The Transfăgărăşan is the most dramatic and second-highest paved road in Romania. Built in the 70' as a strategic military route, it crosses the Southern Carpathians from north to south, connecting the historic regions of Transylvania and Wallachia. Take this tour offered by NORC to follow the most spectacular part of the Transfagarasan, on the northern side of the mountain. Each picture has a link to the map and the panoramic image of the area. Enjoy !


Our trek begins outside the Transylvanian village of Cartisoara. We can only do this in the summer: the road is usually closed from late October until late June due to the thick snow covering the road higher on the mountain.


The northern section of the Transfagarasan is used as a part of the yearly cyclist Tour of Romania. The difficulty of this section is considered to be very similar to Hors Categorie climbs in the Tour de France.


As we drive on, cliffs become steeper and protection walls become necessary, as rocks may fall on the road at any time. Accidents are rare, though.


The road becomes more and more spectacular. It is getting colder and the diver's grip on the steering wheel gets tighter. Far ahead you can get a glimpse of what's next to come.


This is where people in the car usually become silent. Rocks fallen on the road and the chasm on the side make everyone feel a mixture of awe and excitement.


This is the point where the road leaves the tree line behind. Also behind you can see a large part of Transylvania.


Moving on, we are climbing the majestic valley, amidst an eerie silence.


Driving is getting tougher. The Transfăgărăşan is both an attraction and a challenge for hikers, cyclists, drivers and motorcycle enthusiasts alike. The average speed by car is around 40 km/h.


Snow on the Transfagarasan usually lasts until late in the summer. So be careful with the snow walla, unless you are driving a bulldozer.


The road was built between 1970 and 1974, during the rule of communist leader Nicolae Ceauşescu. It came as a response to the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Soviet Union. Romanian authorities wanted to ensure quick military access across the mountains in the event the Soviets attempted a similar move into Romania.


As you climb higher, you can see the road behind, as well as the Transylvanian Plateau. Roughly 6 million kilograms of dynamite were used for the construction of the northern side of the Transfagarasan.


We are getting close to our destination: the highest point of the Transfagarasan road, 2,034 meters altitude. Straight forward lies a tunnel (884 m) which leads to the southern side of the mountain, while the road on the left leads to Balea Lake.


The most popular destination on the Transfagarasan road, Balea lake and chalet. Out there, snow is usually thicker than 1 meter during winter months. When that happens, tourists can only reach the lake by cable-car.