Nestled between the icy peaks of the Fagaras Mountains and veiled by clouds, the remote Ice Hotel stands 2000m above sea level and can only be accessed via cable car. Each winter, once the Balea Lake freezes over, the locals cut and drag blocks of the icy lake to the location of the hotel which is set against a magnificent backdrop. Hand carved by local craftsmen using traditional techniques, the frozen Balea Lake is transformed into the beautifully intricate structures of the Ice Hotel and its magical Ice Church. With individually sculptured rooms of ice, each and every corner of the Ice Hotel is stunningly unique and is re-designed and re-built every winter.

A stay at the Ice Hotel is truly a unique, once in a lifetime opportunity. The experience begins in style as guests are transported up through the misty, snow covered mountain peaks by cable car; a trip which affords incredible panoramas of the surrounding alpine area studded with rich coniferous forests. As detailed below, guests have a wide range of activities to enjoy during their stay and the sub zero Ice Bar is always open for a very cool beverage served in customary ice glasses.

Although temperatures in the Ice Hotel typically waiver between -2 and +2 degrees, guests find themselves enjoying a surprisingly cosy night's sleep, particularly those who have indulged in a nightcap before bed. Ice beds are covered with insulating reindeer fur then topped with mattresses for extra comfort. Bedding, further furs, and specialist sleeping bags are all provided and bathroom facilities are located nearby.

Untravelled Paths has arranged a multitude of winter wonderful snow-based activities to keep you entertained in and around Balea Lake, including snowmobiling, ice sculpting, sledging and trekking. Guests are also invited to sign up for a fairytale evening meal within the Ice Hotel itself. Wrapped up nice and snug and seated on fur-lined thrones of ice which are pulled up to a frozen table, dinner is served in style with plates of ice and frosty glasses. Alternatively, those who feel the cold more than most, can defrost with a warm meal at the Lake Balea Chalet.
 

Sights, Bites & Highlights:

Experience: Snowmobiling                                € 35 per person per 15 min

Learn how to handle a powerful snowmobile like a pro and speed down the mountain in a flurry of snow.

Enjoy: Ice Sculpting                                            € 28 per person

Transform frozen water into works of magical art in this hour long ice sculpting master-class. Be sure to bring some cosy gloves!

Enjoy: Ice Skating                                               € 6 per person

Glide gracefully, or otherwise, over silky ice, carving elongated shapes into the frosty ground beneath your skates. Slip, slide and smile.

Enjoy: Sledging                                                   € 6 per person

Relive the nostalgic childhood dream and slide your way down slopes of fluffy snow.

Discover: Tunnel Trek                                        € 15 per person

Don your safety helmet and take a trip into the heart of the mighty mountain through a tunnel of frosty darkness. Emerge at the other side, with camera in hand, and be prepared for some absolutely spectacular winter wonderful views overlooking misty, snow capped mountains bathed in sparkling sunlight. 

Taste: Ice Hotel Dinner                                          € 45 per person

Sit on a throne of ice, at a frozen table and treat your taste buds to a tasty evening meal served on, you guessed it, plates of ice. A magical way to spend the evening. Please inform us of any allergies or specific requirements when booking the dining experience.

 

Ice Hotel Dining Menu

Aperitif

Smoked salmon egg cream, dijon mustard sauce and toast

Starter

Cream of carrot soup with cream and croutons

Main

Medallion of beef with cream of green peppers, brussels sprouts and mashed sweet potato with rosemary

Dessert

Ice Hotel Surprise

 

Ice Hotel Vegetarian Menu

Aperitif

Pasta salad with vegetables

Starter

Cream of carrot soup with cream and croutons

Main

Potato Gratin with tomato with nuts and rosemary

Dessert

Ice Hotel Surprise

 

*Please note that due to the remote nature of the location, harsh weather conditions may require us to adjust the itinerary and, in some cases, may prevent the trip to the Ice Hotel altogether. Rest assured though that, to date, all of our clients have managed to reach the Ice Hotel without problems.