Transfagarasan Highway

What are the highlights of cycling the Transfagarasan?

Ionut says “Constructed using tons of dynamite in the 1970s, the Transfagarasan is a very good looking road blessed with impressive curling switchbacks and surrounded by the towering Carpathian Mountains.

The route (especially the climb from the north side) is included in almost every Tour of Romania and Tour of Sibiu, but also in other competitions. The south side of the mountain is mainly used for triathlons and for other competitions, due to Vidraru Lake. 

Note: it’s likely you will come across wild bears along the Transfagarasan. This year we’ve been to the Transfagarasan seven times. Each time we met at least six bears, but usually more than 10. They are wild animals, so of course there is potential for danger, but in our experience we’ve found they aren’t dangerous, just waiting for food because the tourists feed them. If you see a bear ahead, it’s a good idea to wait until there is a car alongside you to ride past, to shield you from the bear.”

What to expect

The Transfagarasan is the most well known road crossing the Carpathians. 

Ionut says “The total length is 150 km, but for cycling, the focus is the 94 km section, from the village of Cartisoara on the north side to the village of Arefu on the south side. Most cyclists prefer to climb the north part and to descend the south, as the famous twisting switchbacks start right after Cartisoara village.”

Climb up the north side

Ionut continues, “The climb starts about 40km from Sibiu (more on Sibiu below), close to Cartisoara village.

Unlike the south side, where the really twisty parts starts closer to the top, here, the entire road is really twisty from around 14km in! It’s a steady 6-7% gradient and through the forest, but once you pass the Balea Waterfall the forest is left behind and you start to see almost to Sibiu (on a clear day).

After a few more twists, you get to this amazing view of the final climb, a never-ending S shape road, biting the hard rock of the mountains. It’s really impressive. Here, on top of the mountain, the twists are wider and you start to see what Clarkson meant when he said is the best road in the world!

Make sure you have a good camera on your phone because from here to the summit, there are some breathtaking viewpoints which give you amazing views. The snow stays on the road including in June, and sometime cars are not allowed to pass Balea Waterfall, so you might have empty roads to the top.

The road in the final kilometre, is cut into the rocky mountains until you see the final corner, the Balea Lake Cabin, and if you climb a little further, you will be at the amazing lake sitting on top of the mountain.

After this 30km climb with 1,500m of elevation gain, you can really enjoy that beer (or warm soup/tea) at the restaurant, with the glacial lake and the great mountains behind you. It really gives you a satisfaction like no other – that is until you start the descent!

Descent of Transfagarasan to the south

The start of the descent is a one kilometre long tunnel. When the tunnel is open for cars, there is no need for lights, but during the winter season (which might be until mid-June!), the tunnel lights are closed, so you need lights.

After that, get ready for a treat!

The first part of the descent (approximately 10 kilometres to “Capra Chalet”) is amazing, with corners and speed that make you feel like Valentino Rossi in a MotoGP race!

Once you are at the lake level, the 28 kilometres around the lake to the dam include some more descent (660 metres according to RWGPS) but also some climbing (630 metres). This section along the lake is also the place where you can meet most of the bears, but also foxes, dear, and other wildlife.

If you want to finish the ride at the dam, there are a few hotels nearby, some of them offering lake cruising and spa services.  

From the dam you have another nice descent to the village of Arefu, crossing a few tunnels and viaducts. On the way you can also spot Poienari fortress, which is the real fortress built by Vlad the Impaler – who reigned in the historical region of Valachia.  

Transfagarasan road ends at the town of Curtea de Arges, so you can enjoy another 30 km descent from Arefu to Curtea de Arges through villages. The route is not high traffic, so it’s fun to ride.”

Where to stay for cycling Transfagarasan

Ionut shares the following tips for where to stay when cycling Transfagarasan:

North side of the Transfagarasan

“The villages of Carta and Cartisoara have some good accommodation options, including camping and guesthouses. The most popular hotels/guesthouses are Casa Mosului and Casa de Oaspeti (in Cartisoara), and the Stone Mill Guesthouse (in Carta).

At Balea Waterfall, there’s Balea Cascada Hotel. 

On top of the mountain, you can stay at Balea Lake Chalet and Paltinu Chalet.  

South side of the Transfagarasan

Capra Chalet, Conacul Ursului Hotel, and Piscu Negru Hotel are all worth checking out.

Once you are at the dam, you have a few 4*hotels: Posada and Valea cu Pesti.

