Exciting Road Trip in Transfăgărășan | Romania

Welcome to Romania, one of the wildest countries in Europe. Not many people know how beautiful it is here.

We first visited Romania in 2020 when we spent 7 days in Cluj Napoca. During our backpacking adventure in 2021, we saw Romania from another point of view. It was different, much different!

Apart from exploring the capital city, we did one of the best road trips one could ever experience, slept in a beautiful mountain cabin and saw some wild animals. Our road trip to Romania was incredible, and we can’t help but share our experience with you all.

When you’re on the road, be prepared for the unexpected. Anything can happen, and sometimes, you have to change plans. We planned a 13-hour journey in a Soviet-era sleeper train from Moldova. However, we arrived exhausted in Bucharest after a 10.5-hour bus drive.

Bucharest – The ‘Little Paris’

Bucharest is called ‘Little Paris’ for the similarities since 1900. You can quickly notice this from its graceful architecture. However, this is not the only reason. In the past years, the locals used to greet each other in French and wear the latest Paris fashions.

Not to miss in Bucharest 

The Arch of Triumph 

The Arch of Triumph is a historic landmark of Bucharest and a city symbol.

Palace of Parliament 

The Palace of Parliament comprises 700,000 tons of steel and bronze, 350,000 square meters of marble, 3,500 tons of crystal and 900,000 sqm of wood. You can’t miss this gigantic palace!

The Dambovita River 

This river passes through Bucharest and flows into the river Argeș near Budești, in Călărași County.

Herastrau Lake 

This lake flows into the Colentina River. You can take a serene walk along this lake and appreciate nature.

Old Town  

Bucharest’s Old Town is filled with remarkable architecture and many old buildings to admire.

Transylvania 

You can’t visit Romania without exploring the region of Transylvania. It’s rich in traditions, full of historical sites and surrounded by nothing but nature! You’ll immediately notice the air is much cleaner than in the city. Here’s where our road trip started.

We highly recommend a road trip to Romania for anyone visiting the stupendous Transylvania. Renting a car from Rentalcars.com is ideal as they offer top-notch service.

You’ll see some of the most spectacular attractions of the region, including the drive to Brasov, one of the thinnest and narrowest streets in Europe – Strada Sforii, Lake Vidraru, Bran Castle and overall driving to the highest point of Transfăgărășan Road.

Driving Transfăgărășan Road 

Transfăgărășan or DN7C was named ”The Greatest Driving Road in the World” by Jeremy Clarkson, the famous Top Gear presenter. For us, driving this road was the most exciting part of our road trip to Transylvania.

Something unique about Transfăgărășan Highway is that you can stop at any spot and connect yourself with nature, enjoy the slower pace of life and disconnect yourself from the world.

Transfăgărășan was one of Norbert’s dreams, as he remembers playing gaming consoles and dreaming of driving those highways in reality. He always tells me that he’s been dreaming of being on roads like Transfăgărășan. You know, boys will always be boys!

As you can imagine, Transfăgărășan was paradise for him. I don’t blame him, as I can’t express the feeling of driving this incredible road.

We started our way to Transfăgărășan from Cârțișoara. Everything was running smoothly except the night before this famous drive. Norbert was sick all night, so you can imagine how we woke up the following morning. Both of us were tired from a lack of sleep and energy.

We changed the plan a little and left a few hours later until we got back together. Although this happened unexpectedly, we were still super excited and looking forward to the next drive of approximately 100km, summiting the peak. We’re so grateful we still managed to drive through Transfăgărășan.

TIP: Before driving on Transfăgărășan road, always check the weather conditions. You can check out for live updates on their website. 

Sleeping in a mountain cabin 

Along Transfăgărășan, we decided to spend our last night in the most serene way possible. We slept in a cabin in the middle of the mountains. The feeling of being surrounded by nature’s huge mountains. It’s indescribable! Moments like these make us feel so tiny in this vast world.

It was so hard for us to leave this place. BUT little did we know, just one more surprise awaited us before starting our way back! To end the Transfăgărășan road trip most splendidly, we were lucky enough to see bears! It was an experience beyond words.

Where to stay in Romania 

In the region of Transylvania, we stayed in a charming guesthouse in Dobârlău, which we highly recommend. It’s only 30 minutes drive to Brasov. One of the friendliest hosts in Romania and her dogs will greet you. We’re sure you’ll love this place as much as we did.

You can book this place to have these views for yourself. Check availabilities.

Along Transfăgărășan, if you wish to connect with nature and make the most of your experience, we suggest staying at one of the mountain cabins we stayed at.

You can book your preferred mountain cabin from here.

For several great accommodations to stay in Bucharest, click here for great deals.

Romania was a magical experience, and we learnt so much in this country, from its beautiful cultures to traditions, people and places. If you’re planning a road trip to Romania, we highly encourage you to go for it! When you travel, go off the beaten path; as we always say, that’s where you find the best-hidden places one could ever imagine.

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