Transfagarasan amazing road trip from Brasov

Key Points

• Price and Duration: This guided tour costs $168 per person and lasts around 7 hours.
• Main Highlights: Experience what Top Gear calls the most spectacular road in the world, with incredible scenery, serpentines, and high-altitude views.
• Seasonal Access: The highway is accessible by car from mid-June to mid-November; in winter, a cable-car takes visitors to Balea Lake.
• Included Services: The tour features pick-up and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, WiFi on board, and local taxes and parking fees.
• Small Group Experience: Limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized adventure.
• Additional Tips: Be sure to bring warm clothing and shoes, especially if visiting in early or late season.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Transfagarasan Road with Welcome to Transylvania SRL

This 7-hour guided road trip from Brasov offers a chance to experience the famous Transfagarasan Highway, considered by Top Gear as the most spectacular road in the world. For $168 per person, travelers enjoy a carefully curated route that combines breathtaking mountain scenery, serpentine roads, and high-altitude lakes. The guided tour is perfect for those eager to see one of Romania’s most famous natural attractions with ease and comfort, thanks to hotel pick-up and drop-off included in the package.

Travelers should note that the highway is only accessible by car from around June 15 to November 15 due to seasonal closure earlier in the year. During winter, the tour adapts by offering a cable-car journey to Balea Lake, allowing visitors to appreciate the scenery even when driving the highway isn’t possible. This flexibility makes the experience enjoyable year-round, depending on the season.

The tour is designed for small groups of up to 8 people, fostering a more intimate setting where live commentary in English enriches the journey. The air-conditioned vehicle with WiFi ensures comfort and connectivity, making it easy to share the stunning views as you go.

From Brasov to the Highs of the Fagaras Mountains

The tour begins with convenient pick-up from your hotel or accommodation in Brasov, setting the tone for a day of exploration. The first leg takes you through the scenic landscape of Sibiu County, heading toward the legendary Transfagarasan Highway. The guide provides insights along the way, highlighting the area’s geography and history, preparing everyone for the breathtaking scenery ahead.

Once on the highway, the route features numerous serpentines, winding through the Fagaras Mountains, which are Romania’s highest peaks. The road reaches an impressive altitude of 2,042 meters at Lake Balea, where the highway begins its descent. The journey offers spectacular perspectives on rugged mountain ranges and deep valleys, making every turn a photo opportunity.

The highlight is undoubtedly the stop at Lake Balea, a glacier lake formed within a cirque at 2040 meters above sea level. At 4.6 hectares, with a depth of approximately 11 meters, Balea Lake is a striking natural feature that captures the imagination. Travelers have the chance to walk around the area, enjoy the crisp mountain air, and marvel at this alpine setting.

Visiting Balea Cascada and the Winter Cable-Car Experience

During the summer months (mid-June to mid-November), the tour primarily involves traveling by car along the Transfagarasan Highway, with stops at key points like Balea Lake. Before mid-June, the road remains closed to traffic, but visitors can still experience the region through a cable-car ride to Balea Lake, which is offered during winter.

This alternative means of access ensures that visitors can appreciate the rugged beauty of the Fagaras Mountains even when the highway is inaccessible. The cable-car journey up to Balea Lake offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks, creating a memorable experience that complements the summer road trip.

In both seasons, the Balea Cascada, a scenic waterfall near Balea Lake, provides a picturesque stop to enjoy the natural surroundings. The combination of mountain lakes, waterfalls, and mountain vistas makes this part of the tour particularly photogenic.

What Makes the Transfagarasan Highway the Most Spectacular Road in the World

Rated by Top Gear as the most spectacular road in the world, the Transfagarasan impresses with its serpentining profile and height at 2042 meters. The highway’s engineering marvel lies in its number of serpentines and the spectacular mountain scenery that surrounds it.

