and regional snacks.