Transfagarasan scenic road – 1 Day

If you are on vacation in Romania between June and October, the Transfagaras Scenic Road is an amazing and unforgettable driving experience.

Tour highlights

What you’ll see

Wonder to the unique Arges Monastery
VisitPoenari Fortress, the real Dracula Castle
Climb the stairs that lead to the real fortress of Dracula.
Drive along the spectacular Transfagarasan Scenic Road on one of Romania’s most scenic drives
Admire the stunning landscapes of the Carpathian Mountains and Fagaras Massif

FROM

€175.00

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Total

€175.00

I’m Ion Dima, founder of Romania Tour Store.Our goal is simple: to give you the best possible travel experience. Book any guided tour with confidence—my team and I will be by your side throughout your journey.

Good to know

Key facts

Duration

1 day

Regions

Transylvania

Travel style

Guided road trip

Start

Bucharest

Stop

Bucharest

Itinerary

Timeline

Itinerary

Day by day

Day 1

TRANSFAGARASAN SCENIC ROAD

In the morning we leave Bucharest and drive towards Curtea de Arges, the former capital of Wallachia. The town`s strongholds were rebuilt in the 14th century. Visit to The Episcopal Church (the monastery) which is a recreation of the original built in 1512 -1517 by Prince NeagoeBasarab (rebuilt in 1875 – 1885).Next stop is to Poenari Fortress, the real Castle of Dracula. Standing on a cliff but now in ruins – this is known as the real castle of Vlad the Impaler. This castle was property of Vlad III the Impaler. Vlad earned his nickname by impaling, torturing, burning, skinning, roasting, and boiling people who did things that displeased Vlad; stealing, lying, and adulterous relations. In this way Vlad kept his people in order and taught them that stealing would not be tolerated in his lands. Bram stoker`s Dracula was based on his personality. When you look up on the mountains you can see his fortress on the top of a high and remote cliff. It will take 1480 stairs before you reach the top, but the view is certainly worth the effort. (Takes approx. 30 minutes). The Transfagarasan Scenic Road runs through the Arges River gorge.Once you arrive to the top of the castle you will find that it is surprisingly small; one third has collapsed down the mountainside in 1888. Entering through a narrow wooden bridge, you come across the crumbling remains of two towers within; the prism shaped one was Vlad`s (Dracula`s) residential quarters. From here, according to the legend, The Impaler`s wife flung herself out the window, declaring that is better this way than be captured by the Turks, who were besieging the castle. Legend has it that Vlad himself escaped over the mountains on horseback.We follow the road further north, and reach Vidraru Lake. This lake is a man-made reservoir retained by a dam. The dam is 165 meters high, 305 meters long and holds 465 million cubic meters of water. When the dam was completed, it ranked 5th in Europe and 9th in the world. In an average hydrological year it can generate approximately of 400 GWh/year. Transfagarasan scenic Road runs over this dam.As you continue you will see a waterfall and some great scenic spots. Eventually, when you`re near the top of the road you will see the tunnel under the Paltinu Ridge. When you leave the tunnel you are at the highest point of the Transfagarasan, Balea Lake.Balea Lake is a glacier lake with clear, icy water. It`s surrounded by mountain peaks. The first European ice hotel was built here in 2006. Since then it`s constructed here every year in December with ice from the frozen lake. Since the road is closed during winter, it can only be reached by cable car from Balea Falls. Usually the hotel remains open until it melts in April.When you go down on the northern side of the road, you can see the sharp descent and the hairpin turns. In good weather the road is almost entirely visible.Along the way to BaleaCascada (fall) you can see the cable cars gliding up and down the mountain. In winter, when the road is blocked by snow, this is the highest point you can reach by car. There are some great viewing points here.While descending, views of rocks, jagged edges and meadows are replaced with dense pine forests. The road ends a few miles further North. If you are on vacation in Romania between June and October, the Transfagarasan Scenic road is an amazing and unforgettable driving experience for drivers and bikers.

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

Day 8

Day 9

Day 10

Day 11

Day 12

Full description

A real experience

TRANSFAGARASAN SCENIC ROAD

In the morning we leave Bucharest and drive towards Curtea de Arges, the former capital of Wallachia. The town`s strongholds were rebuilt in the 14th century. Visit to The Episcopal Church (the monastery) which is a recreation of the original built in 1512 -1517 by Prince NeagoeBasarab (rebuilt in 1875 – 1885).

