Transfagarasan Road & Wild Bears

Experience the breathtaking Transfăgărășan road, crossing the Carpathian Mountains and offering stunning views of Bâlea Lake. Discover the beauty of Transylvania, encounter brown bears, and visit the historic Poienari fortress.

Duration: 11 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Poienari Castle - Surrounded by legends and forests, overlooking the abys from its high-altitude location, the fortress of Poenari is part of the legacy of the mythical Vlad the Impaler. This medieval prince, praised for his victories against the Turks and his ultimate sense of justice, was also dreaded for his extreme punishments against traitors.
What's Included
  • Professional English Speaking Guide
  • Transport by air-conditioned car
  • WiFi
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
  • Gratuities
Additional Information

The Transfăgărășan is a tarmacked path traversing the Carpathian Mountains and stands as the second-highest paved thoroughfare in the nation with a height of 2,042 metres (6,699 ft).

The pathway offers entrance to Bâlea Lake, a glacial lake positioned at an elevation of 2,034 m. Here we can relish the crisp air and cool climate, admire the Transilvania scenery, and indulge in a lunch break.

During our return journey, we’ll appreciate the view of Bâlea waterfall and make a pit-stop at the Vidraru Dam for a refreshment break.

The probability of encountering brown bears along the pathway is high.

Throughout our trip, we will spot a mountaintop castle constructed by the infamous Vlad the Impaler - the Poienari fortress.

  • This tour/activity is private, only your group will participate!
  • In the mountains area it is colder than Bucharest, dress thickly!
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Location
Poienari Castle
Transfagarasan
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(25 Ratings)
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1 star
Kay_w
Sep 7, 2024
Fabulous - Amazing trip from start to finish. Our guide was Alin, who immediately made us welcome and was really friendly. He had a really good knowledge of the history of each area we passed through. We had plenty of options to stop for breaks or coffee etc, nothing was too much trouble. First stop was a fortress which was amazing and then on upwards to the mountain. The views from the top of the Mountain down the Transfagarasan highway were stunning and we were given ample time to wander about taking pictures and sampling the local snacks on offer at Lacul Balea. He recommended Langos which we tried and it was absolutely delicious. I want the recipe. 😁 Stopped at a lovely waterfall, and onto Vidraru Dam, which had spectacular scenery. Alin let us take our time, no rush and nice and relaxed walk from one side to the other. We saw 7 different bears by the roadside, one with a cub, and we were able to get some lovely pictures whilst not disturbing the bears. The last stop was a beautiful monastery. We enjoyed every minute of our day. We had a great rapport with Alin and throughout the trip we shared many jokes and laughter. Would highly recommend this trip especially if you get a guide as good as Alin. Kay and Stewart from Scotland.
Review provided by Viator
Kmc8955312
Sep 6, 2024
Amazing - Amazing trip from start to finish. Our guide was Alin, who immediately made us welcome and was really friendly. He had a really good knowledge of the history of each area we passed through. We had plenty of options to stop for breaks or coffee etc, nothing was too much trouble. First stop was a fortress which was amazing and then on upwards to the mountain. The views from the top of the Mountain down the Transfagarasan highway were stunning and we were given ample time to wander about taking pictures and sampling the local snacks on offer at Lacul Balea. Stopped at a lovely waterfall, and onto Vidraru Dam, which had spectacular scenery. Alin let us take our time, no rush and nice and relaxed walk from one side to the other. We saw 7 different bears by the roadside, one with a cub, and we were able to get some lovely pictures whilst not disturbing the bears. The last stop was a beautiful monastery. We enjoyed every minute of our day. We had a great rapport with Alin and throughout the trip we shared many jokes and laughter. Would highly recommend this trip especially if you get a guide as good as Alin. Kay and Stewart from Scotland.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Muske2018
Aug 29, 2024
A very nice day in my life - Great experiences, lots of bears seen, great scenery and a great guide. It was one of my best days in my life.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ilievictoro
Aug 10, 2024
Incredibly beautiful ! - The most beautiful day of my life. The guide was very knowledgeable and we saw 12 bears and the Transfagarasan Road is spectacular.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Imma
Jul 31, 2024
Fantastic experience, breathtaking views, .We chose the private tour, Jolena, our guide was outstanding - We chose the private tour, Jolena, our guide spoke perfect Italian, very prepared and helpful. He explained everything in detail and answered all our questions. The tour very nice, beautiful views and contact with nature. Seeing the bears was great.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ido_m
Jul 27, 2024
Amazing nature views and a very smart guide no traffic or waiting - The views while climbing up and down the mountain in the car and the lake, also the amazing view from the top and the cable, the dam was surprisingly good views and in this trip when u arrive its almost empty which is amazing compared to when its crowded. The market and the Poenari Citadel were also very good and intersting, overall maybe the best thing we done in romania, super recommanded and last but not least an amazing guide, we came super tired and he managed to wake us up and delivering an amazing trip
Review provided by Viator
G190txcarolynm
Jul 19, 2024
This is a MUST DO!! - When planning my trip to Romania, Transfagarasan was #1 on my “Must Do” list…and I cannot recommend this tour highly enough!! My tour guide Alin was so knowledgeable and personable. He made the trip that much better. And he knows the perfect spots to get those breathtaking backgrounds in your photos. He catered every moment of this tour to my wants and needs and made me feel like a VIP. Fantastic experience!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kimberly
Jun 24, 2024
Great trip with an even better guide - A memorable and fun trip. Ionela was our guide for the day. She was kind, a great driver, and very knowledgeable. We thoroughly enjoyed her. We saw 14 brown bears and had a great trip on the transfargarasan highway. It was a beautiful day.
Review provided by Viator
Adammm198
Sep 15, 2023
Incredible Day on the Transfagarasan Road - Huge thank you to Alin and Octavian for an incredible day on Transfagarasan Road! We took in all the sights at a very leisurely pace and even saw Brown Bears up close too. Super helpful service and our driver was not only incredibly fun, friendly and knowledgeable but also very conscious of our safety. Wonderful experience from start to finish and can't recommend this company enough - Thank you!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ekaterina_r
Aug 27, 2023
Best tours in Bucharest - I have booked quite a few trips before but Dreamlike Journeys & Sebastian are indeed the best not only in Romania but of all of my experiences. I have never seen such incredible customer support and attention to detail before - every part of the experience was beyond expectations. He even sent me a video with the place where we were going filmed by Top Gear! The trip itself was breathtaking and Sebastian was warm, welcoming and knowledgeable - he really makes the Romanian tourist industry proud. I am super grateful and would recommend the trip and Dreamlike Journeys to everyone coming to see the magic of Romania. They are indeed the best.
Review provided by Viator
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September 2024
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