In the middle of one of the most beautiful mountain region of the Romanian Carpathians, the Bâlea Lake Mountain Chalet (since 1896) is situated next to a glacial lake. Directly accessible off the legendary Transfăgărășan mountain road, at an altitude of 2034 meters above sea level, it offers accommodations in accordance to international standards. All the rooms feature wood furniture, showers, toilets and television sets, offering a breathtaking view over Bâlea Lake, that has a surface area of 4.6 ha or over the surrounding mountain ranges.

There are also, a meteorological station and a mountain rescue (Salvamont) station.

In 2006, the first ice hotel in Eastern Europe was built in the vicinity of the lake. The hotel has opened every winter since then, but not during the 2019–2020 season, due to higher than usual temperatures.