Private Transfagarasan Road Trip from Bucharest: Lake, Dam & Castles

Summary

Explore Romania’s Legendary Transfagarasan Highway and Hidden Gems

If you want to see Romania beyond postcards, this private Transfagarasan tour is for you. You’ll drive mountain roads, taste local flavors, and hear stories that bring each stop to life—all with flexibility and a guide who knows every shortcut and legend.

What’s the experience like?

We left Bucharest just as the city was waking up, coffee in hand, and headed north. The air felt cooler the further we drove, and by the time we reached Curtea de Arges, I could smell fresh bread from a bakery near the old town square. Our guide, Andrei, shared stories about the first capital of Romania—turns out, this place has seen more drama than most TV shows. The Royal Church stands quietly among the ruins, but it’s the Arges Monastery that really sticks with you. There’s a legend about its construction that’s both beautiful and a bit haunting—Andrei told it with the kind of detail you only get from someone who grew up nearby.

The real adventure started when we hit the Transfagarasan Highway. If you’ve ever seen those winding roads on Top Gear, this is it—but honestly, no video does it justice. We stopped at a curve where locals sell wild berries out of plastic buckets; I grabbed a handful and they tasted like summer. The road climbs fast, with sharp turns and sudden views that make you want to pull over every five minutes. At Vidraru Dam, the wind whipped around us and you could hear water rushing far below. It’s massive—166 meters high—and there’s this odd echo if you clap your hands near the edge.

Poenari Fortress loomed above us on a rocky ridge. It’s under restoration now, so we couldn’t climb up, but we snapped some photos from below while Andrei pointed out where Vlad the Impaler once held court. There were hawks circling overhead and the forest smelled damp after last night’s rain. By midday, we reached Balea Lake—a glacier lake tucked between peaks. The air was thin and crisp, and I could see my breath even in June. There are two chalets here where you can grab hot tea or soup; I went for a bowl of ciorbă and just watched clouds drift across the water for a while.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Transfagarasan Road and Landmarks

• Visit Curtea de Arges Monastery
• Drive and photograph Transfagarasan Highway
• View Vidraru Dam
• Photo stop at Poenari Castle
• Explore Balea Lake area

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with kids?

Yes, it’s family-friendly! We can provide infant seats and adjust stops for comfort.

Can I book this tour outside May–November?

No, the Transfagarasan Highway is open only from mid-May to early November due to weather.

Will we enter Poenari Fortress?

Currently, Poenari Fortress is under restoration so we’ll view it from outside and take photos.

Is lunch included?

No set lunch is included, but there are stops at local chalets or cafés where you can buy food.

What’s included

Your own private car (or minibus) with Wi-Fi, an English-speaking licensed guide/driver just for your group, all entry tickets, taxes, fuel, parking fees—and plenty of flexibility if you want to tweak the route along the way.