THE MAIN FEATURE – ROMANIA – THE TRANSFAGARASAN ROAD (Day 87 covering 170km to 9,766km)

This post sees us drive from Curtea De Arges to Sibiu in Transylvania Romania via the Transfăgărășan Road that crosses the Fagaras Mountains that form the central part of the Carparthian Mountain Chain.

 

This day and this drive was at the pinnacle of our trip and defines the Balkans in just one word – MOUNTAINOUS !!!

 

The Transfăgărășan Road was rated THE GREATEST DRIVING ROAD IN THE WORLD by England’s popular car show series TOP GEAR !!! Watch it here from 4:46 onwards: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhSanuvCrOA

I disagree with Top Gear - I think TROLLSTIGEN WAY or 'Troll's Road'in NORWAY is the greatest driving road in the world. I road that Paul Pappas and I were lucky to see and drive in 2006 - you can see it below and compare further down and also see it in my film IN SEARCH OF EUROTRASH at www.golfcopictures.com

 

TROLLSTIGEN WAY IN NORWAY...

The Transfăgărășan Road (DN7C) is a paved mountain road crossing the southern section of the Carpathian Mountains starting near the village of Bascov, near Pitești, and stretching 90 kilometres (56 mi) to the crossroad between the DN1 and Sibiu near the village of Cartisoara. The Transfăgărășan peaks at 2,042m. The Transfăgărășan was constructed between 1970 and 1974 during the rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu as a response to the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by the Soviet Union. Ceaușescu wanted to ensure quick military access across the mountains in case of a Soviet invasion so the road includes a 884m long tunnel to hasten the journey.

 

Before hitting the Transfăgărășan, we visited a wooden church, which is typical of Transylvania, Poenari Citadel (The real Vlad Impaler Palace) and the big Vidraru Dam. Sadly, Poenari Citadel was closed for renovations since it is falling apart. The biggest surprise on the Transfăgărășan after the Dam was our first close encounter with a bear – yes – a bear cub. It was on the side of the road eating something. I was the only one to get out of the car to photograph it but kept my distance just in case mama bear was nearby…

 

The Transfăgărășan lives up to its name in every way. An iconic road to define an iconic Balkans – the land of mountains and windy roads.

Enjoy the twists and turns and jaw-dropping views of the Transfăgărășan…

THE BALKANOPOULOS SIGNATURE SHOT !!!