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Transalpina – an adventure on the roof of Romania
Discover the highest road in Romania, with spectacular hairpin bends, mountain peaks, lakes and impressive panoramas over the Carpathians.
Transalpina, also known as the "King's Road", is one of the most spectacular mountain routes in Romania. The national road DN67C crosses the Parâng Mountains and connects the Novaci area, in Gorj County, to Sebeș, in Alba County.
In the area of Urdele Pass, the road reaches an altitude of about 2,145 m. Along the way, you will encounter hairpin turns, alpine meadows, vast forests, and views that change from one valley to the next. Transalpina is an excellent destination for a road trip, with stops for photos and exploring the surroundings.
01 · NATURE AND RELAXATION
Lake Oașa – an oasis of tranquility in the mountains
Lake Oașa is a reservoir located in a spectacular mountain landscape, surrounded by coniferous forests and wooded peaks. The water and the slopes create a remarkable contrast, especially on clear days.
The area is suitable for a break during the journey, for photos, and for admiring nature. Depending on where you stop, you can capture the lake, the forests, and the road that follows the contour of the valley.
Stop only in permitted places and do not drive onto forest roads if you are not familiar with the access conditions.
02 · THE ROOF OF ROMANIA
Urdele Pass – the highest point of the road
Urdele Pass is the emblematic point of the Transalpina, where the road reaches an altitude of approximately 2,145 m. The alpine landscape, the wide slopes, and the winding roads make this section one of the most photographed areas of the route.
On clear days, the view opens toward the peaks of the Parâng Mountains and the surrounding valleys. The wind can be strong, and temperatures can drop even in summer, so it is good to have appropriate clothing.
Do not stop in the middle of hairpin turns and do not park in places with no visibility. Use only safe areas and follow road signs.
03 · MOUNTAIN RESORT
Rânca – the starting point towards Transalpina
Located on the southern slope of the Parâng Mountains, Rânca is one of the main mountain resorts along the Transalpina route. It can be a good place for a stop, an overnight stay, or a break before continuing the journey.
In winter, the resort attracts tourists interested in snow sports, while in summer it serves as a starting point for excursions and mountain walks.
Before setting off towards the alpine sector, check the traffic schedule and the road conditions. If the weather is unfavorable, consider changing the route.
04 · LANDSCAPES AND LAKES
Vidra Lake and its surroundings
Lake Vidra is a reservoir lake located in the Lotru Mountains, in an area with vast forests and mountain landscapes. Its surroundings can be included in a broader circuit through the region, depending on the chosen route and the time available.
The roads in this area offer beautiful views of the lake and the mountains. Access conditions and the state of secondary roads can vary, so check the route before leaving the main road.
If you want a more relaxed trip, plan your stops in advance and allow enough time for the return, especially if you also have to cover the alpine section of Transalpina.
5. When does Transalpina open?
Transalpina is a seasonal mountain road. The high section, especially the area between Rânca and Obârșia Lotrului, is usually accessible in the warm season, but the opening and closing dates depend on snow, weather, and road conditions.
The schedule can be changed even during the tourist season. For example, in the autumn of 2026, traffic on a section of DN67C was restricted to the interval 09:00–18:00 due to unfavorable weather conditions.
Important: do not assume that Transalpina is open just because it is summer or autumn. Check the CNAIR and DRDP announcements before departure and observe the traffic hours displayed on site.
Summer and early autumn are generally suitable periods for planning the trip. However, at over 2,000 m altitude, the weather can change rapidly, and fog, wind, rain, or early snowfall can affect travel.
6. How do you get to Transalpina?
DN67C connects Novaci, in Gorj County, to Sebeș, in Alba County. You can approach the route from the south or from the north, depending on where you are starting from.
From the south – Bucharest and Oltenia
One option is to head towards Râmnicu Vâlcea and Novaci, then continue towards Rânca and the alpine sector, if it is open to traffic. Plan your breaks and refueling in advance.
From the north – Sebeș and Alba
You can start from the Sebeș area and continue towards Șugag, Lake Oașa and Obârșia Lotrului, then towards Urdele Pass and Rânca, depending on road conditions.
The full crossing, with stops for photos and sightseeing, can take up a large part of the day. Don't plan the route too tightly and avoid driving hastily on the winding roads.
7. Recommendations for a safe trip
- Check the road conditions: consult official announcements before departure and keep an eye on traffic restrictions.
- Leave early: you'll have more time for stops and you'll avoid crossing the mountain section in a hurry.
- Drive carefully: adjust your speed to the winding roads, visibility and road conditions.
- Prepare the car: check the tires, brakes, fluids, and fuel level before setting off.
- Wear warmer clothes: the temperature at high altitude can be much lower than in the towns at the foot of the mountain.
- Stop safely: use permitted areas and do not block the road for photos.
- Watch out for animals: do not feed wild animals and do not approach them.
- Plan your return: check the closing time of the mountain sector and do not rely on a fixed schedule that applies every day.
Useful tip: if you don't have a personal car, choose a vehicle suitable for your trip and check the rental conditions in advance for mountain travel.