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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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