Bâlea Lak, Glacial lake in Fagaras Mountains, Romania

Bâlea Lake is a glacial lake in the Fagaras Mountains at 2034 meters elevation, set within a natural stone amphitheater of surrounding peaks and alpine meadows. The water appears dark and cold, while the shoreline is rocky and irregular with patches of sparse vegetation.

The Romanian government established this area as a scientific reserve in 1932 to protect its natural mountain environment and geological features. This protected status has helped keep the landscape intact throughout the decades.

The Hungarian name Bilea-tó and the Romanian Lacul Bâlea both refer to the same glacial tarn. Since 2006 an ice hotel has been rebuilt each January to March near the shore from blocks cut out of the frozen lake, holding 16 places; it was skipped in the 2019–2020 season when temperatures stayed too high.

The lake can be reached by car during summer via the Transfagarasan mountain road, though winter weather often closes this route. A cable car from Balea Cascada station provides reliable access during colder months.

Since 2006 an ice hotel has been built beside the lake each January to March, an igloo-shaped structure with 16 places made from ice blocks cut from Bâlea Lake. It was the first of its kind in Eastern Europe and did not open in the 2019–2020 season because temperatures were higher than usual.