The wide open roads have a certain charm and a sense of freedom as you drive into the unknown, with each bend exposing a new landscape and experience. There is no bigger satisfaction than the ability to stop in any city, town, or village along the way and explore by yourself. And, there are so many beautiful and scenic roads and routes that can be done by car. Since we didn’t place The Transfăgărășan in the Top ten most beautiful roads for traveling by car in Europe in our article, we will cover it in this article about exploring Romania by car.
But, everyone knows the most famous snake road in Romania, right?
Even so, we will start our adventure with this serpentine road, although there is so much to be seen and explored in Romania.
To capture the essence of this dynamic country rich in history, arts, and scenic beauty we would choose these three words: authentic, natural, and cultural.
Now, imagine winding roads cutting through lush forests, medieval castles, and picturesque villages in the Carpathians.
That’s true: Romania is a road-tripper paradise with a history of wonder and beauty awaiting at every turn.
Let’s start.
The Transfăgărășan Highway: The name Transfagarasan (trans + Făgăraș) means Făgăraș crossing or across Fagaras. Also known as DN7C, this mountain crossing path is the second-highest road in Romania. The “snake” road is probably one of the most beautifully stunning roads in the world and a must “drive” for every road tripper. It promises a memorable trip with views of glacial lakes, waterfalls, and the spectacular Făgăraş Mountains. It stretches through the Southern Carpathians for 90 kilometers, putting you on a rollercoaster journey of breathtaking sights.
The Transalpina: The Transalpina or DN67C, is a 148-kilometer national road in Romania's Southern Carpathians. With an altitude of 2145 meters above sea level, it is one of the highest roads in the Carpathians, making it ideal for road trip enthusiasts. If you are looking for a thrill and an amazing experience, this road, also known as the ‘Devil’s Pass’ and the ‘King’s Road’ is exactly what you need to satisfy your adventurous soul. Along the way, you can see and explore beautiful villages, enjoy the view of the Transylvanian mountains, taste local cuisine, and experience Romanian hospitality. So pack your bags and get ready to start your journey.
The Road from Sibiu to Brașov: The direct drive from Sibiu to Brasov is 140 km long and takes a total of 2 hours 28 minutes in normal traffic. But what makes this road so worth putting on your bucket list are the stops along the way, where you can experience the whole region with its history, culture, and nature. This picturesque road will take you through charming villages with colorful houses and old churches and castles. The main stops (with short detours) are Bran Castle, Black Church, Sighișoara Citadel, Peleș Castle, and Clock Tower to name a few. If you love art, architecture, and culture and want to explore more than just nature, you should take this road and explore the most beautiful places in Romania.
The Maramureș Region: Any area that offers endless, and empty, country roads to explore is ideal for a road trip. But, the wooden churches, the "Merry Cemetery" in Săpânța,(a unique and colorful graveyard celebrating life rather than mourning) are a must-see on your road trip in this particular region. Plus, on top of that the region also offers a relaxed atmosphere and a traditional way of life with friendly and welcoming people in the villages and the open markets you will pass through.
Tips for Your Romanian Road Trip:
Plan your route in advance and check road conditions, mainly during winter months. Mountain roads can be tricky at the best of times but they’re very dangerous in snowy or icy conditions.
Try the local cuisine – When in Romania you need to eat sarmale and mămăligă (although not the healthiest choices).
Respect wildlife and nature, always and everywhere.
Obey the speed limit – primarily for safety but also to avoid a fine or an even more serious punishment.
You’ll also need a vignette to drive on motorways and all state roads.
To make your road trip even smoother, use the eTOLLs EU app to purchase digital vignettes before entering Romania. With eTOLLs EU, you can conveniently buy and display digital vignettes for Romania, saving time and avoiding getting fined.
Important note for the last tip: For longer stays of 7 days or more in Romania, remember that the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) is required for the vignette purchase. The VIN is a 17-digit number unique to your vehicle, so be sure to input it when purchasing the vignette.
Enjoy your Romanian road trip and have the time of your life while exploring this beautiful country!
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