Transfăgărășan: Highway in Romania
Have you ever heard of the most beautiful mountain pass road in the world? The Transfăgărășan, known in German as the “Transfogarascher Hochstraße”, is said to live up to this title. We explain why in this article.
The Transfăgărășan is a mountain pass road across the Carpathians and the second-highest road in Romania. It is also known as the “Snake Road” or the “Great Dragon” and is considered one of the most beautiful high-altitude roads in the world. Officially, it is designated as 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 around 90 km long, the Transfăgărășan actually measures about 150 km. The most famous 90 km offer spectacular views and winding roads through the mountains. You should allow around 3 hours for the drive. The highest point is at 2,042 m. More than 800 bridges and viaducts, tunnels with constantly 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 are planning a hike, the highest point of the road is an ideal destination: Lake Bâlea. This glacial lake is a popular starting point for hikes and a perfect place to take a break and enjoy the impressive natural surroundings.
There are several accommodation options along the mountain pass. Some hotels are difficult to access, while others are located directly on the road. As there are many bears in the region, guests may sometimes be warned not to leave their accommodation. You may also be lucky enough to spot bears while driving – please always stay inside your vehicle and treat wildlife and nature with respect.
In addition to the scenery, a visit to Poenari Castle (Cetatea Poenari) near Arefu is also worthwhile. It is known as a possible residence of Count Dracula.
Climate and accessibility
In summer, temperatures usually range between 15 and 25 °C, although the weather can be changeable. In winter, the road is closed due to snow and temperatures below −10 °C. It is generally only passable from 1 July to 31 October. In winter, however, there are ski slopes, the first ice hotel in Europe, and a cable car to Lake Bâlea.
Since its appearance on the TV show “Top Gear”, the Transfăgărășan has become extremely popular. It can be particularly crowded around midday. Those who want to avoid traffic should start early in the morning.
The DMC team wishes you a pleasant journey
The Transfăgărășan is definitely worth a visit. Breathtaking views, challenging roads, and constantly changing perspectives make this mountain 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 enjoyment on your road trip. You can find more information about tolls in Romania in our guide. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your journey optimally. If you have any questions, please contact us at any time via email.
