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Transfăgărășan a Legendary Road, with a user manual.

The Transfăgărășan Highway in Romania is something of a legend. A few years ago, the team from Top Gear famously called it “the most beautiful road in the world.” Whether that claim holds up is a debate for another time—this is simply a story about the road itself.

Published Apr 12, 2026
Motorcycles Destinations & Activities Europe Romania
Off we GO! Karin & Paul By Off we GO! Karin & Paul
Transfăgărășan a Legendary Road, with a user manual.
The Transfăgărășan Highway in Romania is something of a legend. A few years ago, the team from Top Gear famously called it “the most beautiful road in the world.” Whether that claim holds up is a debate for another time—this is simply a story about the road itself.

 A Road Built for War
Before it became a dream destination for riders and drivers, the Transfăgărășan had a very different purpose. Following the Warsaw Pact invasion of Czechoslovakia, dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu ordered the construction of a strategic military route across the Carpathian Mountains. The goal was clear: enable rapid movement of troops and equipment in the event of a Soviet invasion.

Construction began in 1970 and was completed in 1974, largely by military personnel. The conditions were brutal. The road climbs to over 2,000 meters (6,600 feet), and more than 6 million kilograms of explosives were used to carve it through the mountains. Many of the workers were untrained, and the human cost was high. Official records claim 40 soldiers lost their lives, but workers have long suggested the real number may have been in the hundreds.

The road was officially opened by Ceaușescu and his wife, Elena Ceaușescu, though it wasn’t fully paved until 1980.

From Military Route to Tourist Icon
Today, the Transfăgărășan is one of Romania’s top tourist attractions. Winding its way through the Carpathian Mountains, it is the second-highest paved road in the country, reaching elevations above 2,000 meters.

Due to heavy snowfall, the road is typically closed from October to June, though closures can extend depending on weather conditions. Even in summer, sudden changes can make driving unsafe, so it’s always wise to check ahead before setting out.

The Ride
The best way to experience the Transfăgărășan is from south to north, starting near Pitești and heading toward Arpașu de Jos along road 7C. The journey begins in dense woodland, with dramatic gorges and sweeping views leading up to the impressive Vidraru Dam.

This southern stretch is also known for something else—bears (more on that in a moment). As you climb higher and pass the tree line, the landscape opens up. Waterfalls cascade down rocky cliffs, and the road reveals its most famous feature: a seemingly endless series of tight curves and hairpins winding through breathtaking alpine scenery. It’s the kind of view that no description can truly capture—you have to see it for yourself.

Bears!
One of the Transfăgărășan’s most notorious features is its population of wild brown bears. They are commonly seen between Bâlea and Vidraru. While they may look cute from a distance, they are wild animals—and dangerous. 

Unfortunately, many tourists feed them, encouraging risky behavior. Bears often approach the roadside, begging for food. For motorcyclists, this can be especially hazardous: stopped cars can block the road, making a quick escape difficult. 

Some visitors even try to get close for selfies, which only increases the danger. On average, around 28 people are attacked each year, and in 2025, an Italian rider was tragically killed in a bear encounter.

Riding Tips: Staying Safe Around Bears
  • Never feed bears—under any circumstances 
  • Keep a safe distance at all times 
  • Always plan a quick escape route 
  • Stay on your bike and keep the engine running 
  • If you see others feeding bears, don’t stop—move on immediately

But Dont forget to enjoy one of the most beautifull rides (on tarmac) in Europe.


P.S. When you like our stories please let us know and please do subscribe to our YouTube Channel.  https://www.youtube.com/@OffweGoMoto

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6 comments

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Michel aka Sneezle1980
Apr 13, 2026

another great read

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Neo23
May 23, 2026

Wow this route sounds good!

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JohnnyBeGoode
May 27, 2026 (edited)

Great, we will be there with two 450MT’s in August.
Thank you 👍🏻

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Anja
Jun 10, 2026

If you take the road there is a lovely Place to stay the Night: Cabana Carolina in Laz. Small Bridge from the Main road, you can get a room or pitch your tent in the garden. Highly recommended!

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JohnnyBeGoode
Jun 20, 2026 (edited)

Thank you ANJA, that sounds great.
I found it.
Just a quick note: It's not located directly on the Transfăgărășan (DN7C), which runs east of Sibiu, but right on the Transalpina (DN67C), a parallel road that runs 80 kilometers west of Sibiu.

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Mattias Eriksson
Jul 30, 2026

Great article! We rode the The Transfăgărășan last year as a part of our 3 week off road adventure in Romania. We did not really plan for it because off road trails in the Apuseni's and Carpatian's was in focus. Happy that we squeezed in this road and as well "The Kings Road", another awesome serpentine.
My take from The Transfăgărășan, was just bears and missbehaviours. One Italian cyclist had been killed and eaten a few weeks before we were there and one Ukranian lady lost her arm a week before. Still there were people thorwing out food fro there cars just infront of us unprotected riders, saw people walk with snacks in their hands... I think i saw about 8 bears on The Transfăgărășan that day. Beutiful ride though! The day after, Romaniacs :)
Happy Trails!

Author
Off we GO! Karin & Paul Off we GO! Karin & Paul

We are "Off we GO!" Karin & Paul. Riding both on a CFMOTO 450MT trough Europe Check us out on YouTube: www.youtube.com/offwegomoto

Published
Apr 12, 2026
Europe, Romania
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