Next stop is to Poenari Fortress, the real Castle of Dracula. Standing on a cliff but now in ruins – this is known as the real castle of Vlad the Impaler. This castle was property of Vlad III the Impaler. Vlad earned his nickname by impaling, torturing, burning, skinning, roasting, and boiling people who did things that displeased Vlad; stealing, lying, and adulterous relations. In this way Vlad kept his people in order and taught them that stealing would not be tolerated in his lands. Bram stoker`s Dracula was based on his personality. When you look up on the mountains you can see his fortress on the top of a high and remote cliff. It will take 1480 stairs before you reach the top, but the view is certainly worth the effort. (Takes approx. 30 minutes). The Transfagarasan Scenic Road runs through the Arges River gorge.

Once you arrive to the top of the castle you will find that it is surprisingly small; one third has collapsed down the mountainside in 1888. Entering through a narrow wooden bridge, you come across the crumbling remains of two towers within; the prism shaped one was Vlad`s (Dracula`s) residential quarters. From here, according to the legend, The Impaler`s wife flung herself out the window, declaring that is better this way than be captured by the Turks, who were besieging the castle. Legend has it that Vlad himself escaped over the mountains on horseback.

We follow the road further north, and reach Vidraru Lake. This lake is a man-made reservoir retained by a dam. The dam is 165 meters high, 305 meters long and holds 465 million cubic meters of water. When the dam was completed, it ranked 5th in Europe and 9th in the world. In an average hydrological year it can generate approximately of 400 GWh/year. Transfagarasan scenic Road runs over this dam.

As you continue you will see a waterfall and some great scenic spots. Eventually, when you`re near the top of the road you will see the tunnel under the Paltinu Ridge. When you leave the tunnel you are at the highest point of the Transfagarasan, Balea Lake.

Balea Lake is a glacier lake with clear, icy water. It`s surrounded by mountain peaks. The first European ice hotel was built here in 2006. Since then it`s constructed here every year in December with ice from the frozen lake. Since the road is closed during winter, it can only be reached by cable car from Balea Falls. Usually the hotel remains open until it melts in April.

When you go down on the northern side of the road, you can see the sharp descent and the hairpin turns. In good weather the road is almost entirely visible.

Along the way to BaleaCascada (fall) you can see the cable cars gliding up and down the mountain. In winter, when the road is blocked by snow, this is the highest point you can reach by car. There are some great viewing points here.

While descending, views of rocks, jagged edges and meadows are replaced with dense pine forests. The road ends a few miles further North. If you are on vacation in Romania between June and October, the Transfagarasan Scenic road is an amazing and unforgettable driving experience for drivers and bikers.

From our blog:

TRANSFAGARASAN VS. TRANSALPINA

HIKING THE SPECTACULAR CANYON OF TRANSFAGARASAN

What’s included

Key facts

Included

Guiding + driving

Included

Transport + fuel

Included

Parking, road/bridge taxes, tolls

Included

FROM

€175.00

Select the number of people to see the final price

Secure payment

Licensed operator

Select date▾

Total

€175.00

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      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 107 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Glosdude R 
 
 
 
 Verified Excellent tour around Romania visiting Transylvania and the painted monasteries in Bucovina I had a great time on a private tour during November, which was booked at extremely short notice. Ion did an amazing job putting together the tour within 24 hours, and we started the trip only a couple of days after enquiring which was amazing! His communication was really fast, clear and helpful, and our driver/guide Florin was great - both ensured we had a wonderful time in Romania. The choice of accommodation was brilliant, varying from modern hotels to centuries-old period properties. I would thoroughly recommend contacting Romania Tour Store for anyone looking to travel in Romania with a friendly, reliable and trustworthy local company.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Romy16205 
 
 
 
