Why this road
Built in the 1970s as a military road, it has become one of Europe's most spectacular drives. The northern side is the show: a staircase of hairpins up a bare glacial valley, with the road visible far below you. The southern side is completely different: long, wooded and quiet, along the shore of Lake Vidraru and over its huge dam, with Poenari Castle high on a cliff.
The route
- ACârțișoara
Start in the farmland at the foot of the Făgăraș Mountains. The road heads straight for the ridge.
- 1Bâlea Cascadă
The forest ends near the waterfall and the cable car station. From here the famous hairpins begin.
- 2Bâlea Lac
A glacial lake by the summit tunnel, with a chalet and food stalls. Then the tunnel takes you under the ridge to the south side.
- 3Vidraru Dam
After a long descent through forest the road follows the lake and crosses the dam. Stop and look down the wall into the gorge.
- 4Poenari Castle
A ruined fortress high above the road, linked with Vlad the Impaler. Around 1,500 steps lead up, when the path is open.
- BCurtea de Argeș
A small town with a famous monastery church, the end of the mountain road.
Stops worth it
Plan 45 minutes: walk around the lake and up a few minutes for the view back down the hairpins.
Twenty minutes on the dam, with the lake on one side and the deep drop on the other.
An hour for the climb. The path is sometimes closed when bears are around, so check on site.
Light and the best time
Drive from north to south in the morning. The northern hairpins climb a valley that opens to the north, so the early sun from the east lights them from the side and the view back down from Bâlea Lac is at its best. Clouds often build over the ridge from late morning, and afternoons can bring fog and thunderstorms. The southern side is mostly forest, where the light matters less. Leave Cârțișoara by about 7:30 am.
The high section is usually open only from about July to October, depending on snow: check before you go. Outside that time you can reach Bâlea Lac only by cable car from the north. July and August weekends are very busy at Bâlea Lac, so come on a weekday or in September. Snow can fall at the top even in summer.
By vehicle
A legend among riders: hairpins, tunnels and lots of curves on the descent. The surface can be patchy, and watch for gravel, livestock and bears.
Spectacular with the roof down, but it is cold and windy at the top. Bring warm layers.
Fine for any car, but slow going. Use a low gear on the long descent and take breaks.
Good to know
Cars need the Romanian road vignette (rovinieta), which covers national roads like this one; buy it online before you set off, motorbikes have been exempt but check the current rules. The high section is closed outside the summer season and night closures have applied in some years. Brown bears often wait by the road on the south side: stay in the car, keep the windows up and never feed them. Fuel up in the valley, there is no station on the mountain.
Route checked against OpenStreetMap on 2 November 2026. Roads, closures and rules change: always check before you go and follow local signs.
Questions
When is the Transfăgărășan open?
The high section is usually open from about July to October, depending on snow. Check the current status before you go.
How long does it take to drive the Transfăgărășan?
About 3 hours from Cârțișoara to Curtea de Argeș without stops. With stops, plan a full day.
Are there bears on the Transfăgărășan?
Yes, brown bears are often seen by the road, especially on the southern side near Lake Vidraru. Stay in your car and do not feed them.
Do I need a vignette for the Transfăgărășan?
Cars need the Romanian rovinieta for national roads, including this one. Buy it online before you drive.
Can I visit Bâlea Lac in winter?
Yes, by cable car from Bâlea Cascadă on the northern side. The road itself is closed.