Transalpina is the highest paved road of Romania
Romania, europe
148 km
2,145 m
hard
Year-round
# Transalpina: Romania's Most Thrilling Mountain Drive
Ready for an adventure? Transalpina is calling! This legendary 148 km (92-mile) stretch winds through Romania's stunning Carpathian Mountains, connecting the charming town of Novaci in Gorj County to Sebeş in Alba County, and it's absolutely worth the hype.
What makes this drive special? For starters, it's completely paved and packed with hundreds of curves that'll keep you on your toes. Plan for about 3 hours of pure driving bliss (longer if you stop to snap photos—and trust us, you will). The fully paved road climbs high into the Parâng Mountains, crowned by the dramatic Urdele Pass at 2,145m (7,037ft), making it Romania's highest paved road. You're surrounded by nature at every turn, and the scenery is absolutely unreal—honestly, some say it even rivals the famous Transfagarasan route.
The road's got serious history too. Built under King Carol II and inaugurated in 1938, locals call it "The King's Road." It was revamped by German troops during World War II and remained mostly off-limits until recently. After a major modernization project (completed in 2009), it finally opened to the public in 2012.
**Here's what you need to know before you go:** Transalpina isn't open year-round. Heavy snow typically closes it from November through early May, with daytime-only access (8am-20pm) once it reopens around mid-May. Even in summer, bring a light jacket—at 2,000+ meters, the wind bites and weather can be moody.
Want the best experience? Visit in mid-to-late autumn when the deciduous forests explode in color—think vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, and browns against endless mountain vistas. Absolutely magical.
Where is it?
Transalpina is the highest paved road of Romania is located in Romania (europe). Coordinates: 44.7068, 24.1354
Road Details
- Country
- Romania
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 148 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,145 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 44.7068, 24.1354
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