The Most Beautiful Roads in Europe: Transfăgărășan & Transalpina

The Most Beautiful Roads in Europe is a short, guided and vehicle-supported challenge for strong road riders, crossing the Carpathians twice on two of the continent's most celebrated mountain passes: the Transfăgărășan and the Transalpina. Over two big days in the saddle you'll ride from south to north and back again, climbing above 2,000 m on Romania's highest roads, while Bike in Time's guides, support vehicle and luggage transfers take care of the logistics.

The adventure begins in Curtea de Argeș, the former capital of Wallachia. Day one follows the Transfăgărășan from Poienari, climbing for 60 km to around 2,000 m for lunch near the top, before a 35 km descent to Cârțișoara and a transfer to Sibiu, the medieval city and former European Capital of Culture. Day two crosses back south on the Transalpina from Săliște, climbing through forest past Vidra Lake to its highest point at 2,075 m, then plunging 28 km down to Novaci.

Riders can extend either day: start the Transfăgărășan from Curtea de Argeș rather than Poienari, or continue a further 40 km from Novaci to Horezu, a UNESCO-listed town famous for its pottery workshops. The final night is spent in a restored old manor with a farewell dinner, before a transfer back to Bucharest. Full board, road or hybrid bikes and helmets are included, making this an ideal mountain-pass escape for cyclists who love long climbs and spectacular scenery.

Highlights

• Climbing the Transfăgărășan to around 2,000 m
• Crossing the Transalpina, Romania's highest road at 2,075 m
• Long, sweeping descents to Cârțișoara and Novaci
• An evening in medieval Sibiu
• UNESCO-listed Horezu and its pottery tradition
• A night in a restored manor with a farewell dinner

Surface and terrain
Sealed asphalt mountain roads throughout. Two long alpine crossings: a 60 km climb up the Transfăgărășan to about 2,000 m, and several climbs on the Transalpina to 2,075 m, each followed by long descents.

Weather
Runs in summer and early autumn only, as the high passes are typically closed by snow outside this window. Valleys can be warm (25-30°C), but summits are often cool, windy and changeable, with afternoon storms common.

Suitable for
Strong, experienced road cyclists comfortable with 95-145 km days and long, sustained alpine climbs. Vehicle support and transfer options allow shorter days. The operator rates it Difficult.