Transalpina is the highest paved road of Romania
Transalpina is an exhilarating drive with breathtaking views located in central Romania. Running through the Carpathian Mountains, it’s one of the famous Romanian high altitude roads.
How long is the Transalpina road in Romania?
The road, officially known as DN67C, is entirely paved, stretching 148 km (92 miles) from Novaci (a town in Gorj County) to Sebeş, a city in Alba County, in a south-north direction. The road offers breathtaking views along with a thrilling driving experience. This paved road is challenging, with hundreds of turns.
How long does it take to drive the Transalpina road in Romania?
Set high in the Parâng Mountains group, in the Southern Carpathians of Romania, it’s one of the most spectacular roads in the country. Plan around 3 hours to complete the drive without any stops. It’s quite famous and popular, with thousands of visitors every year, due to the experience it provides: driving through a mountainous region and being surrounded by nature on all sides. You can only imagine the landscapes you are bound to admire on your trip. But what you might not know is that Transalpina also offers a beautiful natural setting. In fact, if you take this path instead of the one leading to Transfagarasan, you will be taken aback by what nature has to offer you. Transalpina, known as “The Devil’s Path,” is Romania’s newest attraction visiting and turning from North to South across the Parang mountains.
When was the Transalpina road built?
Built under King Carol II, locals in the area refer to it as The King’s Road (“Drumul Regelui”). Inaugurated in 1938 by King Charles II in Poiana Sibiu, the road was rebuilt during World War II by German troops for military purposes. It remained inaccessible to most normal drivers and vehicles until only a few years ago. Starting in 2007, efforts began to transform this spectacular road into a modern highway (148 km), allowing rapid transit between Oltenia and Transylvania. In 2009, it was completely paved and opened to traffic in 2012. The road follows a path established by the Roman legions during the wars with the Dacians.
When is the Transalpina road open?
Reputed to be the highest paved road in Romania, reaching an elevation of 2,145m (7,037ft) at Urdele Pass, it is not open all year round. Depending on weather conditions, the highway is usually closed in November or December due to heavy snowfall and treacherous driving situations. It opens around mid-May (depending on the weather) and only during daytime (08:00-20:00h). Remember to bring a light jacket as the weather at 2000 meters of altitude can be unpredictable, and the wind is a bit cold even in the middle of the summer.
When is the best time to drive the Transalpina road in Romania?
To fully appreciate the grandeur of Transalpina, drivers should consider organizing a trip in mid-to-late autumn. In this season, deciduous trees undergo a vibrant transformation, displaying a breathtaking backdrop adorned with a myriad of hues, including various shades of green, orange, yellow, red, and brown.