7 spectacular roads in Romania that exclude the Transfagarasan and Transalpina
Romania is the country with some of the most spectacular roads in Europe
For your motorcycle tour in Romania follow the guide bellow, it includes the most picturesque roads in the country that you must drive at least once in your life-time.
Jeremy Clarkson said the Transfăgărășan "is the best road in the world", but Romania has much more to offer. Transalpina is also a well known option but your motorcycle tour in Romania could also include the Cerna valley, the Tihuta pass, the beautiful Olt valley, Transbucegi or the Danube caldera.
Discover picturesque landscapes during your adventure motorcycle tour in Romania
Following this guide on your adventure motorcycle tour in Romania you will discover picturesque landscape that will leave you breathless. Most of these routes are considered difficult to cross and some are recommended for experienced drivers only, but every kilometre is worth it.
Many of the routes are included in the list for their wow factor, unfortunately the asphalt is not very good, and sometimes you will find yourself riding on dirt tracks.
The quality of the asphalt differs greatly from one year to the next, some of the high-altitude roads are slightly affected during the winter season, others last several years at an acceptable level before the authorities will decide to repair them.
Anyway, you should keep this guide, it will help you discover Romania during your adventure motorcycle tour.
Cerney Vallei - DN67
Route: Targu Jiu – Tismana – Baia de Arama – Baile HerculaneLength: 120 km
Time: 3 hours
The DN67 section in the Cerna Valley has a total length of 106km(120km if you decide to stop at Tismana Monastery) and can be part of your adventure motorcycle trip in Romania. In low traffic you will need approximately 2 hours to complete it.
This picturesque part of the path of more than 100 kilometers begins from Targu Jiu and passes through Tismana, Baia de Arama to Baile Herculane. The lanscape crosses the mountains and you will get 40 km of gorges. On route you will pass through the Domogled Valea Cernei National Park, known for its many caves, more than 700.
The Cerna Valley will surprise you with impressive landscapes and cultural richness of the area it crosses. For those who choose to drive on this route during an adventure motorcycle tour in Romania, conssider one of the following tourist attractions:
- Tismana Monastery
- Baia de Arama
- The pass between Oltenia and Banat, located at 1050 m altitude
- Valea Cernei Domogled National Park
- Vanturatoarea Waterfall
- Cheile Pasnei
Pasul Tihuta – E58
Route:Bistrita – Colibita Lake - Tihuta Pass – Vatra DorneiLength: 95 km
Time: 2 hours
This is picturesque route has a few other interesting passes nearby Gradinita, Mestecanis, Paltinis and Creanga. This stretch of road is an old commercial route that can be covered in approximately 2 hours.
The road was built by the Austro-Hungarian army, between 1812-1817, and it asphalted in 1969. In 1974, the Hotel Castel Dracula was opened near the top of the Pass, giving visitors the opportunity to make the most of the spectacular surrounding views of Transylvania and Bucovina, while also enjoying the location’s connection to the world’s most famous vampire story.
The Tihuta Pass has a maximum altitude of 1227 m and is crossed by two European highways: E58 and E676. For those who choose to drive on this route during an adventure motorcycle tour in Romania, consider one of the following tourist attractions:
- Colibita Lake
Transbucegi – DN 713
Route:Sinaia - Bucegi Plateu - Piatra Arsa CabinLength: 17 km
Time: 45 min
Transbucegi is just 90km from Bucharest and it is the first stop for many motorcycle tours. It is a beautiful cul-de-sac road which goes over the Bucegi Natural Park, a land which provides colorful flower and foliage displays as well as numerous hiking trails, that will lead you straight into the heart of nature. 2 hours.
It is also one of the newest roads in Romania. It was built between 2010 and 2014.
