Cascada Bâlea — Attraction in Cârțișoara

Visiting Cascada Bella, tucked away along the legendary Transfagarasan road, was a truly unforgettable experience that went far beyond what a quick roadside stop typically offers. The journey there is part of the magic; as you wind through the breathtaking mountain passes, the air grows cooler and the constant roar of the water becomes a welcoming presence, pulling you deeper into the heart of the Carpathian Mountains. ​Upon arrival, the sight is nothing short of spectacular. The name “Bella,” meaning beautiful, couldn't be more fitting. The waterfall cascades gracefully over moss-covered rocks, creating a mesmerizing curtain of white foam that disappears into a small, crystal-clear pool at its base. Lush, green foliage surrounds the area, giving it a secluded, almost mystical feel. The cool mist rising from the falls provides a refreshing break, a perfect contrast to the warmth of the day. ​The actual walk from the small parking area to the waterfall itself is a steep uphill climb that demands a bit of effort. It's important to know that this isn't a simple stroll, and the trail is not suitable for small children who can't walk on their own or for elderly visitors. The path follows the rushing stream that feeds the falls, and the sound of the water grows louder with every step, building anticipation. For families with kids between 6 and 12, the ascent can take around 45 minutes, while for many others, it can take well over an hour and 15 minutes to reach the falls. While challenging, the effort is well worth it, and the path feels like a genuine hike into the wilderness, a perfect transition from the world of cars and asphalt to the raw beauty of the mountains. ​What truly sets this spot apart is the feeling it evokes. Standing there, you don't just see the waterfall; you feel it. The sheer power of the water is humbling, and the rhythmic sound is incredibly soothing. It's a place that invites you to pause, breathe, and simply be present. The crowds from the main road seem miles away, and you can truly connect with the raw, untamed beauty of the Romanian landscape. For anyone traveling the Transfagarasan, this is more than just a quick photo op. It's a destination in its own right, a moment of pure, natural splendor that will stay with you long after you've left. It is, without a doubt, a highlight of the trip, a beautiful memory carved into the...

We visited the Bâlea Waterfall in early May, and I was impressed by its beauty and grandeur. Our route started at the parking lot of the Balea Waterfall visitor center and led us to the Bâlea Waterfall, after which we returned back to the parking lot.

The length of the route was approximately 2.5 km, and it took us about 1.5 hours to complete. The trail went through forests, rugged terrain, and involved crossing small streams and navigating rocky sections. I recommend wearing trekking shoes and using trekking poles.

It's important to keep in mind that this area is inhabited by bears, so we were extra cautious. If you're visiting with children, I suggest paying attention to the weather conditions. During our trip, it rained, which made the rocky sections very slippery. Extra caution is needed on the narrow sections near the cliff edge (approximately 150 m before reaching the waterfall).

The Bâlea Waterfall itself was impressive and beautiful. Its size is awe-inspiring, and the sound of the falling water creates an atmosphere of grandeur and natural power.

Overall, I highly recommend the route. The beautiful scenery, rocky trails, and majestic waterfall create an...

Great experience in beautiful mountains. Please note that the location of the Falls is not where you will see it in the map- you need to park back the road at the HOTEL Cascada Balea, and hike about 40 minutes to get to it (or take a cable car). The hike is very steep for the second half and can get slippery. Wear appropriate shoes! The trail is not marked clearly so I wasn't sure how close you could get. There's a small flat resting point that seems to be the end of the trail, but it is not. You have to go UP. You're not "at the end" til you can actually feel the spray of the falls on your face (and technically jump INTO it, but I don't recommend that). The saddest part is that there is not a lot of respect for nature in Romania, people leave their trash EVERYWHERE. The trail and summit (here and at the lake) is littered with bottles, used sanitary napkins, onions (?!), corn cobs, everything. Please please please take your trash with you, even maybe help clean up if you can (I did see a young woman picking up after people and I wanted to give...