Transfăgărășan Road
Center Region
The Transfăgărășan Road, officially designated DN7C, is a paved mountain route traversing the southern Carpathians in Romania, connecting the historic regions of Transylvania and Wallachia. Built between 1970 and 1974 under Nicolae Ceaușescu's regime, it was designed as a strategic military passage in response to the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. The road climbs to 2,042 meters, making it the country's second-highest paved road, characterized by steep hairpin turns, long S-curves, and sharp descents. It offers access to notable natural landmarks such as Bâlea Lake and Bâlea Waterfall, and features Romania's longest road tunnel, the 884-meter Bâlea Tunnel. The route is closed during winter months due to heavy snow but is a popular destination for drivers, cyclists, and hikers during the open season. The southern section near Arefu is close to Poenari Castle, historically linked to Vlad the Impaler. The Transfăgărășan gained international fame through a 2009 "Top Gear" episode, where it was hailed as "the best road in the world."
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Tip: The best time to visit the Transfăgărășan is from late June to early October when the road is open and weather conditions are favorable. Visitors should check local signage near Curtea de Argeș and Cârțișoara for current road status, as snow closures can vary. It's advisable to plan for slower travel speeds due to winding terrain. Booking accommodations in nearby towns in advance is recommended during peak season. Cyclists and drivers should prepare for sharp curves and elevation changes. No specific ticketing is required as the road is public, but guided tours and cycling events may require prior arrangements.
Interesting facts
- •Transfăgărășan is Romania's second-highest paved road after the Transalpina.
- •The road features Romania's longest road tunnel, Bâlea Tunnel, measuring 884 meters.
- •It was built primarily by military forces using six million kilograms of dynamite.
- •The road was constructed as a strategic military route during the Cold War, in response to Soviet threats.
- •The southern section near Arefu is close to Poenari Castle, associated with Vlad the Impaler.
- •The Transfăgărășan was acclaimed as "the best road in the world" by the TV show Top Gear in 2009.
History
Constructed between 1970 and 1974, the Transfăgărășan was commissioned by Nicolae Ceaușescu as a strategic military route to ensure rapid troop movement across the Carpathians following the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia.
The road was built mainly by military personnel, often under harsh alpine conditions at around 2,000 meters elevation, using large quantities of dynamite.
Official records cite 40 casualties during construction, though unofficial estimates suggest higher numbers.
The road officially opened on September 20, 1974, with paving works continuing until 1980.
It remains a significant engineering feat and a symbol of Romania's Cold War history.
Place Guide
Bâlea Lake
A glacial lake situated near the highest point of the Transfăgărășan at 2,034 meters, offering stunning alpine scenery and access to hiking trails.
Bâlea Tunnel1970s
The longest road tunnel in Romania, measuring 884 meters, located near Bâlea Lake, providing passage through the mountain at high altitude.
Poenari Castle15th century
Ruins of the fortress once inhabited by Vlad the Impaler, located near the southern section of the road close to the village of Arefu.
