Transalpina – The King's Road, the highest road in Romania

Transalpina, known as the King's Road, is the highest road in Romania and one of the most spectacular alpine routes in Europe. The segment between Novaci, Rânca, and Obârșia Lotrului, located in Oltenia, climbs up to 2,145 m and offers breathtaking panoramas of the Parâng Mountains. With tight switchbacks, bare ridges, and seemingly endless views, Transalpina is not just a road, but an experience of pure freedom, perfect for drivers, motorcyclists, and nature lovers.

Transalpina (DN67C), known as the King's Road, is one of the most spectacular roads in Romania and the highest road in the country. The route crosses the Parâng Mountains and connects Oltenia to Transylvania, offering alpine panoramas and one of the most appreciated road experiences in Eastern Europe. The segment between Novaci – Rânca – Obârșia Lotrului is considered the central and most visited part of the route.

How to get there

-Starting point in Oltenia: Novaci (Gorj)
-Direction: Novaci → Rânca → Urdele Pass → Obârșia Lotrului
-Main route: DN67C
-Road condition: asphalted, with switchbacks and steep slopes; requires increased attention
-Parking: numerous stopping areas and viewpoints along the route
Useful tip: there are no gas stations between Novaci and Sebeș; refuel before climbing

When to go

-Recommended period: July – September
-The road is fully open only in summer, after the snow melts
-Limited period: October – May (the high sections, especially Urdele Pass, close due to snow)
-For winter sports: Rânca becomes a ski resort from December to March

Activities in the area

-Panoramic driving on the highest road in Romania
-Hiking: trails to the peaks of Parâng and the Rânca area
-Parângul Mare Peak (2,519 m): a day hike for enthusiasts
-Galbenu and Petrimanu Lakes: glacial lakes accessible from Rânca
-Sports: skiing in winter, ATV in summer, mountain biking, paragliding
-Cultural visits: Polovragi Monastery and Muierii Cave (near Novaci)

Costs

-Road access: free
-Fees: no road or visiting fees
-Rânca cable cars/slopes: variable prices in the winter season (generally 15–35 lei/climb)
-Accommodation: between 120–350 lei/night depending on the season and comfort
-Optional activities: ATV/paragliding – prices vary depending on the operator

Gastronomy

-Along the route and in Novaci there are guesthouses and restaurants where you can try local dishes:
-Bulz ciobănesc (shepherd's polenta with cheese)
-Mountain trout
-Polenta with cheese and sour cream
-Homemade products (milk, cheeses, blueberry liqueur)
-Local wines from the Drăgășani area

Useful tips

-Check road conditions before departure – high sections may close temporarily
-Bring warm clothes even in summer – temperatures at over 2,000 m can drop below 10°C
-Avoid driving in the dark – route without lighting
-Stop only in designated viewpoints
-Respect animals in transhumance (sheep herds, sheepdogs)

Curiosities

-Urdele Pass, at 2,145 m altitude, is the highest road point in Romania
-Transalpina was rebuilt in 1938 at the initiative of King Carol II
-The name comes from Latin "trans" (beyond) + "Alpinus" (mountain)
-In World War II, the route was used by the German army as a strategic road

Transalpina is one of Romania's emblematic destinations, perfect for those who want accessible alpine landscapes by car, outdoor activities, and hiking. The segment between Novaci and Obârșia Lotrului offers spectacular views, good driving conditions in season, and numerous viewpoints.
It is an experience recommended to any tourist visiting Oltenia and wishing to discover one of the most beautiful mountain routes in the country.