Transfagarasan Highway
Have you ever heard of the most beautiful mountain pass road in the world? The Transfăgărășan, in English the "Transfagarasan High Road", is said to proudly hold this title. In this article, we explain why.
The Transfăgărășan is a mountain pass road through the Carpathians and the second highest road in Romania. It is also called the "Snake Road" or "the great dragon" and is considered one of the most beautiful mountain roads in the world. Officially, it bears the name DN 07 (National Road 07).
The road connects Wallachia south of the Carpathian arc with Transylvania in the north – from Curtea de Argeș to Cârțișoara.
Although it is often said to be about 90 km long, the Transfăgărășan actually measures around 150 km. The most famous 90 km offer spectacular views and winding routes through the mountains. You should allow about 3 hours for the drive. The highest point is at 2,042 m. Over 800 bridges and viaducts, tunnels with ever-changing views, and tight hairpin bends with gradients of up to 8.6% make this route a true driving experience.
Highlights of the Region
If you want to plan a hike, the highest point of the road is an ideal destination: Lake Bâlea, a glacial lake. It is a popular starting point for hikes and a perfect place to take a break and enjoy the impressive nature in peace.
There are several accommodation options along the pass road. Some hotels are hard to reach, while others are located directly on the road. Since many bears live in the region, guests may sometimes be warned not to leave their accommodation. With a bit of luck, you may also spot bears during the drive – please always stay inside the vehicle and treat animals and nature with respect.
Besides the landscape, it is also worth visiting Poenari Castle (Cetatea Poenari) near Arefu, known as a possible residence of Count Dracula.
Climate and Accessibility
In summer, temperatures are usually between 15 and 25 °C, although the weather is changeable. In winter, the road is closed due to snow and temperatures below −10 °C. It is generally only passable from July 1 to October 31. In return, winter offers ski slopes, the first Ice Hotel in Europe, and a cable car to Lake Bâlea.
Since being featured on the show "Top Gear", the Transfăgărășan has become especially popular. It can get very crowded, particularly around midday. Those who want to avoid traffic should start early in the morning.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
The Transfăgărășan is definitely worth a visit. Breathtaking views, challenging roads, and ever-changing perspectives make this high-altitude road an unforgettable experience. We recommend driving the route outside peak hours, ideally early in the morning. We wish you a pleasant trip to Romania and lots of fun on your road trip. You can find more information on tolls in Romania in our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to optimally plan your trip. If you have any questions, we are happy to help at any time via email.
