Hiking Transfagarasan Road from Sibiu: Balea Lake alpine trail

Climb from glacier lake to alpine ridge on the Transfagarasan's highest hiking route

A guided day hike from Sibiu that drives the Transfagarasan Scenic Road to Balea Lake, then climbs the left bank of a glacier dale in the Fagaras Mountains. The trail ascends from 2,030 meters to 2,351 meters over roughly two hours, with views across the Carpathians and the option to extend to the fifth-highest peak depending on fitness and conditions. Lunch follows at the lake before the return drive to Sibiu.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hiking along Transfagarasan Road

• Depart from Sibiu
• Drive on Transfagarasan Scenic Road
• Arrive at Balea Lake
• Start hiking in Fagaras Mountains
• Climb to 2351 m altitude
• Admire scenic views and take photos
• Optionally extend hike to higher peak
• Descend back to Balea Lake
• Have lunch at Balea Lake

The experience

The day starts with a drive from Sibiu on the Transfagarasan, the most scenic road in Romania, which stays open only from mid-June through mid-October. Once you reach Balea Lake at 2,030 meters, you leave the car and begin the hike proper. Your mountain guide will explain the two difficulty options (easy or medium), and help you choose based on your fitness level, the weather and what gear you have brought. The trail itself climbs the left bank of a glacier dale, gaining altitude steadily toward the 2,351-meter summit point, where you'll have clear sight lines across the wild Carpathian landscape and back down the road you drove.

The hike takes roughly two hours at a moderate pace, though the guide can extend it if conditions and your legs allow, pushing toward the fifth-highest peak of the Fagaras Massif. Along the way you'll stop for photographs and to take in the scale of the mountains around you. Once you've reached your chosen turnaround point, you descend back to Balea Lake, where you can rest and have lunch before the drive back to Sibiu. The entire outing runs about ten hours door-to-door, including the drive time and the meal break.

The tour runs only when the Transfagarasan is passable, which means mid-June through mid-October. You'll need proper hiking boots and a good rain jacket, along with a hat and gloves. The weather at altitude can shift fast, and the guide will brief you on what to expect. A minimum of two adults must book together, and you need to be at least 17 years old to join.

What’s included

• An English-speaking mountain guide leads the hike and briefs you on difficulty options and safety.
• fuel and parking fees are covered.
• pickup and return transport from Sibiu is included.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 1 Jun 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (18 to 64 years) · Youth (13 to 17 years) · Under 13: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 49 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 14 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problems

Operated by Romania Tour Store

Is this one for you?The guide adjusts the route to your fitness level on the day, so both easy and medium hikers can join the same departure. Book this if you want a mountain guide handling navigation and pacing while you focus on the climb and the views, rather than planning the route yourself.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (13 to 17 years). Children under 13 can't be included in the booking.

What is the Transfagarasan Scenic Road like to drive?

The Transfagarasan is Romania's most scenic mountain road, climbing through the Fagaras Range with views of steep slopes and alpine terrain. It's open only from mid-June through mid-October due to snow and weather, which is why this tour operates on that schedule alone.

How high does the hiking trail climb?

The trail starts at Balea Lake, 2,030 meters above sea level, and climbs to a maximum altitude of 2,351 meters over roughly two hours. If you choose to extend the hike, you can push higher toward the fifth-highest peak of the Fagaras Massif, depending on your fitness and the conditions that day.

Can I choose an easier route if I'm not a strong hiker?

Yes. Before the hike begins, your guide will explain both the easy and medium difficulty options and help you pick based on your fitness level, the weather and your equipment. The guide can also adjust the route on the day itself if needed.

What should I bring for this hike?

You must bring proper hiking boots and a good rain jacket, along with a hat and gloves. Weather at 2,000+ meters can change quickly, and the guide will brief you on what to expect before you start. Trekking poles are also recommended.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Yes. After you finish the hike and descend back to Balea Lake, you'll have time for a nice lunch at the lake before the drive back to Sibiu.