With infinite twisting bends and a rollercoaster of abrupt ups and downs, this stunning road over the mountains unravels scenic landscapes and epic emotions. Transalpina evokes the raw thrill of exploration and discovery, by crossing ridges and valleys, while sometimes touching the clouds!
Representing an old sheepherding trail across the mountains, Transalpina was first paved during the First World War for its strategic importance. Reaching the highest altitude for a road in the country, the Transalpina, also known as the “King’s Road”, truly is one of the most exciting and unforgettable experiences in the country. The road crosses the Carpathian Mountains, connecting the historical regions of Transylvania and Wallachia. More precisely, it links the towns of Novaci in Gorj County with Sebeș in Alba County, for a total length of about 130 kilometers, filled with countless emotions.
Sights along the Road
Transalpina is among the most beautiful and memorable high mountain roads in Europe. Starting from the north and leaving from the town of Sebeș, the road passes through a few villages at the foot of the mountains, quickly crossing between the ridges of Șureanu and Cindrel mountains. Just a few kilometers in, we can stop for a short hike up a hill to the old Dacian fortress of Căpâlna, part of the UNESCO heritage.
Even if only a handful of ruined walls remain today after two millennia, the panoramas from above are worth the effort. The road continues passing by a small lake and after it leaves behind the last villages of the Sebeș Valley, the scenery becomes a lot wilder and the ridges taller and taller.
A few more kilometers further, we pass by a few geological reserves, the most interesting being known as Masa Jidovului (or Giant’s Table), an imposing wooded rock with unique features and fascinating legends. On the ridges above, we could find old cottages and sheepfolds surrounded by idyllic pastures, testament to the ancestral pastoral traditions of the area. Continuing along the Transalpina upwards, we encounter the dam of the small Tău Bistra Lake, located in a splendid natural area.
Another 15 kilometers driving along this magnificent road, we reach the large Oașa Lake and Dam, created on the Sebeș River and having a length of about 6 kilometers. From here, we can begin a few exciting hikes towards the higher mountains around for unforgettable views of the lake. On the other side of the lake, a short road takes us to Oașa Monastery, a tranquil oasis in the middle of wild nature.
Leaving behind the sparkling mirror of the lake, the road meets another one that follows the Frumoasa Valley and enters the Cindrel Natural Park, a remote and enchanting destination with amazing hikes. A little further along our journey, Transalpina begins its descent towards Obârșia Lotrului, where it meets the 7A national road that follows the Lotru and Jieț valleys, connecting the town of Brezoi with the city of Petroșani through the mountains. Here, we can find a few lodges and guesthouses.
From this point, we begin the most challenging and spectacular part of the road, first ascending a series of seemingly infinite tight hairpin bends that take us up the highest ridges of Parâng Mountains. We pass by the Ștefanu Sheepfold, where we can sample the delightful traditional food, and a little further we reach the Muntinu Peak. From here, panoramas open up all around, from the high main ridge of Parâng to the large valleys descending towards Iezerul Latoriței and Galbenu Lake. We then begin the descent towards the deep Urdele Valley, passing by a charming waterfall. The last climb is another series of extremely dramatic tight bends right at the edge of the abyss.
Up top, the Transalpina passes through the Urdele Pass (2.132m) the highest point for a road in Romania, giving us a chance to appreciate the landscapes, with gorgeous glacial valleys, rocky peaks and never-ending wooded ridges. We then go around the Păpușa Peak and begin a tedious and twisting descent towards the Rânca Mountain Resort, extremely popular during the winter season, offering a few ski slopes and a lot of accommodation options. From here, there are only about 20 kilometers to the city of Novaci, famous for its pastoral traditions.
Best Accommodation on Transalpina Road
Transalpina Lodge 3*
9.3 Rating from 350 Reviews!
Located in the resort of Rânca, this amazing lodge features superb rooms with perfect amenities, as well as a shared kitchen, a coffee shop and barbecue facilities!
Hanul Haiducilor 3*
9.6 Rating from 132 Reviews!
With excellent reviews and a perfect location at the intersection of Transalpina Road and Lotru valley, this inn offers accommodation in superb rooms, a great restaurant and more!
Parang Lodge 3*
9.3 Rating from 584 Reviews!
Located in the center of Rânca mountain resort, this lodge has excellent reviews and features comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, a restaurant and a bar!