This is the quintessential Carpathian road trip: two roads that climb above 2,000 m, with hairpins, glacial lakes and breathtaking passes. Important: both alpine roads only open in summer, roughly from July, and close at the first snowfall. Always check the state of the roads and the weather before leaving — fog on the ridge can turn a dream day into a cautious one.
Ziua 1 — The Transfăgărășan
Leave in the morning and tackle the Transfăgărășan from the north. Climb the hairpins up to Bâlea Lake, the heart of the road, above 2,000 m. Stop often: the views are why you came. Sleep around Bâlea or descend south for accommodation; see stays and guesthouses.
Ziua 2 — The Făgăraș up close
If you want a walk too, the region offers routes toward the Făgăraș ridges — see the Făgăraș – Transfăgărășan page. Otherwise, enjoy the tunnel beneath Paltinu Peak and the descent toward Vidraru. Roughly, the full road traverse with stops takes a whole day.
Ziua 3 — The Transalpina
Move west toward the Transalpina, Romania's highest road. Pass through the Parâng – Rânca – Transalpina area and climb to the Urdele pass, above 2,100 m. The scenery is gentler and more open than the Transfăgărășan, with endless alpine meadows.
Ziua 4 — Descent and return
Drive down at a relaxed pace, with photo stops, and head home. If you still have energy, a warm soak rounds off the tour perfectly — see thermal baths.
Tips
- Fill up in the valley; there are no fuel stations up high.
- Leave early: fog and traffic build up on the hairpins in the afternoon.
- Good tyres and rested brakes — long descents put strain on the car.