The Transfăgărășan (DN7C) was built between 1970 and 1974 on the orders of Nicolae Ceaușescu, who wanted a military route across the Făgăraș Mountains. The result is about 90 km of road climbing from the Argeș valley in the south, past the Vidraru dam and Poenari fortress, through a tunnel under the ridge to Bâlea Lake at 2,034 m, then down a spectacular staircase of hairpins on the northern side. It became world-famous after a 2009 Top Gear episode.
Further west, the Transalpina (DN67C) runs from Novaci to Sebeș across the Parâng range and tops out at around 2,145 m — the highest paved road in Romania, with wide grassy ridges, sheep flocks and far fewer cars. Both roads are closed for much of the year: the high sections normally open from about July to October, depending on snow.
Top things to do: Transfăgărășan & Transalpina
Drive the northern hairpins to Bâlea Lake
The famous switchbacks are on the north side, below Bâlea Lake. Stop at the viewpoints, walk up to Bâlea waterfall (the cable car from Bâlea Cascada to the lake runs in some seasons) and have lunch at one of the chalets by the lake.
Vidraru dam and Poenari fortress
On the southern side, the 166-metre Vidraru dam holds back a long mountain lake. Nearby, about 1,480 steps climb to the ruins of Poenari, a genuine fortress of Vlad the Impaler — the real “Dracula’s castle”. Access to Poenari is sometimes restricted when bears are active; check before you go.
Hike the Făgăraș ridge
From Bâlea Lake a trail climbs to the main ridge, with Romania’s highest peak, Moldoveanu (2,544 m), further east. Even a short walk up to Paltinu or Capra lakes gives huge views. Only go in settled weather and with proper boots.
Cross the Transalpina
If you have a car and a second day, the Transalpina is quieter and wilder, with sweeping ridges above Rânca. Combine the two into a loop via Sibiu.
How to get to Transfăgărășan & Transalpina
- With your own car: the north side starts near Cârțișoara, about 2 hours from Brașov or 1 hour from Sibiu. The south side starts at Curtea de Argeș.
- On a tour: day trips run from Bucharest (a long day) and from Brașov (much shorter).
- When: the high section is usually open from around 1 July to 31 October; the lower parts stay open longer. Closures for snow, rockfall or bears can happen at any time — check the Romanian road authority (CNAIR) before setting out.
Insider tips
- Do not feed the bears. Bears begging by the road on the southern side are a serious problem, and feeding them is illegal and dangerous. Stay in your car.
- Weekends in July and August are crowded; drive early on a weekday if you can.
- Temperatures at Bâlea Lake can be 10–15 °C colder than in the valleys, with fog and rain — take a warm layer.
- Fill up with fuel before you start; there are no petrol stations on the high section.
- Motorcyclists love both roads — drive defensively on blind bends.
Best tours & tickets: Transfăgărășan & Transalpina
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Transfăgărășan & Transalpina:
Day trip from €49 Bucharest: Transfăgărășan “Top Gear Road” and Wild Brown Bears Day Trip
The high road Jeremy Clarkson called the best in the world, in a day from Bucharest. Only possible while the high section is open — usually from July to October, weather permitting — so check dates before you book.
- Drive the hairpins of the Transfăgărășan to Bâlea Lake
- Vidraru dam and Poenari fortress viewpoints
- Good chances of seeing wild bears by the road
Private day trip from €125 From Brașov: Transfăgărășan Drive & Wild Bear Experience
Much shorter than coming from Bucharest: from Brașov the Făgăraș range is only a couple of hours away, leaving time to linger at the top and to look for bears on the way down.
- Private driver-guide from Brașov
- Bâlea Lake at 2,034 m
- Bear spotting on the forested lower road
