THE ICE HOTEL 

A Cool and Unforgettable Wedding Location.

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 that 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 that 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.

THE ICE CHURCH

Exchange Your Vows in the Magical Serenity of The Ice Church.

Located just a stone’s throw away from The Ice Hotel itself, the stunningly carved Ice Church is truly a magical environment within which to exchange your vows.

Handcrafted tableaux adorn the frozen walls, while an icy altar at the far end of the church provides an impressive and surreal feature. Pews are sculpted in ice, as are candleholders and other decorative items. Step through a beautifully carved archway in and out of the church at the beginning and end of the service.

Choose to have the interior of the Church decorated with flowers, glowing candles and additional lighting. See section on ‘Wedding Services’ for more information on decorations, the service and the reception.