Transfăgărășan
Cârțișoara, Romania
A dramatic road over the Carpathians, reaching 2,042 m at Bâlea Lake. Usually open July to October.
The Transfăgărășan (DN7C) crosses the main ridge of the Făgăraș Mountains and reaches its highest point at 2,042 m; it is regarded as Romania's second-highest paved mountain road. It was built from 1970 to 1974, and paving dragged on until 1980. The route has steep hairpin bends, long S-curves and many tunnels and viaducts; at 884 m, the Bâlea Tunnel is the longest road tunnel in Romania. Bâlea Lake and Bâlea Waterfall lie at the pass.
Because of the bends, the average speed is only about 40 km/h, so allow half a day for the crossing. In winter the high-mountain section is closed because of snow, usually from late October or early November until June or July; in 2026 it opened on 12 June (as of October 2026). Check the current status before you set off. The narrow, winding road is demanding for large motorhomes, so drive slowly and early in the day, when there is less traffic.
- Nearest town
- Cârțișoara, Romania
- Category
- Scenic viewpoints
- GPS
- 45.6035, 24.6166
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually July–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and September. Cold, short days in November–March. Mountain passes on this route are usually open July–October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Romania: Vignette needed for motorways. Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 130 km/h.
- Transfăgărășan (2,042 m). Usually open July–October; outside that window the road can be closed by snow. Alternative: Use the Olt valley road (DN7).
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- Conacul UrsuluiCampsite4 km from TransfăgărășanTentsCaravans
- CârțișoaraCampsite11 km from Transfăgărășan
- Casa DușeCampsite15 km from TransfăgărășanWi-Fi
- De oude WilgCampsite20 km from TransfăgărășanTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsDogs allowedWi-Fi
- Moo Moo Retreat CampingCampsite21 km from Transfăgărășan
- Palatul BrukenthalCampsite23 km from Transfăgărășan
All campsites in Romania · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Transfăgărășan?
Transfăgărășan is in Cârțișoara, Romania, at GPS 45.6035, 24.6166. It is about 44 km from Sibiu.
Can you camp near Transfăgărășan?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Conacul Ursului, about 4 km away; within 25 km there are 10 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Transfăgărășan?
Transfăgărășan is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Transylvania: castles and Saxon towns.
What is there to see near Transfăgărășan?
Places worth a stop nearby: Sibiu Old Town and Large Square (42 km), Cozia Monastery (43 km), ASTRA Museum of Traditional Folk Civilization (43 km) and Bran Castle (59 km).
When is the best time to visit Transfăgărășan?
The most pleasant months are usually July–August. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and September. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)