Good to know!
“We were wrong, this is better than the Selvio, this is the best road in the world” those are the words of Jeremy Clarckson, the host of Top Gear, after he finished touring the entire Transfagarsan.
Transfagarasan Pass connects Walachia and Transylvania, crosses the Carpathian Mountains and offers you the most spectacular view in Romania. Transfagarasan famous road is an attraction and a challenge for cyclists, drivers and motorcycle enthusiasts, thanks to its curves and views.
Short history
Transfăgărășan was constructed between 1970 and 1974, during the rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu. It came as a response to the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Soviet Union. The road was built mainly with military forces, at a high cost both financially and from a human standpoint—roughly 6 million kilograms of dynamite were used on the northern face, and the official records state that about 40 soldiers lost their lives in building accidents. The road was officially opened on 20 September 1974 although work continued unofficially until 1980, in particular the asphalting of the roadbed.
Route
The road climbs to 2,034 metres altitude, making it the 2nd highest mountain pass in Romania after Transalpina. With almost 150 km of curves,a total of 5 tunnels and 27 viaducts, Transfagarsan road offers unforgettable memories, adrenaline and a lot of fun for every rider. Near the highest point, at Bâlea Lake, the road passes through Bâlea Tunnel, the longest road tunnel in Romania (884 m).
Balea Lake
Balea Lake, which is located in the top of Transfagarasan road, is the perfect destination if you just want to relax and to enjoy the beauty of the nature. Balea Lake is a glacier lake situated at 2,034 meters of altitude in the Fagaras Mountains, in central area of Romania. The lake is about 11 meters deep and 360 meters long. However, it is not a bathing attraction as the temperature of the water can rarely reach 10 degrees Celsius in summer.
Join the “Best of Carpathian Mountains” Guided Tour or Self Guided Tour, if you want to be discover the most beautiful part of Romania.