The Transfăgărășan is not just a road that takes you from point A to point B. It’s an unforgettable travel experience. Known to driving enthusiasts, this road was named the best in the world by the popular show Top Gear. It’s also listed among the top 10 most scenic driving routes worldwide.
A Road with a Story
Romania’s former dictator, Nicolae Ceaușescu, ordered the construction of this road. He wanted a fast way to cross the Carpathian Mountains in case of a Soviet invasion. However, the road was never used for that purpose.
Building it came at a high cost. Workers used 6,500 tons of dynamite to cut through 3.8 million square meters of mountain. The construction led to the deaths of 40 soldiers and placed a huge burden on Romania’s economy. Despite the controversy, the road has now become a favorite for tourists and driving fans.
A Unique Driving Experience
The Transfăgărășan is 90 kilometers long and offers a truly special drive. It’s filled with sharp 180-degree turns, tunnels, bridges, and viaducts. The road is an engineering masterpiece.
Stunning mountain views stretch along the entire route. You could technically finish it in under two hours at 50 km/h. But with so many photo stops and scenic views, the journey often takes up to five hours.
When to Visit
This is Romania’s second-highest road after the Transalpina. Due to snow and harsh weather, it remains closed from October to the end of June. At the start of the route, a sign shows whether the road is open. If you see the word DECHIS, the road is open. That usually happens between early July and late October.
Must-See Stops Along the Way
Driving up and down the road alone is a great experience. But there are also many places worth stopping at:
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Curtea de Argeș – A small town at the beginning of the route.
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Arefu Village – Home to Poenari Castle, where Vlad the Impaler (Count Dracula) once lived.
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Vidraru Dam – A large artificial lake with scenic views.
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Balea Lake – A beautiful glacier lake near the summit.
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Sibiu – A charming city at the end of the route.
