Balea Lake (Lacul Balea) Tours and Tickets

Top Gear Road -Transfăgărăşan, Small-group & Pick-up (max 7 pax)

(398)

from $139

You will be taken from your hotel in Basov by a professional guide and you will go to the most spectacular road in Europe - Transfagarasan. We will stop first and visit the Carta Monastery built in the late Gothic style, by the Cistercian monks who came to Transylvania from Burgundy - France. Transfagarasan Highway is the most spectacular and beautiful mountain road in Europe, enough to feature on the UK motor show Top Gear, Transfagarasan Highway might just be “the best road in the world” as Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson claimed. It's a road going up in the mountains and unites Transylvania with Valachia. Great scenes, noisy waterfalls, Glaciar Balea lake, will make you feel great up there and forget about the stress of the city. During the winter, between the months of November and July, we will go up by van to the hotel Balea Cascada 1446, from where we will take the cable car (from here up the road is closed due to snow). The price of the cable car is not included .

Transfagarasan Highway Balea Lake and Carta Monastery from Brasov

Transfagarasan Highway Balea Lake and Carta Monastery from Brasov

8 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

(27)

from $142

Transfăgărășan Highway & Balea Lake - Private Tour from Bucharest

(34)

from $232

The Transfagarasan road is famously dubbed the most beautiful road in Romania. Visit this scenic destination in the Făgăraș Mountains, waterfalls, and viewpoints without navigating road conditions on this small-group tour from Sibiu. Sections of the mountain road close November to June, during which the tour includes a cable car ride to Balea Lake. Travel comfortably in a modern minivan with hotel pickup included.

Exclusive Tour on Transfagarasan, Balea Lake, Balea and Capra Waterfalls

Exclusive Tour on Transfagarasan, Balea Lake, Balea and Capra Waterfalls

5 to 7 hours

(9)

from $178

6 hours

4.7

(19)

from $107

Taking off on an independent day’s mountain walking from Sibiu means organizing a hire car or local transport. This full-day private trip takes away the hassle: and adds a guide to take you along mountain and forest trails from the town of Paltinis in Transylvania’s South Carpathian Cindrel Mountains. Climb through deep woods to Oncesti Peak, enjoy a picnic, and visit the old village of Rasinari before returning to Sibiu.

Carpathian Heights: A Day of Hiking to Bâlea Cascada & Lake

Carpathian Heights: A Day of Hiking to Bâlea Cascada & Lake

10 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

from $142

An excellent choice for time-tight travelers visiting Brasov, this tour helps you to tick off the Transfagarasan highway and Bran Castle on the same day. Along the way, the driver stops at scenic nature spots such as Balea lake—where you can go for a walk, purchase lunch, or visit small shops. A highlight is a stop at Bran Castle where a guide accompanies you around the gardens and interiors.

Transfagarasan Highway and Bran Castle Day Trip From Brasov

Transfagarasan Highway and Bran Castle Day Trip From Brasov

10 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

(13)

from $154

Romania’s mountains are known for their landmarks and legends, but navigating the area alone can be tricky. Discover iconic sights including the Curtea de Argeș Monastery, Poenari Citadel, and Transfăgărășan mountain highway on a day tour from Bucharest, and benefit from hassle-free round-trip transfer from your hotel, as well as more the personalized service of your small-group guide.

Day trip to Transfagarasan Highway from Bucharest

Day trip to Transfagarasan Highway from Bucharest

Cruise along one of Europe's most scenic mountain roads on a day trip to the Transfagarasan Road—an alpine pass featuring countless switchbacks and spectacular views of the Southern Carpathians. Along the way, delve into medieval Romanian history and breathe in the fresh mountain air while admiring views of the Vidraru Dam. Enjoy the expertise of a local guide make for an unforgettable Romanian road trip.

