The Winding Wonders of Transfagarasan Highway

• HelloSalut
  [sah-loot]
• GoodbyeLa revedere
  [lah re-ve-de-re]
• YesDa
  [dah]
• NoNu
  [noo]
• Please/You're welcomeTe rog
  [teh rohg]
• Thank youMulțumesc
  [mool-tsoo-mesk]
• Excuse me/SorryScuzați-mă
  [skoo-za-tsi mah]
• How are you?Ce mai faci?
  [cheh my fahch?]
• Fine. And you?Bine. Și tu?
  [bee-neh. shee too?]
• Do you speak English?Vorbiți engleză?
  [vor-beetsee en-glez-uh?]
• I don't understandNu înțeleg
  [noo in-tseh-leg]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseAș dori să văd meniul, vă rog
  [ush doh-ree suh vuhd meh-nyool, vuh rohg]
• I don't eat meatNu mănânc carne
  [noo muh-nuhnk cahr-neh]
• Cheers!Noroc!
  [no-rok]
• I would like to pay, pleaseAș dori să plătesc, vă rog
  [ush doh-ree suh pluh-tesk, vuh rohg]

• Help!Ajutor!
  [ah-yoo-tor]
• Go away!Du-te!
  [doo-teh]
• Call the Police!Sunați poliția!
  [soo-nahts po-lee-tsia]
• Call a doctor!Sunați un doctor!
  [soo-nahts oon dohk-tor]
• I'm lostM-am rătăcit
  [mahm ruh-tuh-cheet]
• I'm illSunt bolnav
  [soont bohl-nav]

• I'd like to buy...Aș dori să cumpăr...
  [ush doh-ree suh koom-puhr]
• I'm just lookingDoar mă uit
  [doh-ahr muh ooyt]
• How much is it?Cât costă?
  [kuht koh-stuh?]
• That's too expensiveEste prea scump
  [eh-steh preh-ah skoomp]
• Can you lower the price?Puteți să scădeți prețul?
  [poo-tehtsuh suh skuh-dehts prehtsool?]

• What time is it?Cât este ceasul?
  [kuht yeh-steh chah-sool]
• It's one o'clockEste ora unu
  [eh-steh oh-rah oo-noo]
• Half past (10)Zece și jumătate
  [zeh-cheh shee joo-muh-tah-teh]
• MorningDimineața
  [dee-mee-nyah-tsah]
• AfternoonDupă-amiază
  [doo-puh ah-mee-ah-zah]
• EveningSeara
  [seh-ah-rah]
• YesterdayIeri
  [yeh-ree]
• TodayAstăzi
  [ah-stuhz]
• TomorrowMâine
  [muh-yeh-neh]
• 1Unu
  [oo-noo]
• 2Doi
  [doy]
• 3Treisprezece
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• 4Patru
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• 5Cinci
  [cheen-chee]
• 6Șase
  [shah-seh]
• 7Șapte
  [shahp-teh]
• 8Opt
  [opt]
• 9Nouă
  [noo-ah]
• 10Zece
  [zeh-cheh]

• Where's a/the...?Unde este unul/una...?
  [oon-deh yeh-steh oo-noo/oo-nah]
• What's the address?Care este adresa?
  [cah-reh yeh-steh ah-dreh-sah]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Puteți să-mi arătați (pe hartă)?
  [poo-tehtsuh suh-mee ah-ruhtah-tsuh (peh hahr-tah)]
• When's the next (bus)?Când vine următorul (autobuz)?
  [kuhnd vee-neh oor-muh-toh-rool (ow-toh-booze)]
• A ticket (to ....)Un bilet (spre ....)
  [oon bee-let (spreh)]

The Transfagarasan Highway, also known as DN7C, was constructed between 1970 and 1974 under the regime of Nicolae Ceaușescu. It was originally conceived as a strategic military route to ensure quick military access across the Carpathian Mountains in case of a Soviet invasion. The construction involved the use of military personnel and was considered a monumental engineering feat due to the harsh, mountainous terrain.

