Transfăgărășan Highway

Transfăgărășan

A spectacular serpentine mountain road climbing through the Făgăraș range to glacial Bâlea Lake, often called one of the world's greatest drives. Its hairpin bends, waterfalls and alpine scenery are unforgettable in summer.

Things to do

• Drive the hairpin bends — Tackle the legendary series of switchbacks on the northern ascent, one of the most photographed stretches of road in Europe.
• Bâlea Lake — Walk around this glacial lake at 2,034 metres, the scenic high point of the route surrounded by rugged peaks.
• Bâlea Waterfall — Stop at the cascade below the lake, reachable by a short trail or the cable car that runs between the two levels.
• Ride the Bâlea cable car — Take the téléphérique linking the lower chalet to Bâlea Lake, useful when the top road is closed by snow.
• Vidraru Dam and Lake — Admire the towering arch dam and turquoise reservoir at the southern end of the highway.
• Poenari Castle — Climb over 1,400 steps to the ruined fortress linked to Vlad the Impaler, perched high above the valley.
• Hike toward Moldoveanu views — Set off on the alpine trails from Bâlea to ridgelines with vistas of Romania's highest peaks.
• Capra Waterfall — Pause at this roadside cascade on the southern approach to the tunnel for photos and fresh mountain air.

Food to try

• Bulz ciobănesc — Shepherd's polenta balls filled with sheep cheese and baked, sold at chalets along the road.
• Grilled trout (păstrăv) — Fresh mountain trout grilled at roadside stands, a specialty of the Făgăraș streams.
• Mici — Grilled skinless minced-meat rolls served with mustard and bread at the lay-by grills.
• Brânză de burduf — Tangy sheep cheese matured in fir bark, sold by local shepherds near Bâlea.
• Papanași — Fried doughnuts topped with sour cream and forest-berry jam, a hearty mountain dessert.
• Țuică — Traditional plum brandy offered at roadside stalls, best sampled after the drive not before.

Local customs & good to know

• Check the seasonal opening — The high section between Bâlea and the tunnel is usually open only from late June to October due to snow.
• Start early to avoid crowds — Summer weekends bring heavy traffic and slow queues at the hairpins, so set off at dawn.
• Carry cash for stalls — Roadside food and cheese vendors often accept only Romanian lei in cash.
• Respect the shepherds and dogs — Livestock guardian dogs roam the pastures, so keep distance and don't approach the flocks.

Nearby

• Cozia Monastery (Wallachia) — 40 km
• Sibiu — 44 km
• Piatra Craiului National Park — 49 km
• Curtea de Argeș (Wallachia) — 52 km