WireDonkey Cycling Holidays

Epic mountain passes: Transfăgărășan and Transalpina

Guided Cycling Tour on Romania’s Most Spectacular Roads

Tackle hairpins on unforgettable climbs through the heart of Transylvania, starting with the majestic Transfăgărășan road. Wind your way through the stunning peaks and valleys of the Carpathian Mountains, taking in the breathtaking views of Romania's rugged wilderness. As you pedal along this legendary road, you will be treated to a feast of natural beauty.

Visit the charming medieval town of Sighișoara, birthplace of Vlad the Impaler and Biertan, one of the best-preserved fortified churches in Transylvania. Your journey ends with the equally impressive Transalpina, the highest road in Romania. Sweat it out on the high mountain passes, taking in the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Tour Highlights

  • Transfăgărășan, the best road in the world
  • Medieval Saxon Fortified Churches, including Biertan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Sighișoara medieval town and citadel, UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Transalpina, the highest road in Romania
  • Horezu, a town famous for it's ceramics
  • Traditional home-cooked meals and chats with locals
Destination Romania Duration 7 days / 6 nights
Total distance 484 kms Avg distance 81 kms per day
Total climbing 7190 meters Avg climbing 1200 meters per day
Road types
Asphalt 99% Gravel 1% Singletrack 0%

Book this trip

RO-L01R
Epic mountain passes: Transfăgărășan and Transalpina
Base price € 2500
eBike surcharge € 270

Price includes: accommodation for 6 nights in guesthouses; meals (6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 6 dinners); bike rentals and helmets; luggage transportation; entrance fees; English speaking local guide.

Doesn't include: your flight, airport transfer, insurance, personal expenses.

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Itinerary

The Transfăgărășan and Transalpina are Romania’s two highest paved mountain passes, both in the Southern Carpathians. The routes connect Transylvania with Wallachia and offer over 2,000 meters of elevation gain, breathtaking switchbacks, and roads perfect for road cyclists and e-bikers alike.

Day 1: Transfăgărășan

Most convenient is to transfer from Brașov, Sibiu, Cluj or Timișoara, where you can spend a couple of days before or after the trip. You can transfer on your own, or we can arrange a transfer for you (not included in the price).

This tour is for those who love to test their limits. And we'll be pushing your boundaries from the get-go by climbing the mighty Transfăgărășan. Described as "The Best Road in the World" by Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson. And we tend to agree.

A total of 20 hairpins and 1650 meters of climbing will take us to Bâlea Lake, a great place to take in the fresh air and majestic views of the Făgăraș mountains.

BEWARE: the road is closed from October to mid-June and may also be occasionally closed during the summer. In such cases, we will provide an alternative programme for the day.

Day 2: Cârțișoara > Apold

We will ride east along the Făgăraș range, taking in the most stunning views of the highest mountains in Romania. We will turn north toward Cincșor and ride through the geographical centre of Romania. We will visit a couple of Saxon fortified churches along the way, arriving at our overnight stay in Apold. 90 kilometres for the day, time for some rest!

Day 3: Apold > Biertan

Today we'll take in the best Saxon Transylvania has to offer. Our first stop is at the medieval town of Sighișoara. Home to a beautifully preserved citadel, it is also the birthplace of Vlad Țepeș, ruler of Wallachia and inspiration for Bram Stoker's Count Dracula.

We'll spend most of the morning and noon in town before heading towards Biertan in the afternoon. Famous for its 13th-century fortified church, Biertan has been a part of the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1993 and is, in our opinion, the most splendid church in Romania.

Day 4: Biertan > Cisnădioara

After visiting the fortified evangelical church in the morning, we will head south towards Sibiu. There will be a couple of stops along the way, mostly in old Saxon villages. One of the highlights will be in Hoșman, where you'll have the chance to snap some killer photos of the evangelical church and the Făgăraș mountains in the background.

Our road will go past Sibiu, ending in the quiet village of Cisnădiora.

Day 5: Cisnădioara > Transalpina

Hopefully, your energy levels are up because we have two days of intense riding to finish our tour.

Today we will start climbing the Transalpina, Romania's highest road. Almost 100 kilometres and 2000 metres of elevation will take us to our overnight lodging next to the Oașa lake.

BEWARE: the road is closed from October to mid-May and may also be occasionally closed during the summer. In such cases, we will provide an alternative programme for the day.

Day 6: Transalpina > Horezu

Today is when we will reach the top of the Transalpina, at Urdele pass, which sits at 2145 metres above sea level. It's mostly descending from here into Wallachia. Our final destination is the city of Horezu, known for its monastery and famous ceramics.

Day 7: Time for some well-earned rest and goodbyes

That's a wrap. You've conquered two of the most epic climbs in Romania (and, dare we say, Europe). That's something to brag about!

The most straightforward transfer is back to Sibiu or Bucharest, which we can arrange for you (not included in the price).

What's included

At Wiredonkey, we like to keep things simple for you. Once on the road, everything's handled. From meals in family-run guesthouses to your bike and luggage transfers, it''s all included, so you can focus entirely on the ride and the experience.

Bikes

We use top-quality mountain and gravel bikes — tuned for the scenic routes and rolling terrain of Transylvania and beyond. Each one comes with lights and helmets, and if you'd like a little extra help on the hills, eBikes are available on request.

Local guide and hosts

One of us rides with you, sharing stories, local legends, and the hidden corners most travelers never find. Another stays close in the support van, ready with snacks, cold drinks, or a quick fix whenever you need it. And when the day's ride ends, our hosts at each guesthouse make sure you're welcomed like family, with great food and plenty of comfort.

Accommodation

We'll stay in beautifully restored Saxon houses, many lovingly maintained by local families. These guesthouses are an essential part of the Wiredonkey experience. Full of charm, hand-painted furniture, and traditional touches that make every stop feel personal.

Food and drinks

You'll never go hungry on a Wiredonkey tour: we include three meals a day, plus plenty of snacks and cold drinks along the way. Most of what we eat comes from local farms and gardens, and many of the meals are home-cooked by the families who host us.

Luggage transfer

There's no need to carry anything but your essentials. Your luggage travels ahead each day, waiting for you when you arrive at the next guesthouse.

Activities

Our tours blend cycling with culture — you'll visit centuries-old fortified churches, meet local artisans, and discover traditions still alive in rural villages. And, as always with Wiredonkey, expect a few unexpected moments that make the journey unforgettable.
Check out the photos