Ice Hotel Romania 2024-2025

Would you like to stay in a quirky ice lodging on top of the Romanian Carpathians?

Best time: late December–March

There is no need to travel far north to experience a night in an ice hotel, as Romania has a great alternative for winter lovers—Lake Balea Ice Hotel. The Hotel of Ice Romania is nestled in the Făgăraș Mountains, Sibiu County, at a dramatic altitude of more than 6,600 feet (2,000 m). It's constructed of ice and snow blocks extracted from the glacial lake and attracts about 8,000 visitors annually.

In addition to the ice hotel rooms, the hotel incorporates an ice restaurant and bar, offering an exclusive dining scene. Also, a neat ice church nearby invites religious tourists for a Sunday mass like no other. The church of ice must be one of the most exceptional places to get baptized or married.

Furthermore, vacationers can engage in fun activities at the Winterpark. The leisure options include snowmobiling, snow rafting, and tubing. In contrast, thrill-seekers will appreciate more extreme activities, such as off-piste skiing, ice climbing, and heliskiing.

The visiting season is weather-dependant, but the best time is deemed to be between late December and March. Anyways, while planning a stay, check the official website (see External Resources below). To get there, you'll have to reach the Balea Cascada Hotel by the Transfagarasan road. Then, take a cable car up to the Ice Hotel.

Practical info

When is the best time to visit the Ice Hotel Romania and why?

Typically spanning from late December to March, the visiting season at the Ice Hotel Romania is best suited for those who are comfortable in cold temperatures and enjoy a snowy environment. Guests can indulge in a range of snow-associated activities while reveling in the winter wonderland surroundings. With the season's peak coinciding with holidays such as Christmas, New Year, and the Feast of St. John, travelers can enjoy a distinctively festive and celebratory stay.

Where is Lake Balea Ice Hotel precisely located in Romania, and how to get there?

Nestled within the Făgăraș Mountains, Sibiu County, the Lake Balea Ice Hotel is situated near the Transfagarasan road. To reach the hotel, tourists can utilize a cable car from the nearby Balea Cascada Hotel. As visitors make the journey, they can admire the scenic view of the Carpathian Mountains' slopes and enjoy the Romanian winter landscape.

What are the fun and extreme winter activities offered at the Winterpark?

Winterpark, a recreational facility in proximity to the Lake Balea Ice Hotel, offers numerous winter-based activities that visitors can participate in. For a fun experience, guests can choose from snowmobiling, tubing, snow rafting, and ice skating. Alternatively, visitors seeking a more adventurous experience can engage in off-piste skiing, heliskiing, or ice climbing. The availability and schedule of activities may be contingent upon weather conditions.

Can couples get married or baptized at the nearby ice church, and how does it work?

Tourists who wish to baptize or marry can do so in the ice church located nearby. The church offers a distinct ambiance that appeals to those who seek unconventional ceremony venues. Special warm attire is required for the occasion, as the temperature inside the church is freezing. Travelers can learn more about the available services and conditions from the hotel staff and plan accordingly.

How many visitors does the hotel attract annually, and what accommodation options are available apart from an ice hotel room?

Annually, the Lake Balea Ice Hotel attracts roughly 8,000 visitors, with most of them arriving between December and March. Alongside the ice rooms, the hotel provides warm accommodation at the nearby Balea Cascada Hotel, serving up delicious meals and access to a thermal spa to visitors. As the Ice Hotel is a seasonal establishment, those who are interested in visiting should keep an eye on the official website for contact information and booking availability.

External resources