Tours & tickets

Bâlea Lake

Your journey starts in the early morning in Bucharest, from where you will head northwards passing by the former capital of the medieval Wallachian principality, Curtea de Arges. Climb your way toward the Carpathian Mountains through the Transfagarasan Road and stop by to admire the Vidraru Dam, one of the largest in Romania, followed by a memorable ride along the picturesque Transfagarasan, declared by Top Gear as the best road in the world. Be ready as bears tend to join our tour but only from the side of the road. Built high up in the Fagaras Mountains, this road stretches for 100 km, offering breathtaking views. You can make stops on the way to admire the scenery, take photos, and simply enjoy the strong and healthy mountain air before heading back to Bucharest, which you will reach in the evening. Pass Capra Waterfall and reach the very top at Balea Lake where you will enjoy free time and perfect picture views. Be ready as bears tend to join the side of the road.

Join us for an unforgettable journey through Romania and natural wonders in the beautiful Făgăraș Mountains. Begin your day with the imposing Poenari Fortress, an ancient stronghold dramatically perched on a cliffside. You will get impressive views from below and learn about its history as one of the real-life strongholds of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula. (We do not visit the interior of the castle) Next, marvel at the engineering feat of Vidraru Dam, one of the highest in Europe, and the stunning Vidraru Lake it created. Take in the awe-inspiring vistas as you stroll along the dam and capture views of the mountains reflected in the sparkling lake. Venture into the heart of the Fagaras Mountains National Park, a region of unspoiled nature, lush forests, and alpine landscapes. This area is a paradise for nature lovers, offering a glimpse of Romania's pristine wilderness and various wildlife (brown bears). Continue your adventure at Capra Waterfall, one of the scenic highlights of the region. The Capra Waterfall is known for its impressive height and picturesque setting, making it a popular spot for visitors who enjoy mountain landscapes and outdoor activities. The surrounding area is also rich in natural beauty, with rugged terrain, alpine meadows, and dramatic views of the surrounding mountains. Next is Bâlea Glcaial Lake, open only during the summer and autumn months, typically from June to November. This is because the top part of the road, leading from Capra Waterfall to Bâlea Lake (8 km) it is closed in winter and spring due to snow and dangerous weather conditions. Please do not bring any food into the vehicle! We'll see wild bears up close. If the car smells like food, we become a target for bears!

Embark on an exhilarating day trip from Bucharest featuring the Transfagarasan Road and Balea Lake: Begin your journey through the Carpathian Mountains via the Transfagarasan Highway, renowned for its stunning vistas and challenging twists. Stop at Balea Lake, a picturesque glacier lake nestled high in the mountains, where you can enjoy a short hike and take in the breathtaking scenery. En route, marvel at the Vidraru Dam, one of Europe's tallest dams, standing impressively at 525 feet high. Keep your eyes peeled for opportunities to spot bears in their natural habitat, adding an unforgettable wildlife encounter to your adventure.

