TransBucegi is one of the most scenic drives in Romania

TransBucegi is one of the most scenic drives in Romania

Romania, europe

Length

23.6 km

Elevation

2,485 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

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

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Road Details

Country
Romania
Continent
europe
Length
23.6 km
Max Elevation
2,485 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
45.3922, 24.8214

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