(4)

from $153

From Bucharest: Top Gear Road - Transfăgărășan Highway Day Trip

From Bucharest: Top Gear Road - Transfăgărășan Highway Day Trip

Tailored to the needs of travelers with limited time in Romania, this full-day tour of the Transfagarasan Highway allows you to tick off ten Transylvania highlights in only one day. Departing from Brasov, you’ll visit the Bâlea Waterfall, and Vidraru Dam, and explore cultural landmarks such as Dragoslavele Mausoleum, Curtea de Argeș Monastery, and Poienari Castle. Plus, travel along the Transfagarasan Highway, hailed as one of the world’s most picturesque roads, without having to self-drive.

4.1

(70)

from $58

Transfagarasan Highroad Tour from Brasov (warm season)

Transfagarasan Highroad Tour from Brasov (warm season)

9 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.6

(19)

from $148

Embark on an unforgettable Private Tour along Romania’s most spectacular road – the Transfăgărășan Highway, hailed by Top Gear as the best driving road in the world. Our adventure begins with a visit to the stunning Curtea de Argeș Monastery, a landmark of Romanian history and architecture, where kings and queens now rest. From there, we head towards the ruins of Poenari Fortress, perched dramatically above the Argeș River Valley. We’ll stop to admire the fortress from below and hear its connection to Vlad the Impaler, the real Dracula. Next, we wind our way up the mountains to the impressive Vidraru Dam, a massive hydro-engineering structure offering panoramic views. The journey continues higher into the Făgăraș Mountains, with stops at scenic viewpoints before reaching the breathtaking Bâlea Lake (open only from June to October), nestled at over 2,000 meters altitude. Before descending, we’ll also stop to admire Capra Waterfall – a beautiful cascade surrounded by unspoiled nature.

Private Tour - Top Gear Road, Transfăgărășan Highway

Private Tour - Top Gear Road, Transfăgărășan Highway

(7)

from $200

To discover the Transfagarasan road with its unforgettable scenery is indeed an adventure, especially for those daredevils who wish to reach peaks once untouched but by chamois and golden eagles. Transfagarasan Highway - rated by Top Gear as the most spectacular road in the world, the Transfagarasan impresses with its extraordinary scenery, the number of serpentines and the height at which it was built, the Fagaras mountains being the highest in Romania; thus, the Transfagarasan reaches altitudes up to 2042 meters at Lake Balea where it starts its descent to Cartisoara village; here, on a 30 km stretch we can enjoy the sight of the road in all its splendor. Lake Balea - a glacier lake formed in a cirque (a depression surrounded by high mountains) at an altitude of 2040 metres; it lies on an area of 4,6 hectares (the length of the lake is 360 metres) and its depth is of approximately 11 metres.

Transfagarasan amazing road trip from Brasov

Transfagarasan amazing road trip from Brasov

7 hoursFree Cancellation

Transfagarasan Road Private Day Trip from Bucharest / The Best Road in the World

(21)

from $142

10 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

(7)

from $380

Hailed as one of Europe’s most beautiful roads, the Transfagarasan Highway is must-do during your time in Romania. Beginning in Brasov, this full-day tour takes you to spectacular Transylvania sites such as Balea Lake and Waterfall, the Vidraru Dam, and Poienari Fortress, where you'll ascend 1,500 steps to the castle's hilltop perch. Absorb magical views of the Fagaras Mountains and enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off in Brasov on this small-group tour, limited to 7 people. Note: due to construction, the tour may take longer than usual.

Brasov Private Tour: Transfagarasan road & Poienari Fortress

Brasov Private Tour: Transfagarasan road & Poienari Fortress

10 hoursFree Cancellation

Traverse one of Europe’s most beautiful roads on a private day tour along the Transfagarasan Highway. The route itself is a visual feast, but your adventure doesn't stop there. Explore attractions like Balea Lake and Balea Waterfall, surrounded by vendors selling traditional souvenirs. Customize the itinerary with a visit to a felting water mill or savor a traditional Romanian lunch (own expense) in Albota. For a cultural touch, visit the Cistercian Abbey of Carta.