Route: Sibiu – Transfagarasan Road – Carta - Avrig - Sibiu Operating days: daily Day Itinerary 1. Starting Point: Sibiu • 10:00 from accommodation depart from Sibiu and head towards the Transfăgărășan Highway, Stop 1: Transfăgărășan Road The Transfăgărășan Road is one of the most famous and scenic drives in the world, winding through the Făgăraș Mountains in Romania. This high-altitude highway (DN7C) connects Southern Transylvania with Wallachia, offering a series of breathtaking views, historic landmarks, and thrilling driving experiences. • Main Attraction: o Bâlea Lake A Hidden Gem in the Făgăraș Mountains: is one of Romania’s most stunning natural attractions, located at an altitude of 2,034 meters (6,673 feet) in the heart of the Făgăraș Mountains, part of the Southern Carpathians. o Scenic Beauty: Crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering mountains create a serene and picturesque landscape. In summer, the lake reflects the surrounding peaks, while in winter, it transforms into a winter wonderland with snow-covered surroundings Stop 2: Cârța Cârța is a small village in the Făgăraș Mountains of Romania, known for its Cârța Monastery, one of the oldest and most historically significant religious sites in the region. The village is part of Sibiu County, situated near the famous Transfăgărășan Highway. • Main Attractions: o Cârța Monastery (Cârța Abbey): was founded in the 12th century by Cistercian monks, making it one of Romania's oldest religious buildings. The monks were instrumental in introducing Gothic architecture and culture to the region. o Quiet Village Atmosphere offers a peaceful and traditional rural atmosphere, where visitors can experience local Romanian culture, visit nearby farms, and enjoy authentic countryside experiences. Stop 3: Avrig Avrig is a charming town located in Sibiu County, Romania, nestled at the foot of the Făgăraș Mountains. The town is known for its historical and natural attractions, as well as its proximity to the stunning landscapes of the Carpathians. Avrig offers a blend of cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and peaceful rural life. • Main Attraction: o Avrig Palace (Palatul Avrig): is the most notable landmark in the town, built in the 18th century in the Baroque style. It was originally a summer residence for the Habsburg nobility. The palace is known for its elegant architecture, featuring both Baroque and Neoclassical elements. Is a perfect destination for travelers looking to experience the charm of Transylvanian history, natural beauty, and a slower pace of life. Whether you’re interested in exploring historical landmarks, enjoying scenic mountain views, or simply relaxing in a peaceful village setting, Avrig offers something for everyone 5. Return to Sibiu • The journey takes around 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic and road conditions. The road is well-maintained and offers scenic views along the way.

Your tour will begin as you are taken from your hotel in Brasov by a professional guide. Once having departed Brasov, you will travel to the most spectacular road in Europe: Transfagarasan. You will stop first and visit the Carta Cistercian Monastery .the monastery was built at the beginning of the 13th century, in the Gothic style, by the Cistercian monks who came to Transylvania from Burgundy, France. You will then continue to the mountains which host the Transfagarasan Highway, the most spectacular and beautiful mountain road in Europe. The road has been featured on the UK motor show Top Gear, and traverses up through the mountains uniting Transylvania with Valachia. Whilst there you will experience great scenes, noisy waterfalls, and with some luck you may even see wild animals such as the brown bear or black goats. Moving onward, you will travel to the Balea Glacier Lake, where you will have lunch at the Lake Balea Chalet. You can then take a walk around the lake, and in summer can also climb up the slope near the lake. From the top of this ridge you will have wonderful pictures with the peaks of the surrounding mountains and the lake and cottage Balea. In the winter between December and March you can visit the ice hotel, as well as the neighboring ice church. You will later return to Brasov in the evening, with wonderful memories of your trip into the sky. During the winter between November and July, we will go up by van to the hotel Cascada Balea 1446m (above the road is closed due to snow), from where we will take the cable car up to Lake Balea. The price of the cable car (100 lei - 24 euros uphill) + descent) is not included in the price of the tour.

Ready for a journey through the clouds? Buckle up for The Transfagarasan Adventure! This trip is guaranteed to alleviate your fear of missing out and make you feel that you made the best choice for this vacation day. Immerse yourself in the peace and beauty of Arges Monastery, a serene oasis nestled in the heart of nature, catch a glimpse of the fortress where the historical character who served as inspiration for Dracula lived and terrified. All while traversing the twists and turns, relishing breathtaking panoramas of one of the most beautiful driving roads in the world. Get set for a special day, blending tranquility, history, and the thrill of nature's wonders.

