
TransBucegi is one of the most scenic drives in Romania
Romania, europe
23.6 km
2,485 m
hard
Year-round
TransBucegi is a Romanian road trip you won't soon forget! If you're craving serious altitude, crisp mountain air, and scenery that will knock your socks off, then buckle up. This is one of Romania's legendary high-altitude routes, and it delivers.
This road, officially opened in 2013, sits at the foot of the Laptici Mountains and it’s the third highest road in Romania, after Transfăgărășan and Transalpina.
Winding through the heart of Bucegi Natural Park in the Bucegi Mountains, TransBucegi is about 23.6 km long, starting from the DN71 (connecting Sinaia and Târgoviște) and climbing towards Costila Peak.
Hidden in south-central Romania, the first 16.4 km are beautifully paved, bringing you to a parking lot at 1,925m above sea level. This section, also known as Drumul Babelor (The Old Ladies Road), is a dead-end that plunges you into a world of wildflowers, lush greenery, and hiking trails galore. Be ready for a narrow, twisting road, close to the quirky rock formations of The Old Ladies and The Sphinx. Every hairpin turn reveals incredible mountain views.
Now, for the adventurous: the final 7.2km is a brutally steep unpaved section, and off-limits to vehicles because it’s a protected area. This section is seriously steep, hitting a 10% gradient in places. You'll climb 545 meters, with an average gradient of 7.56%, finally arriving at Costila Peak, where a radio relay station marks the summit.
Where is it?
TransBucegi is one of the most scenic drives in Romania is located in Romania (europe). Coordinates: 45.3922, 24.8214
Road Details
- Country
- Romania
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 23.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,485 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.3922, 24.8214
Related Roads in europe
extremeWhich is the highest pub in England?
🇬🇧 England
Craving a pint at the UK's highest pub? Then set your GPS for the Tan Hill Inn in North Yorkshire! This isn't your average pub crawl – the journey is part of the adventure. You'll be cruising Regional Route 71 (aka Pennine Way), a fully paved road stretching just over 20 miles (32.83km) from Reeth to Brough (or Brough under Stainmore, if you're feeling fancy). But don't let the "paved" part fool you. Nestled in the Yorkshire Dales, this road throws some challenges your way. Think steep climbs, narrow sections, and weather that can turn on a dime. Seriously, fog, snow, and biting cold are regular visitors. Reaching the pub, perched at 1,732 feet (528m) above sea level, is a reward in itself. The views are breathtaking, showcasing the wild beauty of Swaledale. Just be prepared for an isolated drive through a desolate but gorgeous landscape. This trip isn't for the faint of heart, but the bragging rights (and that well-deserved pint) are totally worth it!
hardWhat’s at the summit of Monte Telegrafo-Plose?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in Italy, ready for an adventure. You set your sights on Monte Telegrafo-Plose, a sweet peak in the Dolomites with views that'll knock your socks off — think a full 360-degree panorama of the Ötztal Alps, Zillertal and Stubai Alps, and even the Ortles, Brenta, and Adamello groups. The road to the top? It's called Via Panoramica Dolomiti/Dolomiten Panoramaweg. Mostly gravel, super narrow, and seriously steep in sections! We're talking gradients up to 16%, so buckle up. It starts from Strada Provinciale 29 (SP-29) and climbs for around 11.6 kilometers, with a whopping 1,112 meters of elevation gain. Word to the wise: this isn't a winter drive. The Plose range of the Dolomites is usually snowed in. At the summit, you'll find some old Cold War-era communication facilities, a church, and the Plosehütte (Rifugio Plose) mountain hut. But honestly, the real treasure is that view. Trust me, it's worth the bumpy ride!
hardWhere is Mount Perelik?
🌍 Bulgaria
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! I've got a gem for you: Golyam Perelik, a 2,180m (7,152ft) peak tucked away in Bulgaria's Smolyan Province, close to the Greek border. Getting there is half the fun. The road is mostly paved up to the Perelik hut, but hold on tight for the final stretch – it's a narrow, unpaved thrill ride that screams for a 4x4. Trust me, the views are worth it! On a clear day, you'll be treated to sights of Rozhen, Rila, Pirin, the Stara Planina mountain, Mount Olympus in Greece, and even the Aegean Sea. The climb starts from Route 866 and stretches for about 10 km (6 miles), gaining almost 500 meters in elevation, so be prepared for some steep sections. The best time to tackle this beauty is during the summer. Just a heads up: there's a military base at the very top that's off-limits. But hey, the journey and the panoramic views are the real prize!
moderateThe Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Katschberg Pass
🇦🇹 Austria
# Katschberg Pass Ready for a thrilling alpine adventure? Katschberg Pass is a stunning high-altitude mountain crossing sitting pretty at 1,641m (5,384ft) in Austria, right on the border between Carinthia and Salzburg in the southern part of the country. This 10.4 km (6.46 miles) beauty—known locally as Bundesstraße B 99—connects the charming village of Rennweg am Katschberg down in Carinthia to St. Michael im Lungau up in Salzburg. And let me tell you, it's absolutely worth every kilometer. The whole route is paved, which is great, but here's the thing: this isn't your typical Sunday drive. The road gets seriously steep in sections, with narrow stretches, missing center lines in places, and hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes. You'll spot warning signs recommending low gear throughout—and trust us, you'll appreciate that advice when you're tackling those grades. Nestled in the heart of the Central Eastern Alps, this drive delivers non-stop scenic views. Expect dramatic mountain landscapes, sweeping vistas, and that magical feeling of being on top of the world. Just remember to take your time, respect the terrain, and enjoy every twist and turn. This is mountain driving at its finest.