If you’re a road trip lover or thrill-seeking traveler, there’s one highway in Eastern Europe that should top your bucket list: the Transfăgărășan Highway.
Tucked away in the dramatic wilderness of Romania’s Carpathian Mountains, this serpentine stretch of road isn’t just a way to get from one place to another — it’s a destination in itself.
Once declared “the best road in the world” by Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson, the Transfăgărășan is more than just an engineering marvel — it’s a journey through jaw-dropping landscapes, legends of Dracula, and the raw soul of Romania.
🗺️ What Is the Transfăgărășan Highway?
- Length: 90 kilometers (56 miles)
- Altitude: Reaches 2,042 meters (6,699 feet) at its highest point
- Connects: Curtea de Argeș (south) to Sibiu (north), crossing the Făgăraș Mountains (part of the Southern Carpathians)
Originally built in the 1970s under the regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu, the road had strategic military intent — but today, it’s one of the most scenic drives in the world.
🚗 Why You Should Visit
1. 🌄 Spectacular Mountain Views
Winding curves, steep ascents, and panoramic lookouts make this a paradise for photographers, bikers, and nature lovers. Every bend opens up to epic vistas of peaks, valleys, and alpine meadows.
2. 🏰 Poenari Fortress
Often overshadowed by Bran Castle, this ruined fortress sits high on a cliff and is directly linked to Vlad the Impaler (Dracula). But beware — you’ll need to climb 1,480 steps to reach it!
3. 🌊 Bâlea Lake
This glacial lake at the road’s highest point is surrounded by majestic peaks and offers activities like boating, hiking, and even an ice hotel in the winter months.
4. 🐻 Wildlife and Wilderness
The region is home to brown bears, wolves, and lynx. It’s not uncommon to spot a bear near the roadside — just keep a safe distance.
5. 🧭 The Driving Experience
Tunnels, hairpin turns, S-curves, and sudden descents make the route an adrenaline-pumping challenge for car enthusiasts and bikers alike.
📅 Best Time to Visit
The road is open only from late June to early October, as heavy snowfall closes it in winter. Summer offers lush green scenery, while autumn gifts the landscape with golden foliage.
🍽️ What to Eat
Stop at local roadside stalls or restaurants near Bâlea Lake or Vidraru Dam to enjoy:
- Ciorbă de burtă (tripe soup)
- Grilled mici (Romanian sausages)
- Fresh trout from mountain streams
- Local cheeses and pastries
📸 Travel Tips
✅ Start Early – To avoid crowds and enjoy morning mist over the mountains.
✅ Fuel Up – No gas stations along the road.
✅ Drive Carefully – Narrow lanes and sharp curves require attention.
✅ Stay Overnight – Consider spending a night near Bâlea Lake for sunset views and starry skies.
✅ Watch for Weather – Conditions can change rapidly in the mountains.
🧳 Bonus: Must-See Stops Along the Way
- Vidraru Dam – An impressive engineering feat with scenic views
- Tunnel to Bâlea Lake – The longest road tunnel in Romania
- Waterfalls and Hiking Trails – Don’t forget your boots and camera
🌟 Final Thoughts
Driving the Transfăgărășan Highway is more than a scenic road trip — it’s a soul-stirring experience that fuses nature, history, and adventure. Whether you’re gazing across mountain lakes or gripping the wheel around tight bends, one thing is certain: you’ll remember this journey forever.
