Hungary to Romania
After our breathtaking Slovakian adventure, there was only another 500 km left before the letter ‘I’ was complete. The rest of the journey would proceed through Hungary and into Romania. The ‘i’ would finish in the Romanian city of Deva.
The route to Diva
On entering Romania, the landscape gradually changed. Open farmland gave way to towering mountains and winding roads. These roads were some of the most dangerous experienced to date. We had to navigate around enormous potholes, frequent horse-drawn carts and a couple of severe looking collisions. As darkness descended, we deemed it too dangerous to continue and pulled over for a night under the stars.
Free camping on the road
The next morning, we woke up early and continued on to Deva. Hundreds of potholes later, the van finally made it to the outskirts of the city. I pulled over, checked the GPS log and sat back in my seat. We’d made it. Letter number 6 was complete.
Completed GPS Log
Captivated By Romania
Even though Katy and I had achieved our objective and completed the letter, we did not want to leave Romania just yet. There was something about the landscape and people that had captivated us. We chose to head deeper into the mountains...
After a little planning, we decided to head for The Transfăgărășan Highway – Romania’s most spectacular and best known road.
Deva to The Transfăgărășan Highway
Sibiu
En route to Transfăgărășan, we stopped in Sibiu – a city in Transylvania. Known for Germanic architecture in its old town, the city contains the remains of medieval walls and towers, including the 13th-century Council Tower.
After finding a spot to park near Cibin Market (a popular farmers’ market packed with local produce), it was clear that we were in for a real treat. Once one of the most important fortified cities in Central Europe, Sibiu is now one of Romania’s top destinations for arts and culture.
The first thing you notice on arrival in the Old Town is the architecture. The medieval fortifications are exceptionally well preserved and the Germanic architecture is stunning. In order to get our bearings, we beelined straight for the Council Tower. This 13th century fortification was a great place to get a 360-degree view of the city.
360 views from the Council Tower
The Council Tower exterior
Katy at the Council Tower entrance
The Sibiu Lutheran Cathedral
On descending the tower, we visited both the Grand and Lesser Squares – these historic spaces sit at the heart of the city and are bustling with restaurants and cafes. Once satisfied, we wasted no time in heading to the imposing Sibiu Lutheran Cathedral.
Katy in the Grand Square
Path to the Sibiu Lutheran Cathedral
Getting Closer…
The Sibiu Lutheran Cathedral
After hours of exploring, we eventually stopped for lunch and enjoyed a delicious plate of Mici (Romanian Grilled Meat Rolls).
Romanian Grilled Meat Rolls
Lunch devoured, we wandered through the beautiful Lower Town streets before heading back to the van.
Lower Town Streets
It was such an incredible few hours. we visited on a whim, had no expectations on arrival and were absolutely blown away by what we found. Only after leaving did we discover that it was the European Capital of Culture in 2007 and voted ‘Europe’s 8th-most idyllic place to live’ by Forbes in 2008! we can see why.
Goodbye Sibiu
The Transfăgărășan highway
On leaving Sibiu, we headed straight for the Transfăgărășan highway – 150 km of driving heaven! Built from 1970-1974 on the personal orders of Nicolae Ceausescu, it’s rumoured he wanted to create a strategic route across the Fagaras Mountains to ferry troops north should Romania be invaded by the USSR. The road has endless hairpin bends and winds all the way up to Bâlea Lake. It’s hard to convey how stunning the entire route is, these pictures do not even begin to do it justice:
20% up the Transfăgărășan Road
30% up the Transfăgărășan Road
50% up the Transfăgărășan Road – views from the bottom of the steep ascent to the summit
90% of the climb complete
Made it! Views from the top
At the summit, there’s a bustling market with locals selling food and souvenirs.
Corn for sale!
The summit also boasts the beautiful Bâlea Lake – a magnificent reward for those who make it…
Bâlea Lake
After descending from Bâlea Lake, we camped in the shadow of the mountains before setting off for Bulgaria and Greece. Romania exceeded all expectations.
Camp after an epic day
Superbe récit, magnifiques photos, hâte de lire la suite. Je vous ferai un signe de la main 👋 quand vous passerez à Nantes 😉
Bon courage pour la suite de votre aventure et j’espère que votre message sera entendu. Bravo pour tout.