Experience the historical and legendary places related to the man and the legend behind Dracula on this six-day guided tour. Visit Vlad the Impaler’s birthplace in the medieval citadel of Sighișoara, the imposing Hunyadi Castle, the ruins of Poenari Castle, Dracula Castle, and more. Day 1: Bucharest - Curtea de Argeș - Poenari Castle - Vidraru Dam - Transfagarasan Road - Capra Waterfall - Balea Glacier Lake - Sibiu - Sibiel See the Curtea de Arges Monastery and Poenari Castle from the outside. Drive to the Vidraru Dam and along Transfagarasan Road. Stop at Capra Waterfall and Balea Lake before heading to Sibiel Village. Enjoy a 3-course dinner at Ramona Pension. Savor the pension breakfast in the morning. Day 2: Sibiel - Hunyadi Castle - Alba Iulia - Sibiel Start your second day with a visit to Hunyadi Castle, or Corvins' Castle, and the star-shaped fortress, Alba Iulia Citadel. Hunyadi Castle is one of the largest castles in Europe and is considered one of the Seven Wonders of Romania. Return to Sibiel to enjoy dinner.  Day 3: Sibiel - Sibiu - Turda Salt Mine After breakfast, head to Sibiu’s old town to see the Big Square, Little Square, Bridge of Liars, Romano Catholic Cathedral, and the oldest house in town. Visit the Turda Salt mine, named one of the top 10 underground wonders in the world by National Geographic. Overnight in Turda town at Casa Ratiu. Day 4: Turda - Biertan Fortified Church - Sighisoara Enjoy breakfast and then visit the Fortified Church of Biertan, a UNESCO world heritage site. Visit Sighisoara’s medieval town, including the Clock Tower, the house where Vlad the Impaler was born, and the Church on the Hill. Overnight in Sighișoara. Day 5: Sighisoara - Prejmer Fortified Church - Bran Castle - Rasnov Fortress - Brasov After breakfast, discover the history of the Prejmer Fortified Church, Bran Castle, and Rasnov Fortress. Continue to Brasov and overnight at Casa Timar Pension. Day 6: Brasov - Peles Castle - Snagov Monastery - Bucharest Savor the pension breakfast before starting your final day with a visit to Peles Castle and Snagov Monastery. End your trip with a transfer to your hotel in Bucharest or the airport.

You'll leave Brasov on a car drive to reach the starting point - Balea Waterfall. In the way to starting point you'll pass through the city of Fagaras where you will see it communist arhitecture . You'll go back in time as along the road are aligned romanian villages also with interesting arhitecture. Fagasas Mountains are displayed on sight as you are close to the place where the adventure start.

The Transfăgărășan is a paved mountain road crossing the Carpathian Mountains, is the second-highest paved road in the country with an altitude of 2,042 metres (6,699 ft). The road also provides access to Bâlea Lake a glacier lake situated at 2,034 m of altitude. Here we will benefit from the fresh air and low temperature, admire the view of Trasnsilvania and have lunch. On the way back we will admire Bâlea waterfall, we'll stop at the Vidraru Dam to refresh us. It is very possible to meet brown bears on the route. On our way we will be able to see on a mountaintop a fortress built by Vlad the Impaler. This is Poienari fortress.

From traversing the world-famous Transfăgărășan Road to exploring medieval towns, castles, and fortresses, this journey promises an immersive experience packed with unforgettable moments. Day 1: Bucharest – Curtea de Argeș – Transfăgărășan – Sibiu Your adventure begins with a visit to the Curtea de Argeș Monastery, renowned for the legendary story of Master Manole. From there, cross the world-famous Transfăgărășan Road, often called the “best road in the world” by Top Gear, offering breathtaking views of the Carpathian Mountains. Make a stop at Balea Lake, a stunning glacial lake surrounded by towering peaks. The day concludes in Sibiu, a picturesque medieval Saxon city, where you’ll spend the night. Day 2: Sibiu – Corvin Castle – Alba Carolina Fortress – Sibiu On the second day, visit Corvin Castle, one of Europe’s most impressive Gothic fortresses, steeped in history and legend. Then, explore Alba Carolina Fortress, a grand Vauban-style citadel with a rich historical background. Return to Sibiu for a second night in this charming town, filled with medieval allure and vibrant culture. Day 3: Sibiu – Sighisoara – Brașov In the morning, visit Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the birthplace of Vlad Dracula. Wander the cobbled streets, explore the iconic Clock Tower, and immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere. Then head to Brașov, a city surrounded by the stunning Carpathian Mountains. Here, you’ll visit the Black Church and stroll through Rope Street, one of the narrowest streets in Europe. Spend the night in Brașov, where history and modern life blend beautifully. Day 4: Brașov – Bran Castle – Peles Castle – Bucharest The final day takes you to Bran Castle, famously known as Dracula’s Castle, perched on a dramatic cliff and brimming with folklore and history. Afterward, head to Peles Castle, an architectural gem nestled in the Carpathian Mountains. Renowned for its Renaissance Revival style, the castle’s intricate interiors offer a glimpse into Romania’s royal past. After a full day of exploration, return to Bucharest, completing your incredible journey.