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Everything You Need to Know About Romania’s Ice Hotel

High up in winter between the icy peaks of the Făgăraș Mountains stands the incredibly remote Ice Hotel, hand carved by local craftsmen and with help from the locals, the hotel is formed. We’re all about discovering something different, somewhere different and the Ice Hotel ticks both boxes. Spending the night in an icy escapade is somewhat exciting and an experience everyone should have at least once. If you’re thinking of a trip to the Ice Hotel, read our guide on everything you need to know!

Cable car in the mountains of Romania

What to Pack

Packing a night bag is essential, as you won’t want to carry round a big bag, which is hard work in cold weather, guests will be able to leave their larger luggage items in our secure bus. Functional and insulated clothing is essential when visiting anywhere in winter, you should pack warm, waterproof clothing, due to the high altitude it’s also important to bring sun cream to stop you from burning from the reflection of the sun from the snow. Our essential packing items are:

  • Waterproof jacket
  • Waterproof trousers
  • Waterproof shoes
  • Thermals
  • Gloves, Hat and Scarf
  • A Thick pair of socks
  • Sun cream
  • Sunglasses

How to Get There

Balea Lake is a breath-taking location, during the winter months the lake is completely frozen and is only accessible by cable car. The Ice Hotel is situated high up in the Făgăraș Mountains, so you’ll be able to experience the snow-topped trees on your journey up.

Ice Hotel in Romania

What to Wear

Temperatures in the Ice Hotel will be between minus two and two degrees; however, temperatures can reach as low as minus thirty degrees outside. In the Ice Hotel itself, it’s not as cold as people might expect, the beds are covered in insulated fur, and you’re provided with specialist sleeping bags, additional fur and bedding. You’ll want to wear a hat, warm socks and some thermals to sleep in!

What to Expect

Ice bed in the ice hotel in Romania

The experience is truly magical, before heading down for the night you’ll get the chance to dine at the Ice Hotel Dining Experience, sitting on frozen chairs and ice tables, the kaleidoscopic lights are sure to catch your attention, and one course is served on a plate of ice! Situated just a stone’s throw away from the Ice Hotel, you’ll also be able to visit the Ice Church, which is beautiful. Be sure to visit the Sub Zero Ice Bar for a nightcap before settling down for the night, to warm you up before braving the icy conditions!

Entering your room for the night, you’ll be greeted by coloured lights which are embedded into the ice, creating a picture-perfect, enchanting space. The ice carved bed is topped with thermal fur for extra warmth; guests find they have a cosy night’s sleep, rather than a chilly one. Tip: you’ll want to put your gloves into your shoes before settling down for the night. If it takes you a little longer to get to sleep, you can take in your surroundings and fully immersive yourself in the incredible experience!

In the morning you’ll wake up in a beautifully sculpted abode, having had a cosy sleep, it’s one of the most incredible travel experiences on offer. The Balea Lake Ice Hotel is one of the best ice hotels’ in the world, perched up at 2,000m above Romania, every year the theme changes so you can return year on year to discover something new!

Bar man at the ice hotel Romania

There we have it, everything you need to know about the Ice Hotel, Romania is a beautiful place, and winter is the perfect time to visit, you can go skiing, visit the famous Christmas Markets, tubing, ice rafting, snowmobiling and see the picturesque streets covered in a blanket of snow. We’d love to hear about your experience at an Ice Hotel, be sure to let us know via our social channels or if there are any other tips you have.

Written by the Untravelled Paths Team