Romania's mountain roads offer memorable experiences for families traveling by car, motorcyclists, and anyone looking to discover breathtaking landscapes, fresh air, and unforgettable views. While the most famous are Transfăgărășan and Transalpina, the Carpathians hide two more impressive winding routes: Transbucegi and Transrarău. Discover them this autumn!

Transfăgărășan (DN7C)

Crossing the Făgăraș Mountains, Transfăgărășan is one of the most famous mountain roads in the world. The route spans approximately 92 kilometers between Bascov and Cârțișoara, connecting Argeș and Sibiu counties. Although it is not the highest road in Romania, Transfăgărășan reaches an altitude of 2,042 meters at Bâlea Pass, and its steep elevation changes and dramatic hairpins make driving a truly unique experience.

The high-altitude mountain section itself was built between 1970 and 1974 by order of Nicolae Ceaușescu, who wanted a strategic military route following the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. Blasting through the sheer rock was carried out by the army, which used over 6,500 tons of dynamite. Tragically, during these extremely harsh construction efforts, 40 soldiers and workers lost their lives.

Heading from the south, past the winding turns around Lake Vidraru, the road goes through the longest tunnel in the country (887 meters), opening up to a spectacular view of the serpentines on the northern side. During winter and spring, due to the risk of avalanches along the high-altitude section, the stretch between Bâlea Waterfall and Piscul Negru is closed; during this period, Lake Bâlea can only be reached by cable car. The road is fully open from June to October, with top attractions including Vidraru Dam, Poenari Citadel (where you climb 1,480 steps), the glacial Lake Bâlea, and Bâlea Waterfall.

(Source: Transfagarasan.travel)

Transalpina (DN67C)

Crossing the Parâng Mountains, Transalpina—also known as The King's Road—stretches nearly 150 kilometers between Novaci and Sebeș, passing through Gorj, Vâlcea, Alba, and Sibiu counties. It is the highest paved road in Romania and the Carpathians, reaching an altitude of 2,145 meters at Urdele Pass. This means you climb more than 100 meters higher here than on Transfăgărășan.

Transalpina has a completely different character: instead of winding through narrow gorges, the road runs directly along mountain ridges for about 20 kilometers. Longer, faster curves, excellent visibility, and 360-degree views offer a sense of freedom that is hard to describe. The stretch between Rânca and Obârșia Lotrului is a pure driving pleasure, though it requires extra attention due to strong mountain winds and rapidly changing weather. In the winter months, this section is closed to traffic. The road is accessible from mid-May to mid-October, and along the route, you will find the Rânca resort, Polovragi Monastery, and Muierilor Cave.

(Source: Silviusalomia)

Transrarău (DJ175B)

Located in Suceava County, Transrarău—also called The Treasures' Road or the Transfăgărășan of Bucovina—crosses the Rarău Mountains between Pojorâta and Chiril over a distance of 26–28 kilometers. Although it reaches a maximum altitude of around 1,400 meters and is lower than the mountain roads in the south, it remains one of the most spectacular and enjoyable driving routes in Romania.

The asphalt quality is excellent, the surface is smooth, and the sequence of bends flows with a rhythm that rewards focused driving. The road climbs through dense coniferous forests where sunlight filters through the trees, creating a wonderful atmosphere alongside views of the Giumalău Mountains. Accessible from May to October or November, the route leads directly to the famous Pietrele Doamnei (Lady's Rocks) rock formations, as well as Rarău Monastery and Rarău Cabin. Nearby lies the Bat Cave (Peștera Liliecilor), which cannot be visited inside in order to protect the local bat species.

(Source: Complex Turistic Constantin Bucovina)

Transbucegi (DJ713)

Transbucegi (DJ713)—popularly known as The Road of the Babele—is a spectacular 20-kilometer road (17 km of which is paved with high-quality asphalt) opened to traffic in 2013. Starting from the DN71 road coming from Sinaia (near the Cota 1000 cabin), the road makes a sharp right turn at Dichiu Pass (Șaua Dichiu), and then, passing by Cuibul Dorului and Dichiu cabins, takes visitors up to the Bucegi Plateau, ending near Piatra Arsă Cabin at an altitude of 1,925 meters.

This road can be reached in just two hours from Bucharest. The continuous climb and tight turns offer a thrilling experience for both drivers and motorcyclists. Open from June to October, the road is the easiest way to access the Bucegi Plateau: from here, it is an easy walk to the famous Babele and Sphinx rock formations, as well as the Heroes' Cross on Caraiman Peak (2,291 meters). The area offers numerous natural attractions, and along the way, you can explore Lake Bolboci, Zănoaga Gorge, Tătaru Gorge, and the spectacular Ialomița Cave (Peștera Ialomiței).

(Source: Transylvanian Inn)

On high-altitude mountain roads, brakes and tires are subjected to increased strain, so be sure to check their condition before setting off. Since the weather at over 2,000 meters altitude can change in just a few minutes and temperatures can drop significantly, always pack warm, windproof layered clothing, and check for any local traffic restrictions. On serpentines and sharp turns, maintain a safe speed and stay alert for oncoming traffic as well as wildlife on the road.

Whichever mountain road you choose, the memory of these winding curves will stay with you forever. To enjoy a well-deserved rest after a full day of driving, choose the right destination and book your accommodation on stayhere.ro!