(71)

from $220

Transfagarasan Higway Private Tour from Brasov

Transfagarasan Higway Private Tour from Brasov

9 hoursFree Cancellation

(10)

from $153

Explore the Romanian countryside without planning a thing on this multi-day private tour where you're whisked to castles, citadels, and fortress ruins as you uncover tales of Dracula. Start your 6-day adventure from Bucharest, and enjoy several days of exploring with your guide. Visit Dracula's birthplace and an ancient monastery, see medieval towns, and enjoy great inclusions like nightly hotel stays, daily breakfasts, and a multi-course dinner in Sibiel.

Private 6-Day Dracula Tour in Transylvania from Bucharest

Private 6-Day Dracula Tour in Transylvania from Bucharest

6 days

4.8

(4)

from $2,606

Embark on a thrilling private tour through the heart of Romania, combining the untamed beauty of the Carpathian Mountains with a unique chance to spot wild brown bears in their natural habitat. Your guide will help you watch responsibly these animals in their natural environment. This adventure takes you along the legendary Transfagarasan Highway, offering breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. Why You Should Choose This Tour • Wildlife Encounters: Increase your chances of seeing brown bears in their natural habitat. • Breathtaking Landscapes: Experience one of Romania’s most stunning scenic drives and witness the breathtaking beauty of the Transfagarasan Road. • Historical and Religious Insights: Discover the historical significance of Poenari Castle and Curtea de Arges Monastery • Personalized and Flexible: Benefit from a private tour that allows for personalized stops and flexible pacing, ensuring you get the most out of your experience.

Bear Safari Private Day Trip & Transfagarasan Road from Bucharest

Bear Safari Private Day Trip & Transfagarasan Road from Bucharest

11 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

4.5

from $291

Transfagarasan Private Sightseeing Tour from Bucharest - Day Trip

11 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

(1)

from $380

The Best Road in the World - Transfagarasan Day Trip from Bucharest - Private

11 to 12 hoursFree Cancellation

from $380

Transfagarasan Highway Balea Lake and Carta Monastery from Brasov

What are people saying about Balea Lake (Lacul Balea)

Marc_T, Apr 2026

The view at the top of...

The view at the top of the mountain after the cable car ride is just stunning. However, in the cable car, we ruined our pants due to some engine oil that was on one of the cabin walls, so don't wear you best clothes...

Transfagarasan Highway Balea Lake and Carta Monastery from Brasov

Patrick_K, Aug 2025

Must do!! Incredible!

Such an incredible experience! Way better experience than if we would have journeyed ourselves. We enjoyed the road, a short hike, the monastery, and got tons of incredible pictures! It was also great to just relax with my wife while our guide navigated the traffic.

Sierra_B, Oct 2024

Andrei was an excellent...

Andrei was an excellent guide. It was rainy and cold and we sadly didn’t get to see much but it was still an excellent day!

Transfagarasan Highway Balea Lake and Carta Monastery from Brasov

Richard_J, Sept 2024

Good guide. Good bikes. Good time

Highest quality bikes and the best guide. Andries very personable and knowledgable and willing to answer our questions. Good time.

Amanda_S, Nov 2024

Lovely day!

Our guide Claudiu is very knowledgeable and gave great information and time with options of activities at stops. He provided a prompt and safe drive up and down the mountain. He even gave a recommendation for dinner near where we stay. It was a great day and recommend those who can to see these sights. The pictures just don't do it justice.

Transfagarasan Highway Balea Lake and Carta Monastery from Brasov

Oana_U, Sept 2023

Excellence at its best!

Our tour guide was just perfect! Very knowledgeable on the history of each place visited who knew just what was needed at each point of the trip . He was extremely proffessional subtle and we ended up having a private experience that day which only made this surprise event for my boyfriend’s 40th bday ever more special and very intimate! High regards!