Transalpina
The highest road in Romania, crossing the Parâng Mountains at the Urdele Pass (2,145 m), running north from Novaci to Sebeș.
The Transalpina (DN67C) is the highest road in Romania. Legend has it that it began as an ancient Roman military road. It was developed into a military road during the Second World War, and was fully paved between 2009 and 2012. The road is about 148 km long, and its highest point, the Urdele Pass, is at about 2,145 m. It starts in the south at Novaci and climbs through the ski village of Ranca onto the high alpine meadows. It then follows the ridge of the Parâng Mountains for dozens of kilometres, with wide views and winding bends. After the pass it descends to the junction at Obârșia Lotrului, then follows the Sebeș River valley past the Oașa and Sugag reservoirs to Sebeș, about 50 km from Sibiu. Compared with the Transfăgărășan, this road has far fewer cars and more expansive ridge scenery, so it works well combined with the Transfăgărășan as a two-day loop. The high section is open only in summer and autumn. There are almost no petrol stations or shops along the road. There are simple guesthouses in Ranca and Obârșia Lotrului. On the ridge sections, there are few guardrails, so take extra care in fog, and watch out for grazing sheep and wildlife.
Along the route
- Novaci
- Rânca
- Sibiu & Sighișoara
- Obârșia Lotrului
- Oașa Lake
- Șugag
- Sebeș
- Sibiu & Sighișoara