How long is the Transalpina road in Romania?

How long is the Transalpina road in Romania?

Romania, europe

Length

148 km

Elevation

2,145 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Get ready for an epic Romanian road trip on the Transalpina! This beauty, also known as DN67C, winds for 148 km (92 miles) between Novaci and Sebeş, carving its way through the stunning Carpathian Mountains. Give yourself around 3 hours to soak it all in – and that’s without stopping (which you’ll definitely want to do!).

Locals call it "The King's Road" thanks to King Carol II, who originally built it. It even has roots tracing back to Roman legions! After being rebuilt for military use during WWII, it was mostly inaccessible until recently. Now fully paved since 2009, it’s a modern marvel.

Transalpina isn’t just a road, it’s an experience! Picture yourself surrounded by incredible natural beauty, far from the usual tourist spots. The views are seriously breathtaking! But fair warning: it's packed with twists and turns that'll keep you on your toes.

Heads up though, this high-altitude road isn’t open year-round. At its peak, it reaches a whopping 2,145m (7,037ft)! Usually, snow shuts it down around November/December, reopening around mid-May, weather permitting, and only during the day (8 AM to 8 PM). Pack a jacket, even in summer – that mountain air can be crisp!

For a truly unforgettable experience, plan your trip for mid-to-late autumn. The foliage is unreal, transforming the landscape into a vibrant explosion of colors. Trust me, you won't regret it!

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Romania
Continent
europe
Length
148 km
Max Elevation
2,145 m
Difficulty
hard

Related Roads in europe

Piste de Clausis, pure adventurehard

Piste de Clausis, pure adventure

🇫🇷 France

# Piste de Clausis: A Alpine Gravel Adventure Tucked away in the Queyras Regional Natural Park in the Hautes-Alpes of southeastern France, the Piste de Clausis is a seriously scenic 6.2km gravel road that'll get your heart pumping. This winding, steep climb (expect sections pushing 10%) takes you up to the Chapelle de Clausis, perched at a jaw-dropping 2,388 meters (7,834 feet) above sea level. The road itself is surprisingly well-maintained, which means a regular high-clearance 2WD vehicle can handle it just fine—as long as you take it slow and steady. You won't have to worry too much about washboarding, ruts, or unexpected dips throwing you off course on those long, dry stretches. Just keep in mind this road plays by winter's rules; it can close whenever the snow decides to move back in. You've got two solid options for getting up here. Coming from Château Queiras is the longer haul at 19km with 1,000 meters of elevation gain (averaging 5.3%), while the Molines en Queyras route is more bite-sized at 11.5km with 644 meters of climbing (5.6% average). Either way, you're in for stunning alpine views and a drive you won't forget.

Where is Refugi de Comes de Rubio?moderate

Where is Refugi de Comes de Rubio?

🇪🇸 Spain

Okay, adventure seekers, listen up! I've got a spot for you that's seriously off the beaten path: Refugi de Comes de Rubió, nestled high in the Spanish Pyrenees, in the Alt Pirineu Natural Park, Catalonia. We're talking serious altitude here—1,957 meters (that's 6,420 feet!). Forget smooth asphalt; this is a 5.1-kilometer (3.16-mile) off-road adventure from the starting point. You'll climb 245 meters, so expect an average gradient of around 4.8%. Keep in mind that Mother Nature calls the shots up here. The road is typically closed to private vehicles from November 15th to May 1st due to snow and icy conditions. But when it's open, expect breathtaking views, a thrilling drive, and a true escape from civilization. Just be sure you're prepared for an unpaved and potentially challenging road!

A curvy paved road to Lago della Sellahard

A curvy paved road to Lago della Sella

🇨🇭 Switzerland

# Lago della Sella: A Scenic Alpine Drive Nestled in Switzerland's Ticino canton, Lago della Sella sits pretty at a breathtaking 2,297 meters (7,536 feet) above sea level. Getting there? It's an adventure in itself. The asphalt road—affectionately known locally as Lago della Selia—winds its way up from Passo del San Gottardo with character and charm. Built back in 1947, this narrow ribbon of pavement hugs the shoreline and offers some seriously stunning views. Fair warning though: it's tight in places (sometimes barely wide enough for two cars to pass), and more than a few stretches lack guardrails, with water lapping right alongside the road. Snow can close it down anytime during winter, so timing is everything. The real vibe here? It's walker-friendly and refreshingly quiet—you'll hardly spot another vehicle, which somehow makes it feel even more special when you do. Once you reach the lake, there's a gravel road extension (marked as E) that climbs even higher via a series of hairpin turns, reaching 2,525 meters if you're feeling extra adventurous. This is the kind of drive that sticks with you—intimate, dramatic, and utterly Swiss Alpine.

Monte Penegalhard

Monte Penegal

🇮🇹 Italy

# Monte Penegal: A Thrilling Alpine Climb Nestled in the picturesque Trentino region of northern Italy, Monte Penegal sits at a respectable 1,737 meters (5,698 feet) above sea level. This mountain pass is the real deal for anyone craving an authentic Alpine driving experience. The paved road to the summit might look innocent enough, but don't let that fool you. It's seriously steep and tight in places—the kind of drive that keeps you engaged the whole way up. The ascent stretches just under 4 kilometers, packing an impressive 358 meters of elevation gain into those twists and turns. We're talking an average gradient of 9.2%, so your brakes and nerves will definitely get a workout. Once you reach the top, you'll find yourself at quite the hub of activity. There's a welcoming hotel, an observation tower, and a TV tower marking the summit. But the real reward? The jaw-dropping panoramic views. On a clear day, you can take in the sweep of Valle dell'Adige and feast your eyes on the stunning Dolomites. If you turn your gaze another direction, the dramatic Lagorai mountain ridge rising behind Regglberg will leave you speechless. This is the kind of drive that reminds you why Alpine roads capture hearts and imaginations. Come prepared, take your time on those hairpins, and soak in every moment.