Transfagarasan Highway

Your journey starts in the early morning in Bucharest, from where you will head northwards passing by the former capital of the medieval Wallachian principality, Curtea de Arges. Climb your way toward the Carpathian Mountains through the Transfagarasan Road and stop by to admire the Vidraru Dam, one of the largest in Romania, followed by a memorable ride along the picturesque Transfagarasan, declared by Top Gear as the best road in the world. Be ready as bears tend to join our tour but only from the side of the road. Built high up in the Fagaras Mountains, this road stretches for 100 km, offering breathtaking views. You can make stops on the way to admire the scenery, take photos, and simply enjoy the strong and healthy mountain air before heading back to Bucharest, which you will reach in the evening. Pass Capra Waterfall and reach the very top at Balea Lake where you will enjoy free time and perfect picture views. Be ready as bears tend to join the side of the road.

Join us for an unforgettable journey through Romania and natural wonders in the beautiful Făgăraș Mountains. Begin your day with the imposing Poenari Fortress, an ancient stronghold dramatically perched on a cliffside. You will get impressive views from below and learn about its history as one of the real-life strongholds of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula. (We do not visit the interior of the castle) Next, marvel at the engineering feat of Vidraru Dam, one of the highest in Europe, and the stunning Vidraru Lake it created. Take in the awe-inspiring vistas as you stroll along the dam and capture views of the mountains reflected in the sparkling lake. Venture into the heart of the Fagaras Mountains National Park, a region of unspoiled nature, lush forests, and alpine landscapes. This area is a paradise for nature lovers, offering a glimpse of Romania's pristine wilderness and various wildlife (brown bears). Continue your adventure at Capra Waterfall, one of the scenic highlights of the region. The Capra Waterfall is known for its impressive height and picturesque setting, making it a popular spot for visitors who enjoy mountain landscapes and outdoor activities. The surrounding area is also rich in natural beauty, with rugged terrain, alpine meadows, and dramatic views of the surrounding mountains. Next is Bâlea Glcaial Lake, open only during the summer and autumn months, typically from June to November. This is because the top part of the road, leading from Capra Waterfall to Bâlea Lake (8 km) it is closed in winter and spring due to snow and dangerous weather conditions. Please do not bring any food into the vehicle! We'll see wild bears up close. If the car smells like food, we become a target for bears!

Embark on an exhilarating day trip from Bucharest featuring the Transfagarasan Road and Balea Lake: Begin your journey through the Carpathian Mountains via the Transfagarasan Highway, renowned for its stunning vistas and challenging twists. Stop at Balea Lake, a picturesque glacier lake nestled high in the mountains, where you can enjoy a short hike and take in the breathtaking scenery. En route, marvel at the Vidraru Dam, one of Europe's tallest dams, standing impressively at 525 feet high. Keep your eyes peeled for opportunities to spot bears in their natural habitat, adding an unforgettable wildlife encounter to your adventure.

Route: Sibiu – Transfagarasan Road – Carta - Avrig - Sibiu Operating days: daily Day Itinerary 1. Starting Point: Sibiu • 10:00 from accommodation depart from Sibiu and head towards the Transfăgărășan Highway, Stop 1: Transfăgărășan Road The Transfăgărășan Road is one of the most famous and scenic drives in the world, winding through the Făgăraș Mountains in Romania. This high-altitude highway (DN7C) connects Southern Transylvania with Wallachia, offering a series of breathtaking views, historic landmarks, and thrilling driving experiences. • Main Attraction: o Bâlea Lake A Hidden Gem in the Făgăraș Mountains: is one of Romania’s most stunning natural attractions, located at an altitude of 2,034 meters (6,673 feet) in the heart of the Făgăraș Mountains, part of the Southern Carpathians. o Scenic Beauty: Crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering mountains create a serene and picturesque landscape. In summer, the lake reflects the surrounding peaks, while in winter, it transforms into a winter wonderland with snow-covered surroundings Stop 2: Cârța Cârța is a small village in the Făgăraș Mountains of Romania, known for its Cârța Monastery, one of the oldest and most historically significant religious sites in the region. The village is part of Sibiu County, situated near the famous Transfăgărășan Highway. • Main Attractions: o Cârța Monastery (Cârța Abbey): was founded in the 12th century by Cistercian monks, making it one of Romania's oldest religious buildings. The monks were instrumental in introducing Gothic architecture and culture to the region. o Quiet Village Atmosphere offers a peaceful and traditional rural atmosphere, where visitors can experience local Romanian culture, visit nearby farms, and enjoy authentic countryside experiences. Stop 3: Avrig Avrig is a charming town located in Sibiu County, Romania, nestled at the foot of the Făgăraș Mountains. The town is known for its historical and natural attractions, as well as its proximity to the stunning landscapes of the Carpathians. Avrig offers a blend of cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and peaceful rural life. • Main Attraction: o Avrig Palace (Palatul Avrig): is the most notable landmark in the town, built in the 18th century in the Baroque style. It was originally a summer residence for the Habsburg nobility. The palace is known for its elegant architecture, featuring both Baroque and Neoclassical elements. Is a perfect destination for travelers looking to experience the charm of Transylvanian history, natural beauty, and a slower pace of life. Whether you’re interested in exploring historical landmarks, enjoying scenic mountain views, or simply relaxing in a peaceful village setting, Avrig offers something for everyone 5. Return to Sibiu • The journey takes around 30 minutes by car, depending on traffic and road conditions. The road is well-maintained and offers scenic views along the way.

