Urdele Pass is one of the hardest climbs in Eastern Europe
Pasul Urdele is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.145m (7,037ft) above the sea level, located on the boundary of Valcea and Gorj counties in Romania. At this elevation it’s said to be one of the highest paved roads of the country.
Is Urdele Pass paved?
Set high in the Parâng Mountains group, in the Southern Carpathians of the country, the road to the summit is totally paved. It’s called Transalpina or DN67C. It’s the highest point on the popular road. There are sources that claim Translapina was first built and utilised by Roman legions during the wars with the Dacians. It’s one of the hardest roads in the eastern part of Europe, hitting a 12.2% of maximum gradient through some of the ramps.
Is Urdele Pass open?
The road is subject to seasonal closures throughout the year, primarily influenced by weather conditions. Typically, in November or December, the highway is closed due to substantial snowfall and the potential hazards it presents for driving. However, from mid-May to mid-October, with weather permitting, the road becomes accessible during daylight hours only (from 08:00 to 20:00).
How long is Urdele Pass?
Located in the central part of the country, the pass is 28km (17.39 miles) long running north-south from Obârşia Lotrului to Rânca. It's quite famous and it attracts an impressive number of tourists due to the experience it provides.