Vâlcan pass is one of the highest mountain crosses in Romania, located in the Southern Carpathians. It links the Petroșani Depression on the north side, with the subcarpathian depression Târgu Jiu in the south, dividing Gorj county from Hunedoara county. The road, which is paved on the north and unpaved on the south side, reaches a max elevation of 1.621 m. At the top, you will find the Heroes Monument, built in 1932, to celebrate the 1st World War Heroes that fought in 1916. Cycling the pass, from Schela village to Vulcan city, is quite a challenge. Climbs are really tough, reaching even more than 20% inclination.
Video: Dan Mazilu
Edit: Dragos Mitroi