Ready for a journey through the clouds? Buckle up for The Transfagarasan Adventure! This trip is guaranteed to alleviate your fear of missing out and make you feel that you made the best choice for this vacation day. Immerse yourself in the peace and beauty of Arges Monastery, a serene oasis nestled in the heart of nature, catch a glimpse of the fortress where the historical character who served as inspiration for Dracula lived and terrified. All while traversing the twists and turns, relishing breathtaking panoramas of one of the most beautiful driving roads in the world. Get set for a special day, blending tranquility, history, and the thrill of nature's wonders.

Your tour will begin as you are taken from your hotel in Brasov by a professional guide. Once having departed Brasov, you will travel to the most spectacular road in Europe: Transfagarasan. You will stop first and visit the Carta Cistercian Monastery .the monastery was built at the beginning of the 13th century, in the Gothic style, by the Cistercian monks who came to Transylvania from Burgundy, France. You will then continue to the mountains which host the Transfagarasan Highway, the most spectacular and beautiful mountain road in Europe. The road has been featured on the UK motor show Top Gear, and traverses up through the mountains uniting Transylvania with Valachia. Whilst there you will experience great scenes, noisy waterfalls, and with some luck you may even see wild animals such as the brown bear or black goats. Moving onward, you will travel to the Balea Glacier Lake, where you will have lunch at the Lake Balea Chalet. You can then take a walk around the lake, and in summer can also climb up the slope near the lake. From the top of this ridge you will have wonderful pictures with the peaks of the surrounding mountains and the lake and cottage Balea. In the winter between December and March you can visit the ice hotel, as well as the neighboring ice church. You will later return to Brasov in the evening, with wonderful memories of your trip into the sky. During the winter between November and July, we will go up by van to the hotel Cascada Balea 1446m (above the road is closed due to snow), from where we will take the cable car up to Lake Balea. The price of the cable car (100 lei - 24 euros uphill) + descent) is not included in the price of the tour.

The Transfagarasan mountain road (or national road 7C) is one of the most spectacular roads in the world, according to Top Gear. Located in Romania, it runs trough the Fagaras mountains and has more tunnels and viaducts than any other road in Romania. Discover this fantastic route with a daily bus transfer service between Sibiu and the Balea area, and explore the stunningly beautiful Balea waterfall and lake on your own. This is a touristic bus and will only go on route with reservation. The duration of transfers is approximate, and the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions.  The part of Transfagarasan road between Balea Cascada and Balea Lac is operated by the cable car. We are NOT responsible for the operating hours of the cable car, nor can we influence them. Program A (JANUARY - APRIL & OCTOBER - DECEMBER) Tour: Sibiu (Parking Thalia Hall) -> Balea Cascada (Cable Car Station) Departure time: 09:00 Retour: Balea Cascada (Cable Car Station) -> Sibiu (Parking Thalia Hall) Departure time: 16:30 -------------------------------------- PROGRAM B (MAY - OCTOBER ) Tour: Sibiu (Parking Thalia Hall) -> Balea Cascada (Cable Car Station) Departure time: 09:00 Retour: Balea Cascada (Cable Car Station) -> Sibiu (Parking Thalia Hall) Departure time: 18:00