The reason this relatively short stretch of road is worth mentioning is the fact that it crosses a picturesque area of the Bucegi plateau, at an altitude of 1,925 meters. For those who choose to drive on this route during an adventure motorcycle tour in Romania, consider one of the following tourist attractions:
- Babele (hike from Piatra Arsa, aprox 1h)
- Lacul Bolboci (gravel road)
Bicaz Gorge – DN12C, DN15B, DN15C
Route:Sovata - Gheorghieni – Lacul Rosu – Cheile Bicazului – Bicaz – Lacul Bicaz – Targu NeamtLength: 211 km
Time: 6 hours
The Bicaz Gorges is the longest route in the this list and it is among Romania’s most spectacular roads. The motoring experience is definitely worth it. The road through the gorge is called DN12C national road. It’s asphalted and is located in the Eastern Carpathians of Romania and links Transylvania to the historical Romanian region of Moldova
The gorges connecting Transylvania with Moldova are 8 km long and are located in the Red Lake section. Construction of the narrow road between the gorges began in 1912.
In the area there is also a Cheile Bicazului - Hasmas national park, with areas protected area. The picturesque character of this area is given by the streamers of special beauty and by the limestone walls of the rocks that hide some of the most beautiful caves in the country. For those who choose to drive on this route during an adventure motorcycle tour in Romania, consider one of the following tourist attractions:
- Sugaulu Gorge
- Laposului Gorge and Piatra Altarului
- Tunel Cave
- Hasmasu Mare Top
- Bicaz Lake
Pasul Buzau – DN10
Route:Bucharest - Buzau - Nehoiu – Gura Siriului – Intorsura Buzaului – BrasovLength: 268 km
Time: 5 hours
The entire DN10 road is considered one of the most picturesque in the country. This route can connect Bucharest to Brasov via Buzau, it passes through the beautiful Buzau Pass and is one of the most spectacular sections of the country, open all year. The road from Bucharest to Buzau is quite boring, it passes through a flat area with many fields.
Buzau Pass has a maximum altitude of 670m, which connects the city of Nehoiu with the Intorsura Buzau. Like the other roads on this summit, the Buzau Pass can sometimes be difficult to navigate, so drivers are advised to drive with caution
The twists and turns on the road from Siriu lake are a fun motoring experience. You can enjoy to the max driving on this section especially due to the fact that it has been recently asphalted. For those who choose to drive on this route during an adventure motorcycle tour in Romania, consider one of the following tourist attractions:
- Siriu Dam
Transrarau – DJ 175B - DN 17A
Route:Chiril - Pojorata – RadautiLength: 210 km
Time: 5 hours
Transraraul (DJ 175B) is 26 km long and links the villages Chiril (on the southern side) and Pojorata (on the northern side). This is the newest Romanian asphalted mountain road and the ideal route starts from the city of Piatra Neamt and ends in Radauti. The section of Transarau is a path down history on the "Treasure Road".
The maximum altitude on Transraraul reaches 1400 meters. The road facilitates the access to the Cabin, Rarau Skete, as well as the famous natural monument, ‘Lady’ Rocks’ (Pietrele Doamnei).
There are many twists and turns that make this a fun ride. The higher you go, the landscape and views gets nicer and nicer, pay attention to the road since there are many bends with no visibility. For those who choose to drive on this route during an adventure motorcycle tour in Romania, consider one of the following tourist attractions:
- Pietrele Doamnei
- Piatra Soimului
- Stancile Adam si Eva
- Izvorul Giumalau
Cazanele Dunarii – DN57
Route:Pojejena – Dubova – Orsova – Portile de Fier – Drobeta Turnu SeverinLength: 150 km
Time: 3 hours
A fun motorcycle route where you will have the Danube River by your side, it can be done in 3 hours. It is a light to medium difficulty road in the twist and turns areas.
The road that passes here is bordered by the steep bank of the water and a rocky wall, offering a special image of nature. In addition, here you can see the Face of Decebal, carved into the rock as well as a lot of caves.
From DN57, in the Danube Gorge area, you can admire the largest stone sculpture in Europe, 55 m high and 25 m wide, representing the face of Decebal. From the winding road you can see the small Boilers of the Danube, whose gorge is followed by the route. For those who choose to drive on this route during an adventure motorcycle tour in Romania, consider one of the following tourist attractions:
- Gura Ponicovei Cave
- Decebal's Carved Face
- Iron Gates
Guided Motorcycle Tours in Romania with Moto4Fun
If the story above inspired you and you want to have a bit of fun of your own, choose one of our tours that include the famous roads such as the Transfagarasan or Transalpina and plan for a memorable vacation with Moto4Fun.
