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Transfagarasan Highway Tour: The Best Road in the World!

This is the best sightseeing day trip from Sibiu! First, we visit the ruins of an 800-year-old abbey where you can still feel history's touch. Then, we enter the Carpathian Mountains to discover the spectacular Transfagarasan Road, named by Top Gear 'the best driving road in the world' at 2,000m high! Finally, we visit the fairytale-looking Clay Castle, unique in the world!

What you need to know about this Transfagarasan Road Tour

  • This tour starts from Sibiu and lasts 7 hours. Runs all year round: driving on the road in July-Oct, by cable car the rest of the year.
  • Included: transport by car, guidance, entrance fee at Carta Abbey and Cisnadioara fortress. Cable car ticket NOT included
  • The main part of Tranfagarasan Highway opens for driving only between July - October. Outside this period, if weather permits, we can do the tour using the cable car which runs right above the road (extra fee of 16 Euro/person for tickets)
  • You will see a 800 year old abbey, the Tranfagarasan highway and the Balea glacier lake at the top of the mountains.
  • If you want, we can stop for lunch on our route - I know some good spots :)
  • Unless you specifically mention that you want a private tour, there might be other travelers joining you on this trip
  • If you want we can also do a short (3h) hike up in Fagaras Mountains. Please mention this when booking.

Additional information

The weather changes a lot in the mountains so, we suggest proper equipment: sun hat, umbrella, rain coat, sport shoes or trekking shoes.

Between November and July the road is closed due to weather conditions. We can reach Balea Lake by taking a cable car (extra 16 Euro/ person). In case of extremely windy and snowy weather, the acces is totally forbidden.

Apart from the spectacular drive on the Transfagarasan winding road and the visit at the Carta Abbey you can choose a visit at the Cisnadioara fortress.


Moments to expect in the Transfagarasan Road Trip

The Cistercian Monks' Abbey

Built in the 13th century by the Cistercian monks, the Carta fortified abbey is one of the earliest gothic constructions in Transylvania. During our visit you will discover its well-preserved ruins and learn about the 800 year old history of this attraction.

The Cistercian Monks' Abbey

The Transfagarasan Road

Built by the communists as an access road across the Carpathian Mts. to link Transylvania with the Southern province of Wallachia, the Transfagarasan Highway is a spectacular scenic road situated in a mountain valley at 2,000m high. Enjoy a ride on the road that Top Gear host Jeremy Clarkson called "the best road in the world."
*runs all year round

The  Transfagarasan Road

Glacier Balea Lake

At the top of Transfagarasan Highway there is a small glacier lake hidden between the rough edges of Fagaras Mts. With its emerald green waters, there is something special and relaxing about this lake and you will have the chance to admire it and the splendid surrounding views!

Glacier Balea Lake

Balea Ice Hotel (only in winter time)

From December to April the glacier lake gets frozen and becomes... a hotel! Built from the ice of the lake, this hotel is the second biggest ice hotel in Europe. Every year it has a different theme which makes it spectacular and unique. The hotel of ice and the ice church are "a must" on our visit list!

Balea Ice Hotel (only in winter time)

Cisnadioara Fortress (optional)

Cisnadioara fortress is one of the oldest in Transylvania (12th century). We'll climb up the hill and enjoy a great view towards the village and the mountains around

Cisnadioara Fortress (optional)

Short hike in Fagaras Mountains

If you're fit and well equipped (hiking boots, wind + water proof jacket), we can do a short circuit hike up in Fagaras Mts for 3h. Just let me know when booking.

Short hike in Fagaras Mountains

Drive to Poenari Citadel

Between 15 June - 31 October you can customise this tour and include a drive to Poenari Castle, 1h South of Balea Lake. This is the 'real Dracula Castle' because, unlike Bran Castle, Vlad Dracula actually lived here. The ruins of the castle have lots of stories and legends to share if you're willing to find out!
[extra cost 75 Euro]

Drive to Poenari Citadel
Attractions included
2 x 100 Euro
How to book this tour?
  1. Choose how many people and whenHelp
  2. Request a booking and fill in your detailsHelp
  3. Flexible payment and cancelationHelp
  4. Guide answers in 24hHelp
  5. Children pricesHelp

Cancelation & refund policy

Easy

Sends us or the guide an email 24h before the tour informing us you can't make it and you'll get a full refund of your payment, no questions asked.

Location details

  • Starting point: Sibiu
  • Nearest airport: Sibiu or Cluj International
  • Nearest train station: Sibiu Train Station
  • Landscape: Mountains & countryside

Reviews from travellers

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