Epic Roads of Transylvania: Transfagarasan and Transalpina Expedition

Today we dive straight into Romania’s cycling legend: the Transfagarasan, often called the world’s best alpine road. We roll out right from the guesthouse and warm up with a gentle 35 km across quiet Transylvanian countryside before the great climb appears ahead.

After a short pause, we take on the 25 km ascent to Balea Lake at 2000 m. It is long but steady, and the views grow wilder with every turn. At the top, Balea Lake rewards us with its dramatic glacier scenery. We regroup for lunch, soak in the panorama, and then enjoy a spectacular descent to Cartisoara.

From here, you can hop in the van back to Cincsor or choose to ride the final stretch to the hotel.

Route: Cincsor – Victoria – Arpasu – Balea Lake – Cartisoara / Albota
Ride: 97 km
Climb: 1850 m
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Cincsor Guesthouses
Optional: Van transfer from Cartisoara to hotel

After a hearty Romanian breakfast, we roll out toward the Transylvanian Highlands. The route leads us through Cincu village and its fortified church, then across gentle hills, quiet backroads, and small traditional villages framed by the Carpathians. We follow the Hartibaciu Valley through the Brasov–Sibiu–Sighisoara cultural triangle, enjoying peaceful countryside all the way to Sighisoara.

We aim to arrive in time for lunch, with the afternoon free to explore the medieval citadel — a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s best-preserved living medieval towns. Founded in the 12th century by Transylvanian Saxons, Sighisoara still keeps its historic charm and strategic character. Dinner is on your own tonight.

Route: Cincsor – Cincu – Agnita – Sighisoara
Ride: 70 km
Climb: 500 m
Meals: B, L
Overnight: Sighisoara citadel

After a hearty medieval-style breakfast, we roll out straight from our hotel and follow quiet secondary roads through the scenic Hartibaciu valley. Our route takes us to Biertan, one of the most important Saxon villages, home to an impressive fortified church listed as UNESCO World Heritage.

From here, we continue toward Sibiu, a historic medieval city known for its Saxon heritage, art-nouveau facades, ornate churches, and vibrant museum scene. It is a wonderful place to settle in for the night and soak up the charm of old Transylvania.

Route: Sighisoara – Biertan – Sibiu
Ride: 99 km
Total climb: 750 m
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Sibiu

Today we climb to the Paltinis mountain resort, a classic ascent with a few punchy sections and wide-open views that reward every pedal stroke. After the summit, we enjoy a long, flowing descent back toward Sibiu, stopping at the Open Air Village Museum — one of the largest in Central and Eastern Europe — for lunch and a look at traditional rural life, with over 300 historic houses scattered along forest paths and lakes.

We return to Sibiu for another relaxed evening in the medieval city. Dinner is on your own tonight, and you’ll have plenty of great options to explore. A shorter ride option is available, and anyone wanting a rest day can simply enjoy Sibiu at leisure.

Route: Sibiu – Rasinari – Paltinis – Sibiu
Ride: 81 km (short option 51 km)
Total climb: 1300 m (short option 650 m)
Meals: B, L
Overnight: Sibiu City

Our final riding day brings the ultimate challenge: the legendary Transalpina, the highest road in Romania and one of the great climbs of the Carpathians. After a short transfer to Saliste, we warm up on rolling terrain before the road rises toward the Urdele Pass at 2,145 m. The ascent is long but steady, with a few steep sections and wide-open views that grow more spectacular as we approach the summit.

The ride across the high plateau is pure magic, followed by a fast 20 km descent into Novaci where we regroup for a well-earned toast. From here, a short transfer takes us to our charming manor house near Horezu for a farewell dinner and a taste of Dragasani wines.

Route: Saliste – Jina – Dobra – Vidra Lake – Obarsia Lotrului – Ranca – Novaci
Ride: 139 km
Climb: 3000 m
Meals: B, L, D
Overnight: Maldaresti or Baia de Fier
Shuttle van from Novaci to the hotel

After breakfast, we say our goodbyes. A van transfer will take you to Bucharest for your onward journey.
If you choose to extend your stay, you can spend the day exploring Horezu, famous for its pottery and UNESCO-listed heritage. The countryside around Maldaresti is perfect for relaxing walks or an extra spin on the bike, and the Dragasani wine region is close enough for a tasty detour.
We can arrange extra nights at the hotel and private transfers to Bucharest, Bucharest Airport, or Sibiu Airport (additional cost).