Romania Transalpina North
Transalpina North Bike Climb - PJAMM Cycling

15.5
PDI
11.9 mi
DISTANCE
3,146 ft
GAINED
4 %
AVG. GRADE
FULL CLIMB STATS
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Page Contributor(s): Anja Kalan, Škofja Loka, Slovenija Ties Arts, Bussum, Netherlands

INTRO

Transalpina is the highest road pass in Romania. And together with Transfagaran the most famous one. Experts are not sure which one is the best, nor are we. But one thing is for sure, both have all the ingredients to be legendary iconic mountains. The views, the switchbacks, the lakes, the steep sections, the history, the very well paved road makes it epic and sensational.

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Jul 27, 2021
Ride this beast a few days ago, Here my Review https://youtu.be/o5zuojGxGZY
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CLIMB SUMMARY

Cycling Transalpina North, Romania - cyclist rides down winding two-lane highway roadway in Romanian alps, blue sky and white clouds

Cycling Transalpina North, Romania

Ride 19 kilometers gaining 949 meters at 4% average grade (6.3% climb only).

Photos on this page are from Anja Kalan, of Škofja Loka, Slovenija.

Climb summary is from our Legendary Mountains co-author Ties Arts, of Bussum, Netherlands.

Cycling Transalpina North, Romania - photo collage, PJAMM Cycling logo in corner, cyclist stands on mountain top looking down, holding her bike over her head, alpine lake, sign for Transalpina

Transalpina is the highest road pass in Romania, and together with Transfagaran, the most famous one.  Experts are not sure which one is the best, nor are we. But one thing is for sure, both have all the ingredients to be legendary and iconic mountains. The views, the switchbacks, the lakes, the steep sections, the history, and the very well paved roads all work together to make these climbs epic and sensational.

Cycling Transalpina North, Romania - deep "u" shaped roadway, switchbacking up mountainside

Transalpina is a 146 km road that goes through the beautiful Carpathian Mountains and crosses six mountains.  The road links the cities Novaci (south) and Sebes (north).  It is a journey in itself to cycle the entire road in one day. We recommend going from North to South, which is the best route going up Transalpina.

Cycling Transalpina North, Romania - yellow-green grassy hillsides with the Transalpina roadway snaking through, bright blue sky and white clouds

The Carpathian Mountains are unique and have large populations of brown bears, wolves, chamois and lynxes, so keep an eye out for these interesting animals . . .

Cycling Transalpina North, Romania - horse drawn carriage on mountain roadside, two mules investigate a cyclist's outstretched arm

. . . . sorry, this is the best we can do . . .

These mountains have one of the largest old forests of Europe and contain Europe's most thermal and mineral waters. An idyllic location; “mountains” in their most pure sense.

Transalpina Road was initially opened in 1938. It then was further developed into a 146 km highway in the early/mid 2000s.  The entire route was totally paved in 2009 and open to traffic in 2012.

Cycling Transalpina North, Romania - two-lane highway roadway in pristine condition snaking its way up the mountainside covered in green grass

The name Transalpina comes from Latin and means, “the country beyond the mountains.”  It is called Kings Road by locals after King Charles II opened the road in 2012 and drove eight hours on it.

The legendary route is from the North. The recommended segment has two sections, Pusul Muntiu (Pusul is the Rumenia word for pass/col), and Pasul Urdele leading to the summit of Transalpina Road. And what a spectacular ride it is.  A very well paved road with 30 switchbacks and scenery which is indescribable.  The last switchback section before the summit is famous and groundbreaking.   This drone video gives a good impression of it and the entire climb.

Cycling Transalpina North, Romania - cyclist stands on mountaintop overlooking hills below, holding her bike above her head

Thank you Anja!!