Oltenia | Foothill Area
Parâng Mountains and the Transalpina
Romania's highest paved road crosses the Parâng massif above Rânca, with glacial lakes and open ridge walks on the Gorj side of the Southern Carpathians.
Overview
The Transalpina (DN67C) is Romania's highest paved road, climbing to 2,145 metres at Urdele Pass as it crosses the Parâng Mountains between Novaci, in Gorj, and the Sibiu side of the range. Rânca, at the road's southern approach, is the main base for the Gorj side of the massif.
Ridge trails from the road's high points reach a cluster of glacial lakes, including Gâlcescu, Mija, and Tău, set among open alpine meadows above the treeline - a higher-altitude character quite different from the monasteries and river valleys that define the rest of Oltenia.
Why Visit
A high-mountain contrast to Oltenia's monasteries and Danube scenery, and one of Romania's classic scenic drives.
Best for
- scenic driving
- hikers
Gallery
Practical notes
- The road's opening dates vary year to year with snow clearance; timing needs checking before building a route around it.
Getting there
Reached from Novaci, in Gorj, at the southern end of the Transalpina.
Best time to visit
Late June through September - the high section of the road typically closes in winter and can stay closed into early summer.
Use this with Oltenia and let us shape the final combination of route, stays, and logistics around your dates.