Experience "The Best Road in the World" in a spectacular mountain circuit. This journey takes you through the historical heart of Wallachia, up to the breathtaking heights of the Făgăraș Mountains, and back through the medieval landscapes of Transylvania. From the royal serenity of Curtea de Argeș to the dramatic ruins of Poenari Fortress and the alpine peaks of the Transfăgărășan, this is the ultimate Romanian road trip.
📋 Itinerary & Driving Logistics
The Route: Bran → Curtea de Argeș Monastery → Poenari Fortress → Vidraru Dam → Transfăgărășan (Bâlea Lake) → Făgăraș Citadel → Return to Bran.
Total Distance: Approximately 320 km round trip.
Total Duration: We recommend allowing 12 – 14 hours for the full experience.
Our Recommendation: To fully enjoy the scenery and manage the steep climbs effectively, we strongly suggest driving the route from Curtea de Argeș towards Sibiu/Făgăraș (South to North), rather than the reverse.This direction is generally less crowded, allowing for a smoother ascent. You will climb the spectacular southern side first and return via the Făgăraș highway, avoiding the bottleneck of tourists coming from the Sibiu side.
Season: The high-altitude section of the road is typically open for cars only from July 1st to October 31st. However, you can still reach the breathtaking Bâlea Lake (the highest point) during the off-season.
When the road is closed, the only way up is by cable car (Telecabina) from Bâlea Cascadă, located on the northern side (accessible from the direction of Făgăraș city). The cable car operates year-round, although its schedule strictly depends on weather conditions (it may close during high winds).
Wildlife: It is very common to see brown bears on the roadside. For your safety, stay inside your vehicle and It is strictly forbidden to feed the bears. Beyond the physical danger, feeding wildlife is illegal in Romania and is punishable by significant fines.
Curtea de Argeș Monastery: A 16th-century architectural masterpiece and the Royal Necropolis where Romania's Kings and Queens are laid to rest.
Poenari Fortress: The authentic stronghold of Vlad the Impaler. Please note: Access requires climbing 1,480 steps and is often organized in guided groups due to local wildlife.
Vidraru Dam: An engineering marvel of the 1960s, standing 166 meters tall, offering stunning views over the artificial lake and the mountains.
The Transfăgărășan (DN7C): The legendary high-altitude road reaching 2,042 meters at Bâlea Lake. Prepare for sharp hairpin turns and dramatic alpine scenery.
Făgăraș Citadel: On the return leg, visit one of the best-preserved feudal castles in Eastern Europe, surrounded by a picturesque water moat.