Transfagarasan romania

The Transfagarasan in Romania is one of the world's most spectacular roads, featuring winding curves and breathtaking mountain landscapes.

About this subject

The Transfagarasan is a scenic road crossing the Southern Carpathians in Romania, connecting the historical regions of Transylvania and Wallachia. Built between 1970 and 1974 under the regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu, the highway was designed as a strategic military route to traverse the Făgăraș Mountains. Its construction involved about 6,000 workers and resulted in over 40 fatalities due to dangerous conditions. The road reaches a maximum altitude of 2,042 meters at the Bâlea Pass, making it the highest paved road in Romania.

Along its 90 kilometers, the Transfagarasan offers tight curves, tunnels carved into rock, and panoramic views of glacial peaks. One of the highlights is Bâlea Lake, a glacial lake at 2,034 meters altitude, accessible by cable car. Another landmark is Vidraru Dam, an impressive 166-meter-high dam that forms an artificial lake. The road is famous for its five tunnels, including the Capra Tunnel, which extends over 800 meters.

Due to harsh weather, the Transfagarasan is closed to traffic from October to June, as snow and ice make the passage dangerous. In summer, it attracts tourists from around the world, especially car and motorcycle enthusiasts. The road gained global notoriety after being featured on the BBC's Top Gear, which declared it "the best road in the world." Its combination of bold engineering and natural beauty makes it an iconic road trip destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Transfagarasan built?

The Transfagarasan was built between 1970 and 1974, during the communist regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu.

Why is the Transfagarasan famous?

It is famous for its winding curves, breathtaking scenery, and for being declared the best road in the world by the BBC's Top Gear.

Is the Transfagarasan open year-round?

No, the road is closed from October to June due to snow and ice. It typically reopens in July and remains open until September.