Would you like to experience the world pictured in Frozen? While it’s not quite Elsa’s Palace, the fascinating Balea Ice Hotel gives you a unique time in the heart of Transylvania.
We’ve written an article last year about everything you need to know about this wonderful place. Make sure you read that as well.
Before we go over what you’ll be able to see and feel, here’s some background on the idea and the surrounding area.
The First Ice Hotel in Eastern Europe
The ice hotel is situated way up in the Carpathian mountains, close to Transylvania’s heart. It was built for the first time in the winter between 2005 and 2006, being the first of its kind in Eastern Europe.
Since then, each winter, it is rebuilt, but a different theme is incorporated.
Balea Ice Hotel is constructed in the vicinity of Balea Lake. It’s a glacier lake situated at 2,034 meters above sea level. During the summer, you can reach it by car on the Transfagarasan road. However, every winter the road is closed, so tourists can reach the area by cable car from Balea Cascada.
A Polar Touch
Make no mistake, it’s cold. But for many, that’s the beauty of it all.
Balea Ice Hotel is completely made out of ice. The beds, walls, furniture, everything is frosty. It may seem like an impossible place to stay or sleep.
But tourists get warm blankets, furs, and sleeping bags for the beds. Granted, you may want to keep your winter jacket on, as the temperature inside the rooms usually stays below freezing.
Speaking of rooms, the ice hotel has 14 rooms and three igloos for tourists seeking extra privacy. Each room is unique and tourists can choose which one they prefer.
Basically, this winter, at Balea Ice Hotel you’ll be sleeping in movie-themed rooms:
- Star Wars,
- The Hobbit,
- Ice Age,
- The Passion Of The Christ,
- Rocky III,
- The Gladiator,
- King Kong,
- Titanic,
- Jaws,
- Harry Potter,
- Dracula.
The decor is handcrafted by the best ice sculptors Romania has to offer. Even each of the igloos has its own theme: Smurf Igloo, Jungle by Ice, and Jurassic Park Igloo.
Have a Glacial Holiday at Balea Ice Hotel
All the ice used for the construction and the decor is hand-cut from the glacial lake Balea. Also, near the hotel tourists can visit an ice church.
Even the glasses are made out of ice so there’s no need to worry about your drinks not being cold enough. The Ice Bar is opened between 9 AM and 9 PM and serves even a special menu on ice plates.
Apart from the hotel itself, the scenery is stunningly beautiful as it was shaped by glaciers. Tip: pack a good camera, because here you’ll be able to catch some of the best photos of your life.
TravelMaker has prepared a special tour for you. In two days, you’ll get to experience two of the most impressive castles in Transylvania – Peles and Bran (Dracula’s Castle) – and Balea Ice Hotel.
The departure is from Bucharest, by minibus. After visiting the two castles mentioned above, you’ll spend the night in Brasov or Kronstadt under its German name. The next day you’ll get to see the famous Hotel of Ice at Balea Lake and return to Bucharest where you will be dropped off back at your hotel.
Go ahead and get in touch with us if you’d like to book this tour or ask us any questions.