Drive to the former capital of Wallachia, Targoviste, and visit the remains of the court of Vlad the Impaler, better known as Dracula. Next stop is in Curtea de Arges where you’ll visit one of the most beautiful churches in Romania, also the burial site of the first Romanian kings. From this holy place keep on driving to the ruins of Poenari Castle, Dracula’s fortification which overlooks the Carpathian Mountains.  Experience the Transfagarasan Road, built by Ceausescu with the help of the army. It offers a breathtaking view and takes you all the way up to the summit of the mountain where you can discover the astonishing glacial lake of Balea. From here, start your long but beautiful drive back home.

The Transfăgărășan is a paved mountain road crossing the Carpathian Mountains, is the second-highest paved road in the country with an altitude of 2,042 metres (6,699 ft). The road also provides access to Bâlea Lake a glacier lake situated at 2,034 m of altitude. Here we will benefit from the fresh air and low temperature, admire the view of Trasnsilvania and have lunch. On the way back we will admire Bâlea waterfall, we'll stop at the Vidraru Dam to refresh us. It is very possible to meet brown bears on the route. On our way we will be able to see on a mountaintop a fortress built by Vlad the Impaler. This is Poienari fortress.

Operating days: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday Route: Sibiu – Cisnadioara – Cisnadie – Transfagarasan Road – Balea Lake - Sibiu Day Itinerary 1. Starting Point: Sibiu o 12:30 Sala Thalia Hall Parking Stop 1: Cisnădioara Fortified Church Cisnădioara is a hidden gem for those interested in medieval history, architecture, and stunning landscapes • Main Attraction: Fortified Church of Cisnădioara (Michelsberg Fortress) o Historical Significance: Built in the 12th century, it is one of the oldest Romanesque-style churches in Transylvania. The church served both religious and defensive purposes during medieval times o Architecture: The church is made of stone and retains its Romanesque features, including simple, sturdy walls and a tranquil, timeless design. Its hilltop location offers a commanding view of the surrounding area Stop 2: Cisnădie Fortified Church: Explore a beautifully preserved medieval fortified church, known for its defensive towers and clock tower,learn about the Saxon heritage and the history of fortified villages in the region. • Main Attractions: o Historical Significance: Originally built in the 12th century as a Romanesque basilica, the church was fortified in the 15th century to protect the community from invasions. It showcases the dual role of religious structures in medieval times as both places of worship and defense o Clock Tower: The church houses one of the first mechanical clocks in Transylvania, installed in the 14th century o Defensive Features: Thick walls, battlements, and loopholes highlight its transformation into a fortress. The courtyard also contains remnants of the Saxon community's history. Stop 3. Transfăgărășan Road: Also known as DN7C, is one of Romania's most famous and scenic roads, cutting through the Făgăraș Mountains, the highest mountain range in the Carpathians. Built as a strategic military route in the 1970s under Nicolae Ceaușescu, it is now a popular destination for travelers seeking stunning views and thrilling drives • Main Attractions: o Admire the spectacular Bâlea Waterfall and enjoy free time at Bâlea Lake, a stunning glacial lake surrounded by the peaks of the Făgăraș Mountains Bâlea Lake is a must-see spot along the Transfăgărășan Road, attracting tourists for its natural beauty, alpine setting, and outdoor activities. Return to Sibiu: Conclude your tour with a scenic drive back, reflecting on the beauty and cultural richness of the day Timing Overview: 12:30 PM: Departure from Sibiu 1:00 – 2:00 PM: Visit Cisnădioara Fortified Church 2:30 - 3:30 PM: Visit Cisnădie Fortified Church 3:30 PM: Depart for the Transfăgărășan Road 4:30 – 6:00 PM: Visit Transfăgărășan Road, including Bâlea Waterfall and Bâlea Lake 6:00 PM: Return to Sibiu 7:00 PM: Arrive back in Sibiu Additional Information: Seasonal Variation: Summer (July 1 - Oct 30): Travel by bus on the Transfăgărășan Road. Winter (Nov - June): Travel by cable car to reach Bâlea Lake and surrounding attractions.