How long is Transfagarasan road?
Romania, europe
90 km
2,042 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, buckle up, because the Transfăgărășan in Romania is about to blow your mind! This isn't just a road, it's an experience. Think Dracula's stomping grounds meets a real-life roller coaster. We're talking 90km (55.92 miles) of pure adrenaline, featuring 80 hairpin turns that will test your skills, 5 dark, spooky tunnels (one stretches for over 800 meters!), and 500+ bridges.
The north side is where the real magic happens – a winding ribbon of asphalt clinging to the mountainside, with steep hairpin turns, endless S-curves, and heart-stopping descents. Don't expect to break any speed records, though; you'll be lucky to average 40 km/h.
But trust me, the views are worth it. Rugged mountains, fresh air, and a sense of adventure – it’s an unforgettable drive! At the top, you'll find Bâlea Lake and Bâlea Waterfall, perfect for a pit stop. There are chalets and hotels dotted along the route, or you can find cheaper options in the nearby villages. Camping is also available.
History buffs, don't miss the Poienari fortress near Arefu. It's a bit of a climb, but it was once home to Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula!
Built in the early 70s as a military route, this road climbs to 2,042m (6,699ft), and usually closed from late October to late June due to snow. Aim for a visit between mid-June and mid-September for the best chance of clear roads and stunning scenery. Even in summer, pack a jacket – it can get chilly at the summit where you can find souvenir shops and restaurants with views that'll make your jaw drop.
Oh, and fun fact: This road was even featured in a Ghost Rider movie with Nicolas Cage. It's that epic! Just be aware that there are sections without barriers and some serious drops, so keep your eyes on the road! The longest tunnel, near Bâlea Lake, is unlit, adding to the thrill. Definitely one of the most incredible drives you'll ever experience!
Road Details
- Country
- Romania
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 90 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,042 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
Related Roads in europe
hardHow to get to Gorges du Tarn through a scenic balcony road?
🇫🇷 France
# Gorges du Tarn: France's Most Dramatic Canyon Drive Picture this: you're winding through one of Europe's deepest canyons, with dramatic limestone cliffs towering above you and the stunning blue-green Tarn River flowing below. That's the magic of driving through the Gorges du Tarn, a 50-kilometer natural wonder carved by the river itself, straddling the border between Lozère and Aveyron in southern France's Occitanie region. The scenic route, known locally as D907bis or the Route des Gorges du Tarn, is a fully paved 26.5-kilometer stretch that connects the charming villages of La Malène and Rivière-sur-Tarn. You can complete the drive in about 40 minutes if you're just passing through, though honestly, you'll want to stop more often than that to soak in the views. Here's the real talk: this isn't a casual Sunday drive. The road demands your attention with its narrow passages, tunnels carved into rocky overhangs, and a genuine risk of rockfalls. Large vehicles might struggle with the tight squeezes, and rockslides are a real concern you'll need to stay alert for. There are stopping points scattered along the way, though they're not always conveniently placed when you want them. Timing matters too. While the gorges are accessible March through November, summer—especially mid-July to mid-August—brings packed roads and traffic jams that can turn your scenic adventure into a parking lot experience. Spring and fall are your sweet spots for avoiding the crowds. This legendary route has been captivating drivers since 1905, and it remains one of France's most unforgettable drives.
hardWhere is Wrynose Pass?
🇬🇧 England
Okay, buckle up, adventure awaits! Wrynose Pass in the Lake District National Park is calling, and trust me, this drive is not for the faint of heart. We're talking a peak elevation of 1,305 feet, so get ready to climb! You'll find this beast snaking between the Duddon Valley and Little Langdale. Keep an eye out for the Three Shire Stone marking the meeting point of historic counties. "Wrynose" supposedly means "stallion pass," because only a strong horse could handle these slopes back in the day! This ancient Roman road stretches for about 3.9 miles of pure adrenaline. It's a rollercoaster with gradients hitting a crazy 1 in 4 – that’s seriously steep! Navigating oncoming traffic can get intense, and you'll need to hug the single-track road while avoiding those unforgiving dry stone walls. Oh, and did I mention the hairpin bends that'll test your brakes? Definitely not recommended for larger vehicles. But hey, even with slopes reaching 30%, there are pull-in spots along the way, and drivers are expected to yield to uphill traffic. Just remember, this baby often closes in winter due to snow, so plan accordingly! Aim for a trip between April and October to enjoy longer days and better weather. Set aside 15-25 minutes for the drive, but honestly, you'll want to add extra time to soak in those breathtaking views. Get there early to make the most of the experience, and get ready for one of England's most spectacular climbs!
hardAn epic road to Roque de los Muchachos on the Canary Islands
🇪🇸 Spain
# Roque de los Muchachos: Spain's Sky-High Summit Drive Ready for an adventure that'll get your adrenaline pumping? Head to La Palma in the Canary Islands and tackle the winding road up to Roque de los Muchachos – one of Spain's highest peaks at a breathtaking 2,423 meters (7,949 feet). This 3.8-kilometer stretch of fully paved road climbs 277 meters with an average grade of 7.28% (reaching a gnarly 12% on some sections), so come prepared for a slow, steady climb. Starting from the LP-4 road, you'll encounter relentless hairpin turns and tight bends that'll keep you focused the entire way. And if heights make you queasy? Maybe bring some ginger tea, because the final section gets real – we're talking narrow, exposed stretches with seriously scary drop-offs. Mother Nature loves to throw curveballs up here: thick fog, clouds, and even snow can roll in without warning and make conditions sketchy fast. The last bit of road is only open during daylight hours anyway, so plan your visit accordingly. But here's why it's absolutely worth the white-knuckle drive – you're heading to one of the clearest skies on Earth. The summit hosts the massive Roque de los Muchachos Observatory, home to one of the world's largest telescope arrays and a stargazer's paradise. On a clear day, you'll spot Tenerife, El Hierro, and La Gomera from the parking lot at the top. Grab a spot, take in those views, and remind yourself why you just conquered this beast of a mountain road.
moderateWhere is County Road 551 (Fv551)?
🇳🇴 Norway
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along County Road 551 (Fv551) on the southeastern edge of Hardangerfjorden, just north of Odda. Seriously, this is prime Norway scenery, folks! You're right in Folgefonna National Park, so prepare for breathtaking views. Now, this isn't a quick jaunt – we're talking a decent stretch from a village near the southern shore of the Sørfjorden to another one tucked away at the end of the Maurangsfjorden. And guess what? You're in for a loooong tunnel. A whopping 11,150 meters of underground adventure! Just a heads up, though: this tunnel is strictly for cars and motorcycles – no walkers or cyclists allowed.