Transfăgărăşan
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The Transfăgărăşan (trans + Făgăraş) or DN7C is one of the most spectacular roads in Romania. It connects the two historic regions of Transylvania and Wallachia, namely the cities of Sibiu and Piteşti. The road has been constructed during the reign of Nicolae Ceauşescu across the Făgăraş Mountains, the highest mountains in Romania, part of the Southern Carpathians chain.
The road climbs at 2,034 meters of altitude; the winding road with long S-curves, steep ramps and descents, is a challenge for every car, some of them experiencing engine or brakes overheating; due to the geography, the average cruise speed is around 40 km/h. The road is usually closed from late October until late June because of the snow covering the road. It may remain open as long as good weather permits, even into November. It also may be closed at other times because of weather conditions, occasionally it snows in august. There is a sign at the town of Curtea de Argeş that provides information on passage. For the traveler, there is food and lodging at hotels, or "cabanas," widely spaced.
It has more tunnels and viaducts than any other road in Romania; in the vicinity of the highest point, at Bâlea Lac (Lake Bâlea) the road passes through the longest road tunnel in Romania (about 875 m).
Among the attractions along the road, just prior to the steepest ascent, near the village of Arefu, is the Poienari fortress, the ruin of the castle of Vlad III the Impaler. There is a parking area and path to the ruin.
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