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. 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.

A few more kilometers further, we pass by a few geological reserves and on the ridges above, we could find old cottages and sheepfolds surrounded by idyllic pastures, testament to the ancestral pastoral traditions of the area. Further along, we reach the large Oașa Lake and Dam, while the other side of the lake, a short road takes us to Oașa Monastery and even further along into the deep wilderness of Șureanu Mountains, finally ending in a small resort. Leaving behind the sparkling mirror of the lake, Transalpina 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 and 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.

Panoramas open up all around, from the high main ridge of Parâng to the large valleys descending towards Iezerul Latoriței and Galbenu Lake. We could also find another dirt road that starts here, following the stunning ridge of the Latorița Mountains and offering stupendous views of the Vidra Lake. 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 neverending 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. From here, there are only about 20 kilometers to the city of Novaci, famous for its pastoral traditions.