Transfagarasan: Probably the Best Road in the World

Discover our Transfagarasan Tour from Brasov or Sibiu

Transfagarasan is the best road in the world or at least so said Jeremy Clarkson in a Top Gear episode. Still, it offers so much more besides the amazing driving experience. It’s, first of all, a major creation of the communist regime and its obsession with oversized infrastructure projects.

Transfagarasan Road

Transfagarasan, a landmark of the communist regime

The Transfagarasan was finalized in 1974 after almost five years of hard work, done by soldiers and engineers. The army started working at the same time from the two opposite sides, in Arges and Sibiu counties, and a monument marks the place where they finally met.

Another monument, the Engineers’ Gate, commemorates the workers who lost their lives. Officially, 40 people died, but some of the witnesses state that hundreds of their colleagues died.

Transfagarasan Road

Initially, Nicolae Ceausescu, Romania’s communist dictator, argued the road served key military purposes since a Russian invasion was always possible.  The outcome was, however, completely different.

When the Transfagarasan finally opened, it became a propaganda landmark and a major tourist attraction. Óf course, Nicolae Ceausescu was the first to take advantage. He had a hunting chalet on the lake, supplied with power from a high-altitude gridline installed just for his needs

Must-see attractions along the Transfagarasan

Transfagarasan remains until today one of the must-see places in Romania. and a favorite vacation activity in Transylvania. The first attraction, as you drive from the south, is Vidraru Lake. Another big project of the communist authorities, the dam was a major achievement of the 1960s, back then one of the top 10 dams of this type in Europe. An entire village, Cumpana, disappeared to build the dam of impressive dimensions. It has 166 meters high walls, a surface of 900 hectares, and 42 km of underground galleries.

Balea Waterfall

Another top attraction is the glacial Balea Lake, located at an altitude of 2,034 meters, close to the highest point of the road. Its water is the main resource for creating the only Ice Hotel in Romania. Every year, the hotel is fully booked before it starts to snow in Romania. Be sure to reserve your room in time.

Balea Lake

Plan a short or longer hike starting from the Transfagarasan

Capra Lake

Where to stay

If the Transfagarasan is your main destination, we recommend you book nearby accommodation. This way, you have more time to enjoy the driving, the landscapes, and the hiking trails.

In Sibiu County, you can opt for the the guest house Pensiunea Dealu Morii from Cartisoara. You’ll also find great options in the nearby village Porumbacu de Sus: Porumbacu 295, Porumbacu Tree House.

If you prefer to stay on the southern side, in Arges County, you can book a room with a lake view at Hotel Posada Vidraru.

Travel tips

The road is open from July to November. Avoid summer weekends as the road becomes too crowded with cars.

Visit Curtea de Arges Monastery and Poenari Fortress on your way from Bucharest.

Transfagarasan ends in Cartisoara, only 45 km away from Sibiu. Don’t miss the Cistercian Abbey of Carta, a few km from Cartisoara.

You can combine a drive on Transfagarasan and Transalpina on a weekend trip.

Discover more beautiful roads in Romania.