Scenic Drives – Transfagarasan

Transfagarasan: Thanks to the rich relief that Romania has, here you can find some of the most beautiful roads, which you can explore in the comfort of the car. Two spectacular Romanian roads, now famous also abroad, are Transfagarasan and TransAlpina, two routes crossing the Meridian Mountains.

Transfagarasan

Also labeled „the Road to the Sky”, Transfagarasan offers one of the most spectacular views, with many serpent roads, curves in hairpin, just like a circuit of Formula 1, reaching 2.145 meters height. Even the Top Gear team was impressed by this road saying it is „the most beautiful road in the world”. The Transfagarasan road starts from Arefu commune (Arges County) and ends in Cârţişoara commune (Sibiu County). The recommended speed limit is 40 km/h.

In winter, a significant portion of the Transfagarasan road is closed due to snow. The transfagarasan remains extremely dangerous during winter, with a major risk of avalanches and rock fall.

Transalpina

Another spectacular and popular road, which is also at the highest altitude in the Carpathians, is the Transalpina. On the road connecting Oltenia to Transylvania you can see Oasha Lake, plateau of the Papusa peak, Galcescu glacial lake. Annually on a section of the road, motoring and cycling competitions are organized.

It is also called the King’s Road – because it was rebuilt and inaugurated in 1938 by King Carol II. All his royal family went on the day of the inauguration. Today, the Transalpina Road is the highest road in the country. The highest point is in the Urdele Pass at 2145 m altitude.

Trans-Semenic

Trans Semenic is also one of the most beautiful mountain roads in Romania. It crosses the massive Semenic from east to west. To enter the „Trans Semenic” you can go either on the old way from Resita to Valiug or on the new version starting from the National Road 6. Coming from Caransebes, in Slatina Timis, turn right to the center of the town and from there go ahead.

Trans-Bucegi

Officially, it is named DJ 713 and connects DN 71 Targoviste – Sinaia. It is also named „The Road of Babele (meaning The old women)” or „Transbucegi” – a rather improper name, because it does not cross the Bucegi. It takes you to Bucegi Plateau – more precisely in the vicinity of Chalet Piatra Arsa.

In the first kilometers, to Saua Dichiului Chalet, the road is very narrow and, on many portions you don’t have access for two cars in parallel. There are some indicators that warns you not travel more than 10 – 20 km/h, precisely to avoid any unpleasant incidents.

Trans Raraul

The 28-kilometer-long road runs from Pojorâta, near Rarau Chalet, at an altitude of 1,400 meters, from where it continues to Chiril passing by the Rarau Hermitage. From Trans Rarau there is easy access to the natural monument Pietrele Doamnei. From place to place there are stops where tourists can admire spectacular scenery.

E578

We recommend two routes that catch many beautiful places on their way. From Toplita to Piatra Neamt you can go through Borsec, Ceahlau, see the monasteries Petru Voda and Neamţ on the way. If you choose the road version to the south, go through Ditrau, Red Lake, Bicaz-Chei, Tarcau and Pângăraţi. The area is absolutely fascinating and it is worthwhile doing both routes.

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