Spanning 90 kilometers (56 miles), the Transfagarasan Highway ascends to an altitude of 2,042 meters (6,699 feet) at its highest point, making it one of the highest paved roads in Romania. The highway includes 27 viaducts and bridges, along with a 900-meter-long tunnel—the longest in Romania—that passes under the Paltinu Ridge. The road's intricate design includes numerous hairpin turns and S-curves, showcasing impressive engineering prowess.

Beyond its strategic and engineering aspects, the Transfagarasan Highway holds cultural significance. It connects the historical regions of Transylvania and Wallachia, offering travelers a journey through Romanian history and folklore. The road passes near the Poenari Castle, associated with Vlad the Impaler, the real-life inspiration for the Dracula legend. This proximity offers a glimpse into Romania's medieval past and its storied legends.

The Transfagarasan Highway traverses the Fagaras Mountains, part of the Southern Carpathians, which are known for their stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The area is home to diverse flora and fauna, including endangered species such as the Carpathian lynx, brown bear, and European wolf. Along the route, travelers can witness breathtaking landscapes, glacial lakes like Bâlea Lake, and cascading waterfalls.

The construction of the Transfagarasan Highway significantly impacted local communities, providing better access to remote areas and boosting tourism. However, it also brought challenges, including environmental concerns and the displacement of some local populations. Over time, the highway has become a vital lifeline for local economies, offering opportunities for tourism-related businesses and fostering regional development.

Today, the Transfagarasan Highway is renowned as one of the most scenic drives in the world, attracting tourists, cyclists, and driving enthusiasts. It gained international fame after being featured in the British television show 'Top Gear,' where it was described as 'the best driving road in the world.' This recognition has cemented its status as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking adventure and breathtaking scenery.

Transfagarasan Highway is located in Romania, stretching between the regions of Transylvania and Wallachia. The nearest major city is Sibiu, which has an international airport (Sibiu International Airport). From Sibiu, you can rent a car or take a bus to the highway. Alternatively, Bucharest, the capital of Romania, is about 200 kilometers away and offers more international flight options. From Bucharest, you can also rent a car or take a train to Curtea de Argeș, then proceed by bus or taxi to the highway.

While the most convenient way to explore the Transfagarasan Highway is by car, there are also options for guided tours if you prefer not to drive. Public buses run from nearby towns like Sibiu and Curtea de Argeș, but they may not cover the entire length of the highway. For a more flexible and comprehensive experience, renting a car is highly recommended. Keep in mind that the highway is typically only open from late June to early October due to snow.

The official currency in Romania is the Romanian Leu (RON). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops along the highway. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments, roadside vendors, and in case of emergencies. ATMs are available in major towns like Sibiu and Curtea de Argeș, but they are scarce along the highway itself.

The Transfagarasan Highway is generally safe for tourists. However, be cautious while driving as the road can be challenging with sharp turns and steep inclines. Wildlife, such as bears, may occasionally wander onto the road, so drive carefully. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always wise to stay vigilant, especially in crowded places and popular tourist spots. Avoid leaving valuables in your car unattended.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number can be used for police, medical, and fire emergencies. Along the highway, there are several mountain rescue stations and first aid points. Make sure to have a fully charged mobile phone and carry a first aid kit. It is also recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and outdoor activities.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for hiking if you plan to explore the surrounding areas. Dress in layers as the weather can change rapidly in the mountains. Religion: Do respect local religious customs when visiting monasteries and churches. Cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do use public transport respectfully. Offer your seat to elderly passengers. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Bună ziua' (Good day). A handshake is common among acquaintances. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Romanian dishes and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality as it is considered impolite.

To experience the Transfagarasan Highway like a local, start your journey early in the morning to avoid heavy tourist traffic. Stop at the Vidraru Dam and take a boat ride on the Vidraru Lake for a unique perspective. Visit the Poenari Fortress, known as the real Dracula’s Castle, for a dose of history. Engage with locals at roadside markets where you can buy fresh produce, honey, and traditional Romanian crafts. Don't miss out on tasting local cheeses and meats, often sold by villagers along the route.