Romania is not one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. However, it does boast what is probably the most spectacular road on the entire continent. The almost unpronounceable Transfagarasan Highway runs through the Fagaras Mountains, which are the highest in the Romanian Carpathian Mountains. If you want to enjoy landscapes bursting with impressive nature, do not miss this route by car.
Where is the Transfagarasan Highway?
Located in the Transylvania region of Romania, the Transfagarasan Highway connects the regions of Wallachia and Transylvania, and winds its way through the Southern Carpathian Mountains. This masterpiece of road engineering stretches for 90 kilometers, and reaches dizzying heights that will give you incomparable panoramic views.
A drive along this road usually starts in the city of Bascov, in southeastern Romania, and ends in Cartisoara. To make this journey full of winding curves, all you need is a good camera and your rental car from OK Mobility which you can pick up in Bucharest or in any other city where we have offices.
Why embark on this driving tour and what other nearby sites are there to see?
The Transfagarasan Highway presents a test of your driving skills because of its winding curves between mountains, which almost resemble a Scalextric track. It was built in 1968, under Nicolae Ceausescu, when a potential invasion by the Soviet Union was feared. The idea was to have an access road for troops to cross the mountains. However, the invasion never took place and the road became known as "Ceaucescu's Folly".
It is curious that today we are indebted to him, because we now have the opportunity to pass through tunnels, valleys, waterfalls, streams, viaducts and mountains that exceed 2,000 meters in altitude. But the beauty of this driving tour does not end here, because with your car you can also continue on to the neighboring country, Serbia, with cities marked by wars, like its capital Belgrade.
The most interesting spots along the Transfagarasan Highway driving tour
Curtea de Arges
This is one of the oldest cities in the country, and was founded in the 13th century by Radu Negru (Radu the Black). The monastery of Arges is its main attraction, an architectural jewel with orthodox towers that stem from Byzantine and Romanian architecture. It is small in size, but it deserves a stop.
Poenari Castle
This castle is the fortress of Vlad Tepes (Vlad the Impaler), who was the character that inspired Bram Stoker to create the legend of Dracula. Today it is a ruin and you need to climb more than a thousand steps to reach it. However, in addition to the interesting remains of the towers, the views of the valley are amazing.
Vidraru Dam
This dam and its reservoir is another place of interest on the drive along the Transfagarasan Highway. They were built in the 1960s, so they are older than the road. What is most impressive about this site is the 160-meter high wall, but also the fact that it is always foggy in the area.
Capra Tunnel
Another of the most outstanding landmarks along the route is the Capra Tunnel, which is located a short distance from the dam. After skirting the lake, some grazing animals, such as cows and sheep, appear next to the mountains on the horizon. Then, almost a kilometer of darkness, to then return to the light on a stretch of road full of stalls with typical Romanian food.
Lake Balea
As you drive up the route on the Transfagarasan Highway, you reach the impressive Lake Balea. It is located at an altitude of 2,034 meters, making it the highest area of the route. Of glacial origin, it offers a dream landscape surrounded by the majestic peaks of the Carpathian Mountains. While in summer the waters remain transparent and blue-tinted, during the winter they are covered with an impenetrable mass of white.
Balea Waterfall
Down the road, another spectacular stop awaits you: the Balea waterfall. It is a gift from nature in the heart of the Carpathian Mountains. The roar of the falling water contrasts with the tranquility of the surrounding forests, so we recommend you stop and get out of the car to enjoy the show.
Rent your car in Bucharest now with OK Mobility and start organizing this driving tour!
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