The Transfăgărăşan

Do you know the Făşgăraş Mountains? No? But you've heard of the Transfăgărășan? No again? Then it's about time! This road, part of which is also called the "Road in the Clouds", is one of the highest in the Carpathians with a maximum elevation of 2,042 m (ca. 6699 ft.).The Transfăgărăşan is paved along its entire length, but because of the harsh climate is not always passable. Those who wish to experience this unique, winding Romanian highway, have a window of opportunity between July and October. Which really isn't enough for what has been described as the best road in the world.Since its construction in the 1970s, it has been steadily gathering new fans. The road has experienced a particular boost in popularity since the fall of the Iron Curtain, when Romania became increasingly more open to the West, finally joining the EU in 2007. To the north of the mountain ridge: rugged, frequently snow-covered mountain landscape. To the south: lush valleys where it is also appreciably warmer.The labyrinth of viaducts and bridges, lakeside roads, hairpin bends and narrow crossings is as spectacular as it is demanding, while the capricious weather conditions do their utmost to round off the challenges posed by the Transfăgărăşan.