Transfăgărășan - 3 days on a road winding through the heart of the Carpathians

  • Min Age: 18
Description

For some tours there may be a difference between arrival and departure times, depending on your schedule. Tours are calculated on the days actually spent in the destination city and do not take into account arrival and departure days. Please take 2 days in advance of the tour to ensure the most enjoyable experience.

 

In the heart of Romania, where the Carpathians stretch proudly under the sun, lies the Transfăgărășanul, a masterpiece of nature and engineering, a road that winds through the mountains, revealing landscapes of ravishing beauty and challenges for any adventurer. This three-day tour is an invitation to explore this legendary route, to enrich yourself with the history and culture of the place, and to delight in the authentic flavours of Romanian gastronomy.

 

Day one finds you leaving Sibiu, the medieval town full of history and charm, towards Bâlea Cascade. The route to Bâlea Lac, accessible by cable car, offers the first spectacular views of the mountain scenery, and the glacial lake at an altitude of over 2000 metres is a breathtaking wonder of nature. Here, at altitude, time seems to stand still, and the traditional dishes at the Bâlea Lac hut, such as bulzul ciobanesc or grilled trout, are a culinary reward worthy of the effort.

 

The second day brings with it the adventure to Vidraru, on a stretch of the Transfăgărășan where nature and engineering meet in a spectacular dance. The Vidraru Dam, with its swirling waters, is the perfect spot to contemplate the force of nature and the hand of man. The Poenari Fortress, though demanding in access, offers a rare historical insight into Romania's medieval past and the legendary Vlad Tepes. The towns and regions you pass through, full of history and mystery, will fill your soul with stories and legends.

 

The last day takes you to Curtea de Argeș, a place where spirituality and art are intertwined in the impressive architecture of the Curtea de Argeș Monastery. Here, tradition continues through gastronomy, with traditional pies and local specialties that will delight your taste buds. A visit to the Golești Viticulture and Pomiculture Museum concludes the journey through Romanian culture and traditions, offering a memorable wine tasting that reflects the richness and diversity of the Romanian terroir.

 

This Transfăgărășan tour is not only a journey through Romania's natural beauty, but also a journey into the heart of its culture and history. Each day brings with it new adventures, new discoveries, and above all, new memories. From the traditional dishes that speak to you about the history and soul of the places, to the breathtaking landscapes that make you feel small in front of the majesty of nature, every moment of this tour is a story in itself.

 

For the modern traveller, the Transfăgărășan offers a perfect combination of adventure, relaxation and cultural discovery. It's a moderate tour, accessible to most, but promises unforgettable experiences and challenges to match. With an estimated budget of €100 per day, including accommodation, food and activities, this adventure is a testament to Romanian beauty and hospitality, a getaway that harmoniously blends nature, history and culture into a mosaic of unique experiences.

 

As the tour ends and you return to everyday life, you'll carry with you memories of breathtaking scenery, tastes that made you smile, and stories that will warm your soul with each reminder. The Transfăgărășanul is not just a road; it is a journey into the heart of Romania, an adventure that will stay in your heart forever.

Price Includes
Visiting suggestions for the main cultural and historical attractions
Daily activity descriptions
Information on modes of transport
Tips for navigating the city by public transport
Tips for tasting traditional Romanian dishes
Leisure options including parks, museums and shopping areas
Details about the history and local culture of Transfăgărășan
Price Excludes
tickets to tourist attractions
airline tickets
travel insurance
accommodation
public transport tickets
miscellaneous reservations
SIM local

Travel Styles

Nature & Adventure
Independent
Special Interest

Budget

200 - 299 euro
300 - 399 euro
400 - 499 euro

Trip duration

Short (3 - 5 days)

Season

Spring
Summer
Autumn

Group type

Families with children's
Couples
Solo
Friends
Seniors

Topic

Cultural
Historical
Adventure

Exploring type

Walk
Mandatory to go by car
Itinerary

Morning: Departure from Sibiu to Bâlea Cascade. The scenery is spectacular, so stop to take photos. Try breakfast at one of the local guesthouses or bring something from home to save money.
Activity: Cable car ride up to Bâlea Lac (cost about 60 RON/person for a round trip). At the top, you'll be greeted by dreamy mountain scenery and Lake Bâlea, a gorgeous glacial lake.
Lunch: At the Bâlea Lac hut, where you can sample traditional Romanian dishes such as bulzul ciobanesc or grilled trout (estimated budget 50-70 RON/person).
Afternoon: Hike the trails around Lake Bâlea. Admire the scenery and breathe the fresh mountain air.
Hunting: Look for a guesthouse near Bâlea Lac or in the villages at the foot of the mountain. With a budget of €30-40/night, there are comfortable and welcoming options (check online accommodation platforms for deals).

