Transalpina (DN67C)

​A sense of excitement permeates the air as nature lovers and thrill seekers embark on a journey of discovery. Numerous road trippers, including cyclists, motorbikes, sports cars, and overlanding trucks, are drawn to the highway.

​How Long is the Transalpina Highway (DN67C)?

The Transalpina runs 148 km (92 miles) through the Parâng Mountains in the southern Carpathians, from Novaci (Gorj County) in the south to Sebeş (Alba County) at the north end. It is roughly a four-hour drive northwest of Bucharest to Novaci, a distance of 250 km.

How Long Does it Take To Drive the Transalpina Highway?

The recommended time to cross the Transalpina Highway is around three hours without stopping. However, you will probably pause many times, marvel at the breathtaking views, and take a few snapshots.

The time of year can affect how long it takes to drive the Transalpina Highway. Due to its popularity, tourists flock to experience the exhilarating drive, meaning peak times during the summer holidays and weekends can be busy. However, the Transalpina is quieter than the Transfagarasan Highway, which many consider a more thrilling ride.

Our timing took us through Romania in August, and we arrived at The Transalpina on a Sunday, right in the midst of the busy travel period. We opted for the Transalpina due to the likelihood of less crowds. Wolf, our converted Land Rover Ambulance, is not the swiftest up steep hills, and we didn’t want to be responsible for any hold-ups or drivers taking unnecessary risks on the sharp bends.

We started our drive around 9 a.m., and all was quiet. Around 11 a.m., traffic increased, but it flowed freely. 

The busiest section of the Transalpina at the souvenir stop

When Does The Transalpina Open?

The road isn’t open all year. It opens when the snow melts, typically around May or June. In 2023, it opened on the 15th June. The highway generally closes in mid-October, depending on the weather. However, at the time of writing on the 5th November, the road remains open.

For an idea of the varying opening times, here is a list of timings The Transalpina opened and closed in the last five years.

• 2022 1st June – 17th November
• 2021 16th June – 8th October
• 2020 23rd May – 18th October
• 2019 5th June – 29th October
• 2018 16th May – 22nd October

What Is the Weather Like on the Transalpina Highway?

The Transalpina highway provides a mixed bag of weather. The winters are cold, with plenty of snow and ice. The weather can be changeable, particularly at higher elevations. Always check the weather forecast, time it for sunny conditions, and expect fog and light rain. 

We travelled in August, and the morning was gorgeous warm sunshine. During the afternoon, we experienced terrific thunderstorms, rain, and hail. It was perfect timing, for us to pull up and watch England play in the Women’s Football World Cup.

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Watching the Women’s World Cup at 2,145 metres

Is the Transalpina a Dangerous Road?

Fundamentally, the Transalpina has the potential to be a dangerous road. Weather conditions can make driving and visibility challenging if not driven with caution. Hairpin bends require concentration. 

However, with a speed limit of 30 km / h in place, the drive is slow and steady. The traffic was slow-moving enough for us to keep up with when going up the steep inclines. Only a few passed us. The majority of drivers were patient and were enjoying the experience.

The Transalpina is safe to drive. Respect the speed limits and other road users. Concentrate on the road and take heed of weather conditions. The road was in excellent condition, with barriers lining the route. So, enjoy the fabulous experience.

Is the Transalpina Free?

You do not need to pay an entry fee to drive the Transalpina. However, you need a vignette to drive on Romania’s main roads. We bought ours online, and they are available at various points of sale, like petrol stations and post offices.

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History of the Transalpina Highway

Some ambiguity surrounds the early history and construction of the Transalpina, and several thoughts exist on its origins.

A Roman Conquest

Roman Legions initially constructed the road at the beginning of the 2nd Century AD during their advance to conquer Sarmizegetusa, the capital of Dacia, which is now modern-day Romania. After being victorious in part of their quest, they continued using the road to transport gold from Central Romania (Transylvania) to Rome.

Germans During WW1

Some sources suggest Germans later rebuilt the road during WWI to transport military equipment occasionally.

King Carol II

What is known for sure is that in 1938, King Carol II inaugurated the reconstructed route, making it suitable for horse-drawn artillery and troops to traverse the mountains. The road became locally known as ‘King’s Road.’

Modern Day

Between 2007 and 2009, the road underwent significant construction to transform the route into a public highway. In 2012, the Transalpina was officially open and suitable for all vehicles.

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Should you Drive the Transalpina or the Transfagarasan?

We can’t comment on the Transafagarasan. We opted for the less-congested Transalpina, which was surprisingly quiet. We expected it to be much busier. According to Google Maps, there was less traffic than usual. 

I’ve heard that you should drive both at some point in your life. Although many consider the Transfagarasan to be a more technical drive with challenging switchbacks, hairpin bends, tunnels, and small bridges.

The road became more famous after Jeremy Clarkson and the team from the Top Gear show drove the spectacular Transafagarasan.

The answer to which should you drive? Both! The Transfagarasan and Transaplina run parallel, creating a spectacular loop to complete in one trip. Unfortunately, we didn’t have time, but intend to return and complete the tour.