It is the highest altitude road in Romania, surpassing the Transfăgărășan by over 100 meters.
The road was originally paved during the reign of King Carol II, earning it the moniker 'The King's Road'.
It was used by local shepherds for centuries as a transhumance route to transport livestock across the mountains.
The construction of the modern asphalt surface was not completed until 2012.
Portions of the road reach altitudes above the timberline, resulting in completely treeless, rocky landscapes.
The route passes near the Oașa Reservoir, which is the largest artificial lake on the Sebeș River.
Weather conditions can change rapidly, with fog often obscuring visibility within minutes even in mid-summer.
Transalpina, also known as DN67C, is the highest paved road in Romania, reaching an elevation of 2,145 meters at Urdele Pass. The route spans approximately 148 kilometers through the Parâng Mountains, connecting the towns of Novaci in the south and Sebeș in the north. Originally a strategic military path built by Roman legions, the modern road was paved and reconstructed in the 21st century. It features hairpin turns and steep gradients, primarily traversing alpine meadows and pine forests. The road reaches its maximum altitude near the border of Gorj and Vâlcea counties. It remains a high-altitude passage subject to significant snow cover during winter months. The path provides direct access to high-altitude mountain trails and scenic lookout points without requiring specialized equipment. The route is part of the Carpathian mountain road network and serves as an alternative to the Transfăgărășan for trans-mountain transit.
Urdele Pass, where the road reaches its highest point and offers an unobstructed panoramic view of the Parâng massif.
Check the official road status reports via the CNAIR website before departure, as sudden weather shifts often lead to temporary closures.
Ensure your vehicle has an efficient braking system and high-quality tires, as the steep descent requires significant engine braking.
Carry layers of windproof clothing, as temperatures at the mountain passes are significantly lower than in the lowland towns.
Fuel up completely in Sebeș or Novaci, as there are almost no reliable fuel stations along the high mountain pass.
Attempting to drive the route in late autumn or spring, when snow drifts or ice make the high passes impassable.
Open only during summer and early autumn; closed to all traffic during the winter season due to heavy snow and avalanche risks.
Avoid stopping vehicles on sharp curves or narrow sections; use designated pull-off bays only.
