Urdele Pass is one of the hardest climbs in Eastern Europe
Pasul Urdele is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.145m (7,037ft) above sea level, located in Romania. At this elevation it’s said to be one of the highest paved roads of the country.
Where is Pasul Urdele?
The pass is located on the boundary between Valcea and Gorj counties, in the central part of the country.
When was the road through Pasul Urdele built?
The origins of this road are uncertain. Some sources suggest it was initially constructed by the Roman legions during the conflicts with the Dacians, leading to its inclusion on historical maps as the "Roman strategic corridor IV”.
Is Urdele Pass paved?
Set high in the Parâng Mountains group, in the Southern Carpathians of the country, the road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called Transalpina or DN67C. It’s the highest point on the popular road.
Is Urdele Pass challenging?
It’s one of the hardest roads in the eastern part of Europe, hitting a 12.2% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps.
How long is Urdele Pass?
The pass is 28km (17.39 miles) long running north-south from Obârşia Lotrului to Rânca. It's quite famous and it attracts an impressive number of tourists due to the experience it provides.
Is Urdele Pass open?
The road is subject to seasonal closures throughout the year, primarily influenced by weather conditions. Typically, in November or December, the highway is closed due to substantial snowfall and the potential hazards it presents for driving. However, from mid-May to mid-October, with weather permitting, the road becomes accessible during daylight hours only (from 08:00 to 20:00).