Source: CNAIR (dispecerat.andnet.ro)
The Transalpina (DN67C) is Romania’s highest road, reaching a maximum altitude of 2145 meters near the Urdele Pass. Also known as the “King’s Road” or “Carol’s Road,” the route was originally built during the interwar period under the reign of King Carol II and subsequently modernized in several stages. The road crosses the Parâng and Șureanu Mountains, offering a less crowded alternative to the famous Transfăgărășan.
The scenery along the Transalpina is wild and untamed. Travelers can admire vast alpine meadows, traditional sheepfolds with shepherds tending their flocks, and spectacular panoramic views of mountain ridges. Notable points of interest include the Rânca ski resort, the waterfalls along the Lalorița Valley, and the ruins of a Roman castrum at Obârșia Lotrului.
The road is typically open from May or June through October or November, depending on weather conditions. Though less internationally renowned than the Transfăgărășan, the Transalpina delivers an equally impressive mountain driving experience, with the added advantage of more authentic landscapes and fewer crowds. The high-altitude sections pass through areas completely devoid of tree cover, creating the sensation of driving above the clouds.