Romania's Secret Mountain Highway
When road trip enthusiasts discuss Europe's greatest mountain drives, they tend to mention the Stelvio Pass in Italy, the Grossglockner in Austria, or the Col du Galibier in France. What they rarely mention — and should — is Romania's Transalpina, a road that climbs to 2,145 metres above sea level and carves through some of the most wild, untouched Alpine scenery on the continent.
Also known as the DN67C, the Transalpina runs through the Southern Carpathians, crossing the Parâng Mountains and connecting the towns of Novaci in the south with Sebeș in the north. It is, by some measures, the highest road in Romania — and it is extraordinary.
What Makes the Transalpina Special
Unlike some of Europe's famous mountain roads, the Transalpina hasn't been commercialised. There are no souvenir shops at the summit, no long queues of tourist buses, and no Instagram-friendly cafes at the top. What there is instead is raw, elemental landscape: high-altitude meadows dotted with sheep, rocky outcrops, glacial lakes, and 360-degree views that stretch to the horizon in every direction.
The road surface has been improved in recent years and is now largely well-paved, though some sections remain rough. It is not a road to rush.
Route Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Road designation | DN67C |
| Highest point | Urdele Pass — 2,145m |
| Total length | ~148 km |
| Start point | Novaci |
| End point | Sebeș |
| Open season | Approximately June–October (closed in winter due to snow) |
Key Highlights Along the Route
Lake Oașa
A beautifully remote reservoir surrounded by forest and rock, Lake Oașa sits at around 1,250 metres and has a haunting, otherworldly quality. There's a small guesthouse nearby — an excellent overnight stop.
Urdele Pass (2,145m)
The highest point of the drive and arguably the most spectacular. On a clear day, the views from the pass extend across multiple mountain ranges. Sheep graze undisturbed, and the road becomes a single lane with passing places near the summit.
Sugag and the Frăsinei Monastery Area
As you descend northward, the landscape transitions from bare rock and high plateau to lush forest. The area around Sugag is dotted with traditional Romanian wooden guesthouses and is an excellent place to stop for a home-cooked meal.
Driving Tips for the Transalpina
- Check the weather before you go. Conditions at altitude can change rapidly. Mist, rain, and even snow are possible in summer at the highest points.
- Fuel up before you start. There are no petrol stations on the mountain section — fill your tank in Novaci or Sebeș.
- Take your time. The road demands concentration, and the views demand stopping. Allow at least 4–5 hours for the full crossing.
- Watch for sheep and shepherds. Flocks often cross the road at the high-altitude sections. Slow down and wait — the shepherds will clear the road.
- A standard car is fine for the main paved sections. A higher clearance vehicle is helpful if you plan to explore gravel side roads.
Combining with the Transfăgărășan
Romania's other famous mountain road, the Transfăgărășan (DN7C), runs parallel to the Transalpina further east. Many road trippers drive both in a single multi-day loop — going up on one and coming down the other. Together, they make for one of the most memorable mountain driving experiences in Europe.
The Transalpina is a road that rewards those willing to venture beyond the obvious. If you're planning a drive through Romania — and you absolutely should — do not miss it.