4 January 2026

Winter Adventure at Bâlea: from the Waterfall to the Frozen Lake and Ice Skating

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Route

Sibiu - Sibiu
Ani Drumetiei icon

Difficulty

Medium

Dear hiker,

Join us after the holidays for a winter adventure at Bâlea. We start from Bâlea Cascade Cabin and hike up to Bâlea Lake on a spectacular route, through fir forests and dwarf pine areas, in the silence of the mountain dressed in white.
At the end, we enjoy the frozen Bâlea Lake and finish the day with ice skating, in a fairytale setting, in the heart of the Făgăraș Mountains.

WHERE AND WHEN DO WE MEET?

Departure will take place on Sunday, 04.01.2025, at 09:00, from Sibiu (Kaufland parking lot – Shopping City Sibiu), heading to Bâlea Cascade.

ROUTE INFORMATION

Elevation gain: approximately 800 m
Trail difficulty: medium
Distance: approximately 10 km
Hike duration: 3-4 hours uphill, depending on snow conditions.
On the return, depending on the availability and operation of the cable car, you may choose to descend by cable car. Otherwise, the return hike will take approximately another 2.5 hours.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

Mountain equipment is mandatory: spare T-shirts and socks, high-ankle hiking boots, small hiking backpack, hat, rain poncho, waterproof jacket, hiking poles, ice skates and traction spikes (recommended), headlamp, whistle, water bottle (minimum 1 liter), hot tea and snacks for the trail.
Ice skates can be transported in advance by cable car to make the hike easier.

COSTS

80 lei / adult – participation in the hike
40 lei / child
The minimum age is 10 years. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.

Optional – Bâlea Lake Cable Car (winter season 2025)
Adult ascent: 80 lei
Adult descent: 80 lei
Children 2-12 years ascent: 40 lei
Children 2-12 years descent: 40 lei

In case of unfavorable weather conditions, the hike will be rescheduled.

GUIDE

Nicoleta Ocneriu – mountain guide
Contact: 0742 667 196

Note:

– The route configuration and length will be adjusted according to weather conditions and the homogeneity/heterogeneity of the group.
– The organizer (guide) reserves the right to refuse participants who are not appropriately equipped or who have inadequate physical condition.
– Tours are conducted under safe conditions and with a minimum number of participants. The organizer reserves the right to reschedule or cancel tours without prior notice if these conditions are not met.
– Ticket refunds are only provided in case the organizer (guide) cancels the hike.

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By participating in this event, I consent to being photographed. I acknowledge that the photos may be used for promotional purposes, both online and in printed materials, within the “Anii Drumeției” Program to promote it. I declare under my own responsibility that, to the best of my knowledge, I am physically capable of sustained physical effort during hiking events without jeopardizing my health in any way. My participation in this event is entirely voluntary, understanding the associated risks to which I expose myself.
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The “Anii Drumeției” Program is initiated and funded by the Sibiu County Council in collaboration with the Sibiu County Tourism Association. Its main purpose is to improve hiking infrastructure in the county and promote activities specific to ecotourism.

The date of the hike

4 January 2026

Starting point

Kaufland Selimbar

Departure time

09:00

Duration of the hike

4 ore

Difficulty

Medium

Cost / person

80 lei