What are the most spectacular roads in Romania?

Located in the southeastern part of Europe, Romania is a country with a very diverse terrain. It hosts about 65 of the most spectacular roads in the world. When travelling to the country you can’t skip the iconic Transfagarasan, a thrilling road through Dracula's territory. It runs through the rugged Carpathian Mountains and features spooky dark tunnels (the longest is more than 800 meters and pitch black), plus endless twists and turns make for a thrilling mountain ride.

For high mountain lovers, Transalpina must be on top of your list. Reputed to be the highest paved road in Romania, reaching an elevation of 2,145m (7,037ft) at Urdele Pass, it is not open all year round. it’s one of the famous Romanian high-altitude roads. It’s also worth the drive through the scenic road through Bicaz Gorge, a very scenic canyon located in the historic region of Transylvania. The road, that slices through the gorges, is among Romania’s most spectacular. This stunning gorge has a part that is so narrow that it is known as 'Neck of Hell.'"

If you prefer high mountain roads, don’t forget to drive the historical Pasul Vulcan in the Southern Carpathians, climbing up to 1.614m (5,295ft) above sea level, or the breathtaking road to Costila Peak in the Bucegi Mountains, a peak at 2.485m (8,152ft) above sea level, located in the mountains of the Muntenia region.

Transalpina is an exhilarating drive with breathtaking views located in central Romania. Running through the Carpathian Mountains, it’s one of the famous Romanian high altitude roads.

Transfăgărășan is a very scenic road located in Romania. Spooky dark tunnels (the longest is more than 800 meters and pitch black), plus endless twists and turns make for a thrilling mountain ride through Dracula’s territory.

Nestled within Europe's heart, Romania offers some of the continent's most captivating road trips. Beyond its rich history and vibrant culture, this nation boasts breathtaking scenic drives that are destinations in their own right. From the undulating curves of the Carpathian Mountains to the serene flow of the Danube River, Romania presents a cinematic backdrop for every driving enthusiast.

TransBucegi is one of the most scenic drives in Romania. Along the road, you will feel the need for higher elevation, even fresher air, and sweeping landscapes where you can soak in some of Romania's most breathtaking vistas without even leaving your car. It’s one of the famous high-altitude roads in Romania.

TransRarau is a very scenic drive located in Suceava County, in the southern portion of the historical region of Bukovina, in Romania. It’s one of the Romanian high altitude roads.

Bicaz Gorge is a very scenic canyon located in the historic region of Transylvania, in Romania. The road that slices through the gorges is among Romania’s most spectacular. This stunning gorge has a part that is so narrow that it is known as "Neck of Hell."

Located in Southeastern Europe, bordering the Black Sea, Romania is a pretty mountainous country. There are 12 peaks over 2,500 m in the country. Its natural landscape is almost evenly distributed between mountains (31%), hills (33%), and plains (36%).

Pasul Tihuţa is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.201m (3,940ft) above sea level, located in Bistrița-Năsăud County, in Transylvania, Romania.

Pasul Urdele is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.145m (7,037ft) above sea level, located in Romania. At this elevation it’s said to be one of the highest paved roads of the country.

Pasul Ghimeşului is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.154m (3,786ft) above sea level, located in Harghita County, Romania.

Pasul Vâlcan is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.614m (5,295ft) above sea level, located in Romania.

Harghita-Mădăraș is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1.624m (5,328ft) above sea level, located in Harghita county, in eastern Transylvania, Romania.

Pasul Mestecăniș is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.096m (3,595ft) above sea level, located in Suceava County, in Romania.

Pasul Buzău is a mountain pass at an elevation of 642m (2,106ft) above sea level, located in the Eastern Carpathians in Romania.

Located in the northeastern part of Argeș County, in Romania, Cheile Dâmbovicioarei is a very scenic canyon carved by the Dambovicioara River.

Lacul Negovanu is a mountain lake at an elevation of 1,150m (3,772ft) above sea level, located in Sibiu County, Romania.

DN66A is a very challenging mountain road straddling Gorj, Hunedoara, and Mehedinti counties in Romania. The road is very rough--only try driving it in a 2WD car if you're planning to buy a new car.

Pasul Prislop is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,416m (4,646ft) above sea level located on the boundary between Maramureș, Bistrița-Năsăud, and Suceava counties in Romania.

Transursoaia (DN1R) is a mountain road that straddles Cluj and Alba counties, in Romania. It’s one of the famous Romanian high-altitude roads.

Pasul Ciumârna is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,109m (3,638ft) above sea level, located in Suceava County, in Romania.

Curmătura Vidruţei is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 1,589m (5,213ft) above sea level, located in Vâlcea County, in Romania.

Pasul Huta is a mountain pass at an elevation of 581m (1,906ft) above sea level, located in northwestern Romania, near the Ukrainian border.

Pasul Rucar-Bran is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1,272 m (4,173 ft) above sea level, located on the boundary between Brașov and Argeș counties in Romania.

Geamăna is an abandoned village located in Romania. It became infamous due to its tragic history tied to a copper mining operation. The town was deliberately flooded and abandoned in 1978 due to a mine.

Piatra Arsa is a high mountain cabin at an elevation of 1,970m (6,463ft) above sea level, located in the north of Prahova County, in Romania. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.

Shelter Pelegii is a high mountain refuge at an elevation of 1,599m (5,246ft) above sea level, located in Hunedoara County, Romania. The drive is quite challenging.

Located in the Transylvania region of Romania, the National Road DN73A is a truly awesome drive, with 12 steep hairpin turns.

Vârful Coștila is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 2,485m (8,152ft) above sea level, located in the mountains of Prahova County in the region of Muntenia, in Romania. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.

DN73C is the name of a challenging road located in the south-central part of Romania. The condition of the road is really bad in some parts.

DJ112G is a remote mountain road located in Brașov County, Transylvania, Romania, connecting the villages of Zărnești and Peștera. Known for its rough terrain and steep inclines, the road is mostly unpaved and requires careful navigation, especially after heavy rains or snowmelt.

Varful Vlădeasa is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1,828 m (6,000 ft) above sea level, located in Cluj County, Romania. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.

Pasul Trei Movile is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.040m (3,412ft) above the sea level, located in Suceava County, Romania.

DJ73 Road is a very scenic drive located in the central part of Romania. It’s a high mountain road climbing up a few mountain passes.

Pasul Ursoaia is a mountain pass at an elevation of 1.324m (4,343ft) above the sea level located on the Cluj County and Alba County border.

Vârful Curcubăta Mare is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 1.829m (6,000ft) above the sea level, located in the southeastern part of Bihor County, near the border with Alba County, in Romania. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

The Pasul Oituz is a mountain pass at an elevation of 868m (2,847ft) above the sea level located in Covasna County, Romania.

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