Transfăgărășan and Southern Carpathians

The Transfăgărășan (DN 7C) crosses the Făgăraș Mountains between Bascov and Cârțișoara. It is closed in winter, and the dates change with snow and avalanche risk.

Length: About 90 km (mountain section)
Start / end: Bascov / Cârțișoara
Top elevation: About 2,040 m (Bâlea tunnel)
Open: Summer only, dates vary
Best season: Jul–Sep

Before you go

The high section is closed in winter because of snow, rockfall and avalanche risk. Reopening depends on the weather and most recently came in June.
Check the current status with the road administration (CNAIR and its Brașov regional directorate) before you set out. Closures can also occur for events.
Romania requires a road-use charge (rovinieta) on its road network. Buy it online or at CNAIR offices at the border crossings.
According to travel sources, wild camping outside protected areas is usually tolerated, but mountain protected areas allow camping only in designated places.

Planning

The road was built between 1970 and 1974. It begins in Bascov near Pitești and ends at the DN1 near Cârțișoara, between Sibiu and Brașov. The mountain section between the Vidraru dam and Cârțișoara is about 91 km. At Lake Bâlea, around 2,040 m, the road goes through a tunnel of just under 900 m. Sources give slightly different opening dates, so plan for a summer trip and check the status.

Camping

According to travel sources, wild camping outside protected areas is usually tolerated if you respect residents and leave no litter. In mountain protected areas camping is allowed only in designated places, and tent pitching on beaches is banned. For caravans, parking does not allow setting up camp, so awnings and outdoor furniture are prohibited. Avoid private land without the owner's consent, and check the local rules.

Getting around

The road has many hairpin bends, and a recommended speed limit of 40 km/h is mentioned for the mountain section. The road is closed at night; sources give different times (most recently 7 am to 9 pm according to the road administration), so check them beforehand. Lake Bâlea can also be reached by cable car. A Romanian vignette (rovinieta) is required for the road network.

FAQs

When is the Transfăgărășan open?

Only in the summer half-year. It is closed in winter; it most recently reopened in June and closes in autumn, depending on snow and weather. The road administration sets the dates, so check the current status shortly before you travel.

Do I need a vignette for Romania?

Yes. The rovinieta road-use charge is compulsory on the Romanian road network. You can buy it online at the official e-rovinieta site or at CNAIR offices at the border. The category depends on the vehicle.

Can I wild camp near the Transfăgărășan?

Outside protected areas it is usually tolerated, but mountain protected areas allow camping only in designated places. Respect residents, avoid private land and check the local rules and signs.