Discovering Transfagarasan

Morning: Start towards Vidraru, on one of the most spectacular stretches of the Transfăgărășan. Stop at the viewpoints to admire the landscape.
Activity: Visit the Vidraru Dam. In addition to the impressive scenery, the area offers the opportunity to take boat trips on the lake (costs vary).
Dining: Try traditional dishes at the restaurants near the Vidraru Dam. Sarmels and mămăliga with cheese and sour cream are a must-try (estimated budget 50-70 RON/person).
Afternoon: Explore Poenari Fortress, Vlad Țepeș's fortress. It's quite a demanding climb, but the view is worth every step (entrance fee approximately 10-15 RON/person).
Package: Return to the previously chosen guesthouse or explore a new option in the area, staying within the suggested budget.

Adventures on the Transfagarasan

Morning: Departure to Curtea de Argeș. Visit Curtea de Argeș Monastery, an architectural gem (entrance fee about 10 RON/person).
Lunch: Culinary experiences at local restaurants in Curtea de Argeș. Try traditional pies and other local specialties (estimated budget 50-70 RON/person).
Afternoon: Visit to the Golești Viticulture and Pomiculture Museum to better understand local traditions and taste Romanian wines (entrance and tasting fee approximately 30 RON/person).
Evening: Return home, stopping for a farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant on the way back.

Culture and gastronomy
Location
FAQs

3 days, an ideal time to enjoy the beauty and challenges of the Transfăgărășan without rushing the experience.

Departure from Sibiu, with stops and explorations at Bâlea Lac, Vidraru Dam, Poenari Fortress, and ending in Curtea de Argeș.

Comfortable and discoverable, geared towards those eager to experience new styles of food, discover Romania's history and gastronomy, with a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation.

Moderate, given the mountain trails and possible hiking, but accessible for most travellers in reasonable physical condition.

Approximately €100/day/person, covering accommodation, transport, food and activities. This budget may vary depending on preferences and available offers.

The car is the most flexible and recommended option for this tour, allowing stops at points of interest along the Transfăgărășan. Other options include taking a bus or renting a car if you don't have one of your own.

The variety includes guesthouses and cottages, with budget options from 30-40 euro/night. They offer decent comfort and an authentic experience, being close to nature and local communities.

Enjoy traditional Romanian dishes: bulz ciobanesc, sarmale, grilled trout, mămăligă with cheese and sour cream, traditional pies.

Lake Bâlea, Bâlea cable car, Vidraru Dam, Poenari Fortress, Curtea de Argeș Monastery, and the spectacular scenery of the Transfăgărășan.

Respect nature: keep the trails and sights clean. Know the weather and the right equipment: the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable.
In the summer tourist season, the Transfăgărășan can be crowded. Plan your departure early to avoid crowds.
Check the accessibility of the Transfăgărășan, as it is closed at certain times of the year due to weather conditions.

English is widely spoken among young people and in tourist areas. Basic knowledge of French can also be useful.

For EU citizens and those from many other countries, no visa is required to enter Romania.

There are no specific health risks or mandatory vaccinations for visitors to most countries, but it is recommended that you check the latest travel advice from your country.

No special vaccinations are required, but check standard travel recommendations.

There are numerous online reviews on platforms such as TripAdvisor, Google Reviews and Lonely Planet.

This itinerary is self-guided. For guided tours, you can check reputable local operators on review sites.

As a self-guided tour, you have the flexibility to tailor it to your liking, choosing which attractions to visit and when.

What's Nearby

Transilvania
Varful Moldoveanu (98m)
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