Cascada Bâlea

Bâlea Waterfall is where the water draining from the glacial cirque above throws itself over a rock lip in a succession of foaming steps, at the edge of the spruce forest. It is one of the largest waterfalls in the country and, unlike most, is visible almost from the road — from the Bâlea Cascadă car park it takes only a short climb on path and metal stairs to reach its base.

The spot is also the gateway to the alpine level: the cable car up to Bâlea Lac leaves from here, the only link to the lake above during the months when the alpine section of the Transfăgărășan is closed. Up top, the path to Capra Lake continues towards the ridge, and the rest of the Făgăraș and Transfăgărășan region unfolds on either side of the road.

Good to know It is at its most spectacular during snowmelt, when the flow peaks; in winter the fall partly freezes and becomes something else entirely, but access demands caution. Rocks and stairs are slippery after rain, and fog climbs from the valley without warning. Wear shoes with proper grip, check the mountain weather and keep the mountain rescue number handy.