TransRarau is a beautiful Alpine road in Romania

TransRarau is a beautiful Alpine road in Romania

Romania, europe

Length

26.4 km

Elevation

1,400 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Get ready for TransRarau, a Romanian road trip through the gorgeous landscapes of Suceava County, in the heart of Bukovina! This high-altitude route, made up of roads 175A and 175B, delivers a perfect blend of thrills and views.

Forget bumpy rides – the road was revamped in 2014 with smooth, wide asphalt. You'll be winding and climbing to a max altitude of 1,400m (4,593ft) in the Rarau massif, so stay alert. The curves are tight and demand focus!

This 26.4 km (16.40 mile) adventure runs from Pojorata to Chiril. At the top, a side gravel road leads to Rarau Peak, a lofty 1,633m (5,357ft).

Known as "The Treasures Road", it's a strong contender for Romania's most beautiful alpine drive. Heads up – parking spots are rare. The higher you climb, the more breathtaking it gets! Watch out for oncoming traffic, as blind corners are aplenty. Aim for a visit between June and September. This road makes it easy to visit Cabin, Rarau Skete, and the iconic 'Lady' Rocks' (Pietrele Doamnei).

Where is it?

TransRarau is a beautiful Alpine road in Romania is located in Romania (europe). Coordinates: 46.9372, 24.2536

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Romania
Continent
europe
Length
26.4 km
Max Elevation
1,400 m
Difficulty
hard
Coordinates
46.9372, 24.2536

Related Roads in europe

Driving the scenic Route 61, a coastal road in Icelandmoderate

Driving the scenic Route 61, a coastal road in Iceland

🇮🇸 Iceland

Hey there, adventure seekers! Let's talk about Route 61, or as the locals call it, Djúpavegur—the "Midnight Sun Road" in Iceland’s stunning Westfjords. This fully paved gem is snuggled in the northwest and stretches for 249 km (155 miles) from Road 60 to Ísafjörður, the biggest town in the Westfjords (population: around 2,600). Think dramatic coastal views and landscapes that’ll make your jaw drop! Keep in mind, though, this route isn't for the faint of heart. You'll encounter some seriously steep sections, climbing up to 440m (1,443ft) at the Steingrimsfjörðurheiði Pass. Winter travelers, listen up: keep a close eye on the weather. This pass can get gnarly with high winds and sudden storms, sometimes leading to closures. On the plus side, ancient stone cairns mark the path, like little breadcrumbs through a Nordic fairytale. Expect a smooth ride, though! The road is generally in great shape. Plan for about 3-4 hours of pure driving bliss. With epic scenery and light traffic, this could easily be the highlight of your Icelandic road trip.

Is D29 Road in Occitanie Paved?hard

Is D29 Road in Occitanie Paved?

🇫🇷 France

Okay, picture this: you're cruising through the south of France, Occitanie region, on the D29. This isn't just any drive—it's a total adventure! The road is paved, sure, but hold on tight because it's seriously challenging. Think super narrow sections that two normal-sized cars *definitely* can't pass at the same time. Plus, there are unlit tunnels adding to the drama, and single-track stretches with overhanging rocks just waiting to test your nerves (and your paint job!). Seriously, if you're not comfy reversing on skinny roads, maybe skip this one. This road climbs up to some seriously impressive mountain passes. It's usually open year-round, but keep an eye on the weather because rockslides are a real risk, and early snow can shut things down quick. But, oh man, the scenery! It's absolutely gorgeous, making those nail-biting moments totally worth it.

Travel guide to the top of Col des Veshard

Travel guide to the top of Col des Ves

🇫🇷 France

# Col des Ves Nestled in the Savoie department of southeastern France, Col des Ves sits pretty at a jaw-dropping 2,793 meters (9,163 feet) above sea level. You'll find this alpine gem tucked within the stunning Vanoise National Park, part of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Here's the thing: this isn't your typical paved highway. The road to the summit is completely unpaved and primarily serves as a maintenance route for the ski lifts and lodges dotting the peaks. It's legitimately one of France's highest accessible roads—pretty cool bragging rights, right? Don't expect an easy cruise. Starting from Val Claret, you're looking at a 6.4-kilometer (3.97-mile) climb that's seriously steep. You'll gain 671 meters of elevation over that distance, which translates to an average gradient of 10.48%. Your legs (and your car) will definitely feel it. Perched high in the Massif de la Vanoise within the French Alps, this road is absolutely off-limits come winter—conditions make it completely impassable. Plus, expect relentless winds that'll keep things interesting. This is pure alpine adventure territory, but definitely best tackled during the summer months when conditions are actually manageable.

Road trip guide: Conquering Refuge Drayèresmoderate

Road trip guide: Conquering Refuge Drayères

🇫🇷 France

# Refuge Drayères: A Remote Alpine Adventure Perched at a jaw-dropping 2,189 meters (7,181 feet) in the Hautes-Alpes region of southeastern France, Refuge Drayères sits like a secret waiting to be discovered. This high mountain hideaway nestles within the stunning Vallée de la Clarée valley, accessible via a gravel road that feels like stepping off the beaten path entirely. Here's the real talk: this isn't your typical smooth highway. The road surface is rough and unforgiving, and closures can pop up without warning depending on weather conditions—so definitely check ahead before you head out. But that's part of the charm, honestly. The isolation is exactly what makes this place special. What you get in return for the rough ride? Pure magic. The refuge sits at the head of the valley with absolutely breathtaking views stretching in every direction. Look down over a patchwork of gorgeous valley scenery, then crane your neck upward to take in towering alpine peaks that'll make your heart skip a beat. It's the kind of place where you actually understand why people fall in love with mountain driving. If you're seeking an authentic, off-the-grid mountain experience with scenery that'll stick with you long after you leave, this lonely little road delivers in spades.