Cycling the Transfagarasan Alpine Road | FreeRider

Built in the early 1970s as a strategic military route by dictator Ceausescu, the Transfăgărăşan paved alpine road it’s the 2nd highest in Romania, climbing up to 2042 m of elevation, at Bâlea Lake and mountain chalet. It’s perfect for cycling, offering stunning views. It crosses the Făgăraş mountain range in the Carpathians, from north to south, the highest mountains in Romania. At the top, the road crosses the mountain through an 887m tunnel. With short interruptions, the tunnel is permanently open for bicycles and pedestrians, even during the worst winters. It’s a vital communication way between the north and the south. For cars, it’s closed during winter, more precisely between approximately November and June, because of snow and high risk of avalanche.

Cycling the Transfăgărăşan road can be done starting from the north point or from the south. The north climb starts from Cârţişoara village. It has 30 km length and about 1840 m of a climb, and is the preferred one because even if it’s steeper, it’s shorter and has awesome views. Accommodation can be found in Cârţişoara village or further towards the mountain, there are several guest houses.
The south climb starts from Căpăţânenii Ungureni village and is 60 km long with more ascent than the north side, thanks to the winding road around Vidraru lake. It’s different than the north climb because the road goes the entire left shore of this accumulation lake. On the south climb, you also traverse the Vidraru dam. But the views are also very nice, mainly once you are out of the forest and onto the alpine stretch. Accommodation can be found right at the start, at La Cetate guesthouse situated near Vidraru hydropower plant. If you don’t find rooms here you can search down the road in Capatanenii Ungureni or the other towns.

Both climbs are nice and both should be done if you are here by bike. Careful at the potholes, because unfortunately, the road is poorly maintained. It’s ok for MTB’s but take care if descending on road bikes.

Beware of bears! Trasfagarasan road and the Fagaras mountains are bear country! These are beggar bears, used to be fed by stupid tourists that don’t know they are putting them in danger. They are not aggressive, and usually don’t approach you. There haven’t been reports of bear attacks, but still, they are wild animals. If you find yourself facing a bear on the Transfagarasan road, stop, keep your distance and always face them. Wait until they get bored and run in the forest. Then you can continue your trip.

(music: Tame Impala – Let It Happen)

Discover: https://freerider.ro