 Verified What an amazing trip! From beginning to end, Ion was absolutely fantastic. We spent 11 days with him traveling Bulgaria and Romania, and I have to say—he covered every single detail. He was incredibly accommodating, taking into account our preferences, offering helpful suggestions, and always finding the best dining spots.Before the trip even began, Ion was efficient and thorough, providing us with several itinerary options to ensure we could visit all the places we were interested in. Believe me when I say, my husband is a very difficult traveler—but Ion made everything so easy and fun that, by the end, they were like best friends!We had a passport mishap, leaving them behind in Bulgaria, and as soon as we arrived in Romania and realized, Ion immediately jumped into action. He contacted the hotel and made sure the issue was resolved quickly and smoothly.One of the highlights of the trip was being welcomed into Ion and his wife’s home, where they prepared a delicious homemade meal for us. It was a fantastic evening, full of authenticity and warmth—we truly felt like family.Ion also helped us find the best hotels for our stay and coordinated the entire trip from start to finish. At every attraction we visited, he was knowledgeable and provided detailed explanations, adding so much value to the experience.I highly recommend Romania Tour Store if you're planning a trip to Romania and Bulgaria. And if you’re not already planning to visit these two beautiful countries—please reconsider! They’re full of charm, culture, and unforgettable experiences.Thank you, Ion and Romania Tour Store, for making this one of our best vacations ever.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Adrian H 
 
 
 
 Verified It very nice tour, we started 08:00 in Sibiu and drove towards Sarmizegetusa, afterwards there was a lot of interesting information about Dacia. Afterwards we went towards Hunedoara to visit the very beautiful castle there. Finally to Alba Iulia to see the citadel (star), including the churches and the history behind it. Also very interesting the story of Hunyadi. Highly recommended, the guide was very nice and everything was relaxed. VG
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Tammy C 
 
 
 
 Verified IMPRESSIVE TRIP in ROMANIA with PASSIONATED Guide Excellent services provided with Ion’s passion!His outgoing personality brought laughing and fun to the group. His knowledge and presentation of each visiting places were impressive and full of historical information.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Lalit Jha 
 
 
 
 Verified Fantastic and simply the best! Ion Dima/the guide is the best one till date I cam across in Europe as I explored most of the countries in Europe.Ion Dima of Romania Tour Store is very knowledgeable guy and simply the best! He designed our itinerary to suit our interest, weather and available time. He is very friendly to kids and adult as well. He has highest level of patient and at the same time he is professional.I would say if someone want to explore Romania then Ion is the best guy and you can believe him for any and everything.He has suggested the Hotels and Restaurants during our tours which was the best as per our budget and interest. During the complete tour he was as our family member and friend.Salut and thank you Ion for everything!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Mary A 
 
 
 
 Verified Tour with Ion Ion was terrific, a very kind guy, and he was very patient with us; he took us to incredible places. He changed the plan for us because it was Christmas's second day, and most of the tourist places were closed, so he suggested places for us, and we had so much fun together.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Ardelean M 
 
 
 
 Verified Excellent tour guide Ion Dima is an excellent tour guide. Well organised and ready to help his group in any situation. I recommend him 100%.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   JIT_12 
 
 
 
 Verified Ion Dima...a great tour guide! This review is very tardy due to the situation in the world from January 2020 until now. I was so fortunate to have found Ion Dima during my planning of a visit to Romania which was during the summer of 2019.( I had to enter 12/21 in the description since that was the oldest date available.) I had several days to fill in with a visit to important points of interest in Romania before I joined a group in Bucharest. The group and I were heading into Moldova, Transnistria, and Ukraine. We were only doing the Danube Delta down on the Black Sea and I didn't want to miss seeing something of Romania. Well, Ion designed a terrific tour for me that was very complete! He speaks perfect English and was very considerate and great fun to be around. I highly reccommend arranging a tour with Ion...he's the best!!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   DollyBirdScotland 
 
 
 
 Verified Bespoke service We are just back from an extended tour of Romania with Romania Tour Stores. It's a bespoke travel company which specialises in private tours for culture vultures. From Bucharest's Belle Epoq architecture we travelled to the cultural centre of Iasi, the painted monasteries of Moldavia, and through the fortified Saxon churches and towns of Transylvania. Finally, we arrived in the stunning city of Brasov in the Carpathians where the Austro-Hungarian influence sits on the edge of Wallachia and Byzantium. Grand hotels and traditional wooden cabins. Each day felt like being in a different age or country. A superbly organised tour of this fascinating country. We are planning a return visit next year.
  
 
  
  
 
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