At the bottom of the climb, the La Cetate Chalet and Dracula Camping are the places for accommodation.  

Curtea de Arges also has lots of accommodation options. It is one of Romania’s historical towns, so if you have the time to spend more time here, there are a few sites to visit, including the Monastery, with the graves of the Royal Family members.

For more cycling friendly accommodation in Romania, check out www.velopopas.ro.”   

Tips for cycling the Transfagarasan

1. Check road conditions

The Transfagarasan highway is subject to closures due to unpredictable weather conditions, such as heavy snow and landslides. Before starting your ride, check for road closures and weather updates to ensure the road is open and safe for cycling.

The road is usually closed for cars from end-October to mid-June, due to wintery conditions. During this period, the road is not closed for hiking or cycling, but you do it at your own risk. You need to make sure you have good information, to avoid experiencing high snow on the top or other dangerous situations, such as rock falls or avalanches.

Apart from the winter season, during the summer season the road might be temporarily closed due the heavy rains, rock falls, or sport events. Some of them might not affect the cyclists, but it is good to be informed in advance.

2. Be prepared for the climb

The Transfagarasan is famous for its steep gradients; the RWGPS profile for the Transfagarasan climb (above) shows gradients up to 18%. Make sure you’ve got suitable gearing and are in shape for the climb. You can find more tips here.

3. Bring layers of clothing

The weather on the Transfagarasan can change rapidly, even during the summer. Pack layers of clothing to adjust to varying temperatures and weather conditions. It’s a good idea to have a waterproof and windproof outer layer as well. Our packing list might be useful (road list, gravel list).

4. Stay alert for traffic

The Transfagarasan can get crowded with vehicles, especially during weekends and peak tourist seasons. Remain vigilant and watch out for cars, motorcycles, and buses while cycling. Stay close to the right side of the road and use hand signals to indicate your intentions.

5. Watch out for the bears

You’re likely to come across at least a few bears. Dogs can also be an issue. See the note above.

6. Enjoy the views

Riding the Transfagarasan offers stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Appreciate the breathtaking landscapes and savour it.

What else to do along Transfagarasan?

If you want to spend more time around, or if you are together with a non-cyclist, here are a few touristic sites to visit before and during your trip along Transfagarasan:

• The ruins of the Cistercian Monastery in Carta
• The Badea Cartan folkloric museum in Cartisoara
• Balea Waterfall
• Balea Lake
• Vidraru Dam – the biggest dam in Romania
• Poienari Fortress
• Curtea de Arges Monastery – the place where the kings of Romania are buried

Looking for an organised tour?

Ionut says, “our two-day cycling trip that takes in both the Transfagarasan and Transalpina is really popular. You can find all the details here.”

Ionut Maftei is from Bucharest in Romania and set up Bike in Time in 2019 to help cyclists discover Romania by bike. Today he runs road, gravel and leisure trips all over Romania.

He says, "I am Ionut, I am born and raised in Romania. Unlike many Romanians, I never left the country to work abroad. I started off life in finance and then management consulting. In 2007, once my country become part of the European Union, I started a cycling tourism project, initially as a hobby. Cycling, mountain hiking, and sport was always part of my life, but I was never able to be part of a professional team, as this kind of activities were never popular in the post-communism Romania.

During one of my business meetings, I saw (by chance) a travel magazine describing the cycling routes of Europe, and I observed a map with lot of cycling routes crossing Europe, but none of them arriving in Romania.

The idea was floating in my head for some time, but I think that was the "lightbulb" moment I was convinced to go ahead with the idea and to initiate a startup in the cycling tourism. My personal aim is to put Romania on the map with cyclists. I still have that magazine, which I used for my business plan when developing the tour agency.

My last years have been very active, as I was involved in international projects, and developing a cycling strategy for Romania, including a cycling tourism network, very similar to EuroVelo Network. A multinational project offered me the opportunity to achieve more expertise, and now I am a route inspector (certified by EuroVelo), a bicycle policy auditor (certified by Bypad), and I was awarded as cycling ambassador for Romania during the Danube Cycle Plans project.

In the last year I initiated a new cycling related project – the very first Romanian certification for cycling friendly hotels, restaurants, and tourist sites. It is called „Velo Popas”. We are part of a larger association of another four countries, which are promoting the „Cyclists welcome” sites. The project is in the start-up phase, and the website is www.velopopas.ro."