The route begins at Balea Lake and stretches over 30 kilometers down to Cartisoara village, revealing constant views of rugged peaks, deep valleys, and alpine landscapes. The combination of technical road design and stunning scenery makes this drive a highlight for motor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The road’s altitude and remote location make it a unique driving experience, with sharp turns and panoramic vistas around every bend. This is a road that offers more than just transportation—it delivers a visual feast that keeps travelers engaged and eager to stop for photos.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Unique Experience of the Balea Lake Stop

Lake Balea is a key highlight of this tour, forming a glacier lake at 2040 meters altitude. Measuring 360 meters long and covering 4.6 hectares, this natural wonder is framed by towering mountains and surrounded by high-altitude scenery.

Travelers get to walk along the lake’s edges, capture photos of the pristine waters, and appreciate the alpine environment. In the winter, Balea Lake becomes accessible via cable-car, providing a picturesque vantage point even when the highway is closed.

The natural environment around Balea Lake offers a peaceful retreat amid rugged peaks. Its glacier origins and sheltered setting make it one of the most striking features of the trip, perfect for nature photography and outdoor enthusiasts.

Logistics and Comfort of the Guided Tour

This small group tour limits participation to 8 people, ensuring a comfortable and personalized experience. Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Brasov are included, removing the stress of transportation logistics.

The vehicle used for the journey is air-conditioned with WiFi, allowing guests to relax and stay connected while enjoying the scenery. The live English commentary enriches the experience by providing context about the locations, geography, and engineering marvels of the highway.

Participants should come prepared with warm clothing and shoes, especially for early or late-season visits, as mountain weather can be unpredictable. The tour includes local taxes, parking fees, and driver/guide services, making it a straightforward and hassle-free experience.

Who Will Most Enjoy This Transfagarasan Road Trip?

This tour appeals to travelers who appreciate spectacular mountain scenery, engineering feats, and natural lakes. It’s especially suited for those interested in driving roads rated as the most beautiful in the world or exploring Romania’s high-altitude landscapes.

The small group format suits visitors who prefer a more intimate experience over large-group tours. The seasonal flexibility with winter cable-car access makes it a good choice for travelers visiting outside the summer window.

While the tour involves a fair amount of driving, the stops at Balea Lake and the scenic viewpoints make it an engaging and visually rewarding day. It’s ideal for adventure lovers, photography enthusiasts, and anyone eager to see Romania’s impressive mountain heritage without the hassle of navigating themselves.

The Sum Up: A Scenic Drive with Unmatched Views

The Transfagarasan highway tour from Brasov offers a well-rounded experience of Romania’s most famous mountain pass. For $168, visitors enjoy a 7-hour journey filled with stunning vistas, natural lakes, and engineering marvels. The small group size, expert guide, and comfortable transport make this a reliable choice for those seeking an accessible yet awe-inspiring adventure.

While the high-altitude roads are seasonal, the cable-car option in winter ensures the scenery remains accessible year-round, depending on weather conditions. The tour’s highlight—the Balea Lake stop and panoramic mountain views— ensures plenty of memorable moments.

This experience suits nature lovers, road trip enthusiasts, and photographers eager to capture Romania’s mountainous beauty. The tour’s mix of scenic driving, natural stops, and local expert guidance makes it a compelling choice for a day of exploration in Transylvania.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to take this tour?
The tour is best experienced from mid-June to mid-November when the highway is open for cars. In winter, a cable-car route replaces driving.

What should I bring for the trip?
It’s advisable to pack warm clothing and shoes due to high-altitude weather and potential temperature drops, even during summer.

Is the tour suitable for all fitness levels?
Yes, but travelers should be comfortable with walking around Lake Balea and the Balea Cascada area. The vehicle travel is easy and accessible.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available if canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are meals included?
No, lunch is not included, so plan accordingly for snacks or meals before or after the tour.

How large are the groups?
The tour is limited to 8 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Is WiFi available during the trip?
Yes, the vehicle provides WiFi onboard for your convenience.

Do I need to speak English to join?
The guide provides live commentary in English, making it suitable for English speakers.

What is the main highlight of this tour?
The spectacular scenery along the Transfagarasan Highway and the visit to Balea Lake are the standout features.

Can I visit Balea Lake in winter if the highway is closed?
Yes, during winter, access is via cable-car, allowing you to still enjoy the mountain scenery and Balea Lake.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby