Transfagarasan to Bucharest Romania

Travelled:242km Transfagarasan Pass to Bucharest Romania

Stay:Bucharest- paid secure mixed parking 100ron/24hrs (€20) N44.4279 E26.0999

After seeing the crowds yesterday going up the Transfagarasan Pass (R#7C) we decided that the earlier we left the better. 

The is one of Romania’s most scenic roads which drives through the 2 highest peaks in the Fagaras Mountains. Along the 114km, Bluey travelled through 5 tunnels, over 27 viaducts and 831 small bridges. It was engineered for heavy military vehicles to use so the gradient was never too steep and wide enough for 2 vehicles except when the Romanians park on either side if the road! So by 7am we were pulling Bluey out from his overnight spot and heading up the mountain. There were plenty of people camping up here and most were still asleep! We arrived 45mins later at the highest point Lake Balea 2042m. We parked along the road for free (parking areas are payable) and walked up the street passed mostly closed(as it was too early) shops selling regional food products.

 We took photos of the Lake and the switchback road we just travelled before heading off through the tunnel to the other side saying goodbye to Transylvania and hello to the Walachia province. 

There were less shops on this side but there were Shepard’s with their flock of sheep and more campers.

 We stopped for breakfast at the foot of Peonari -Vlad the Impaler (Dracula) ruined fortress.

 We contemplated walking up the 1500 steps but when we saw the queue waiting we decided to keep driving. We seemed to zigzag all around Vidraru Lake with a few spots to stop but always well above the water. It was gridlock when we arrived at the dam wall as there were opportunities for people to get to the lake and buy food etc. Once again we kept going. 

Further down the road we got caught in a traffic jam in Curtea de Arges...lots of Roma stopping for a festival or something big happening..not too sure but we kept on going. At Pitesti we had to decide wether to detour left and head to the touristy ‘Dracula’ castles of Bran and Perles near Brasov or continue east to Bucharest. The later won the toss. We arrived just after 1pm, had a bite to eat and set off for the old town. In the late 16thC the Ottomans had conquered the city resulting in a strong Turkish flavour. The  bombing during  WWII  and the 1977 earthquake left the city severely damaged and big parts were consequently demolished. Even so there still remains some lavish mansions in french style architecture, some renovated, others in original condition. We strolled around following a tourist board seeing the most prominent buildings, churches, arcades and the famous beer hall. There are plenty of restaurants and bars that were heavily frequented and we wondered if this is where all the people were as the streets seemed nearly deserted.

 Along the way to Cismigiu Gardens we passed Revolution Square and Kretzulescu Church. 

The gardens are the oldest in the city and people were enjoying rowing hired boats on the small lake here and we joined others sitting in the shade on the numerous park benches provided. Deciding it was too hot to cook in Bluey we made our way back to the very popular Caru cu Bere (beer barrel) restaurant and enjoyed some local dishes...skewered meat and stuffed cabbage leaves. Bon appétit.

Oldest restaurant in Bucharest