The Transfăgărășan Road (DN7C) and Bâlea Lake are among the most spectacular destinations in Romania, attracting thousands of tourists every year. Winding through the Făgăraș Mountains, this road and glacial lake offer breathtaking landscapes, history, and adventure.
🏞️ Transfăgărășan – The Road through the Clouds
Built between 1970 and 1974 under Nicolae Ceaușescu, the Transfăgărășan was initially a military project during the Cold War. Today, it is famous worldwide, often ranked among the most beautiful mountain roads.
Traffic trails on Transfagarasan pass at sunset. Crossing Carpathian mountains in Romania, Transfagarasan is one of the most spectacular mountain roads in the world.
- Length: 151 km
- Highest point: 2,042 m near Bâlea Lake
- Includes 830 bridges, 27 viaducts, and the Capra–Bâlea Tunnel (887 m, the longest in Romania).
Best time to visit: June–October (open to traffic). In winter, the section between Bâlea Cascadă and Bâlea Lake is closed, but you can still reach the lake by cable car.
🏔️ Bâlea Lake – A Glacial Gem
Located at 2,034 m altitude, Bâlea Lake is a natural glacial lake, surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Făgăraș Mountains. Since 1932, it has been a protected natural reserve.
Highlights:
- Summer: accessible by car on the Transfăgărășan.
- Winter: accessible only by cable car, with a magical snowy landscape.
- Famous for the Ice Hotel, built every winter from ice blocks taken from the lake.
- Popular area for hiking, skiing, and extreme mountain sports.
🚶 Hiking trails around Bâlea
- Bâlea Lake – Vânătoarea lui Buteanu Peak (2,507 m): ~1.5 h, medium difficulty.
- Bâlea Lake – Capra Peak (2,494 m): ~2 h, scenic views.
- Bâlea Lake – Bâlea Cascadă: ~2 h, easy route.
🏨 Accommodation
Cabins, guesthouses, and seasonal hotels are available near Bâlea Lake. In winter, the unique Ice Hotel is a must-see attraction.
👉 Read the full article in Romanian here: Transfăgărășanul și Lacul Bâlea – 2 minuni ale României
Transfăgărășan Road & Bâlea Lake – Two Wonders of Romania recenzie.