Transfagarasan
Romania, europe
151 km
2,042 m
difficult
July to September
The Transfagarasan Highway (DN7C) is a spectacular mountain road that crosses the Fagaras Mountains in central Romania, connecting the historic regions of Transylvania and Wallachia. Stretching 151 kilometers from Pitesti to Sibiu, the road reaches its highest point at 2,042 meters at Balea Lake. It was famously declared "the best road in the world" by Jeremy Clarkson on the BBC's Top Gear in 2009, bringing it to international attention.
The road was built between 1970 and 1974 under the orders of Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu as a strategic military route following the 1968 Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia. The construction was carried out primarily by military personnel and claimed the lives of an estimated 40 workers. The road was carved through some of the most challenging terrain in the Carpathian Mountains, requiring extensive tunneling, bridge-building, and blasting through solid rock.
The northern descent from Balea Lake is the most dramatic section, featuring a series of tight switchbacks, a 900-meter tunnel, and views of the Balea waterfall and glacial lake. The road is surrounded by dense forests, alpine meadows, and rocky peaks, with the Fagaras range providing a stunning backdrop. Due to heavy snowfall, the upper sections are closed from late October through June, though the exact dates vary by year. When open, the road offers an unforgettable driving experience through wild, pristine mountain scenery.
Where is it?
Transfagarasan is located in Fagaras Mountains, Romania (europe). Coordinates: 45.6036, 24.6155
Driving Tips
Open roughly late June to late October. Drive the road from south to north for the best views. Stop at Balea Lake for hiking. Avoid weekends in August when traffic is heaviest.
Road Surface
Paved asphalt
Road Details
- Country
- Romania
- Continent
- europe
- Region
- Fagaras Mountains
- Length
- 151 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,042 m
- Difficulty
- difficult
- Surface
- Paved asphalt
- Best Season
- July to September
- Coordinates
- 45.6036, 24.6155
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