Transfagarasan
For those of you that don’t know, Transfagarasan is the most spectacular road in Romania and, some say, even the world. Even Jeremy Clarkson from Top Gear referred to it as “The best road in the world”. Over the years, it became the top spot for thrill seekers as well as nature lovers.
But first, a little history lesson.
Transfagarasan is a Romanian national road DN7C. It crosses the Fagaras Mountains (the highest mountains in Romania) from North to South, connecting to historic regions, Transylvania and Wallachia.
It is over 150 km long and runs over the mountains in a stunning, unique fashion. It has 833 culverts and 28 viaducts and many points of interest along the way. Be sure to stop and enjoy Vidraru hydropower plant, Vidraru Dam, Capra Waterfall, Capra-Balea Tunnel, Balea glaciar lake and Balea Waterfall.
Vidraru Lake – view from the dam
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Capra Waterfall
View form the waterfall
Balea glaciar lake
A father and son skiing on a snowy slope near the lake. In June.
The view from Balea will surely take your breath away. If the atmospheric conditions are just right you can even see the entire Transylvanian plateau.
Restaurants, B&B’s, hotels and cabanas are available for tourists. Check out Balea Lake Cabana, Balea Waterfall Cabana, Valea cu pesti hotel/restaurant or Casa mosului B&B.
As it is beautiful, it’s also dangerous. Due to very common landslides and snow removal difficulties, the road is officially open to traffic only 4 months a year, since 1st of July to 31st of October. Unofficially, it’s also practicable in June. So be sure to take that into consideration when you are planning your trip.
For those of you feeling up for it, try and visit Poienari castel ruins. The only way to get there is by climbing 1480 steps. During the years it had may names, one of which being The City of Vlad Tepes.
I hope the pictures convinced you to visit this beautiful area!