The Transalpina: Romania's Highest Road (Sebeș to Novaci, 2 Days)

The Transalpina (DN67C) is Romania’s highest road, cresting the Urdele pass at about 2,145 m through the Parâng mountains — older, higher and wilder-feeling than its famous neighbour the Transfăgărășan. It runs from Sebeș in the north to Novaci in the south, climbing onto open alpine ridges with almost nothing but sheep and sky. It opens only in summer. You drive on the right.

Day 1 — Sebeș over the Urdele pass to Rânca (130 km)

Head south from Sebeș through forest and the Șureanu foothills, past the Oașa lake and reservoir, as the road climbs to its high point — the Urdele pass at about 2,145 m, with sweeping ridge-top views over the Parâng — before dropping to the ski village of Rânca, a good base under the peaks.

Day 2 — Down to Novaci (18 km)

From Rânca it’s a short, steep run of hairpins down to Novaci — barely 18 km, so take it slowly and enjoy the last ridge views. Pair the whole road with the Transfăgărășan one range to the east for an unforgettable two-pass Carpathian loop.

Costs

Use the cost calculator to price fuel and nights for your exact dates. Romania needs a cheap rovinieta e-vignette for national roads, but the Transalpina itself is toll-free. Budget fuel and guesthouse (pensiune) nights, which are inexpensive. The road is strictly seasonal (roughly June to October) — check it is open and snow-free before you climb, and note it closes at night in places.