Sibiu: Transfagarasan Highway & Balea Lake Private Car Tour

Tucked away in the heart of Romania, Sibiu beckons travelers with its breathtaking natural wonders. The Transfagarasan Highway, one of the world’s most scenic roads, winds through the Carpathian Mountains, offering drivers a thrilling journey along hairpin turns and awe-inspiring vistas. At the end of this captivating route lies Balea Lake, a glacial gem surrounded by majestic peaks. Beyond the natural splendor, the Cistercian Abbey of Carta and the Brukenthal Palace promise to immerse visitors in the region’s rich history and cultural heritage. What awaits those who embark on this private car tour is a truly unforgettable experience.

Key Points

• A private car tour of the renowned Transfagarasan Highway, showcasing stunning mountain vistas and hairpin turns over a 9-hour duration.
• Visit the captivating Balea Lake, a glacial lake nestled in the Fagaras Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
• Explore the partially-ruined Cistercian Abbey of Carta, a 15th-century medieval structure featuring intricate Gothic architectural details.
• Tour the Baroque masterpiece of Brukenthal Palace, a historical and cultural heritage site in Sibiu with ornate interiors and art collections.
• The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, a private guide, and entry fees, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

Offering a private car tour of the renowned Transfagarasan Highway, this 9-hour excursion from Sibiu provides an opportunity to explore one of Romania’s most scenic and dramatic driving routes.

Priced at $134.33 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a private guide, and all necessary entry fees. Available in English and German, the tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Catering to both adventurous and leisure-seeking travelers, the tour showcases the Transfagarasan’s stunning mountain vistas, hairpin turns, and impressive engineering feats, including tunnels and viaducts.

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a nature enthusiast, this private tour promises an unforgettable journey through Romania’s breathtaking landscapes.

Transfagarasan Highway

The Transfagarasan Highway, often touted as one of the most spectacular roads in the world, winds through the Fagaras Mountains in central Romania, showcasing the country’s breathtaking natural beauty.

This engineering marvel features:

• Hairpin turns that challenge even the most experienced drivers

• Numerous tunnels carved through solid rock, some over a mile long

• Viaducts soaring high above deep valleys, offering panoramic vistas

• An elevation reaching over 6,500 feet, making it the highest paved road in Romania

Traversing this iconic highway is a thrilling experience, as drivers navigate the twists and turns while drinking in the awe-inspiring mountain scenery all around them.

Balea Lake

Nestled amidst the Fagaras Mountains, Balea Lake is a glacial lake that captivates visitors with its serene beauty and stunning natural setting. Formed by the melting of ancient glaciers, the lake’s crystal-clear waters reflect the majestic peaks that surround it.

Visitors can explore the scenic hiking trails around the lake, taking in the breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and the unique alpine flora.

The Balea Lake area also features a Transfagarasan Highway, which is considered one of the most spectacular roads in the world, offering panoramic vistas and thrilling hairpin turns.

This picturesque destination is a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts exploring the Transfagarasan Highway tour.

Cistercian Abbey of Carta

Along the Transfagarasan Highway tour, visitors often discover the Cistercian Abbey of Carta, a partly-ruined yet architecturally impressive medieval structure dating back to the 15th century.

This former Cistercian abbey features:

• A striking western portal from the 15th century, showcasing the intricate Gothic style

• Remnants of the abbey’s nave, transept, and chancel, providing a glimpse into its former grandeur

• Carved stonework and ornate details, highlighting the skilled craftsmanship of the era

• A serene and contemplative atmosphere, inviting visitors to imagine the abbey’s rich history

Exploring the Cistercian Abbey of Carta offers a fascinating contrast to the dramatic natural scenery encountered along the renowned Transfagarasan Highway.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Brukenthal Palace

Brukenthal Palace, a Baroque architectural marvel, stands as a testament to the grandeur of 18th-century Sibiu. Commissioned in 1788 as the summer residence of Baron Samuel von Brukenthal, this stately structure boasts an impressive facade and expansive landscaped park.

Visitors can explore the palace’s ornate interiors, which feature intricate frescoes, gilded moldings, and an impressive collection of artworks. The palace’s location in a large, picturesque park provides a serene setting for visitors to stroll and admire the beautiful gardens.

As a significant cultural heritage site, Brukenthal Palace offers a glimpse into the past and showcases the region’s rich history and artistic traditions.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a private guide for the entire duration, and entry fees, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive experience for participants. Food, drinks, and tips aren’t covered in the tour price.

The tour includes:

• Private car transportation to explore the highlights

• Knowledgeable English or German-speaking guide

• Map and admission tickets to points of interest

• Hotel pickup and drop-off for convenience

To make the most of the tour, participants are advised to bring their passport or ID, as well as some cash for any additional expenses.

Certain items, such as drones, alcohol, and drugs, aren’t permitted during the tour.

Important Considerations

Certain factors should be considered when booking this tour. The highway and Balea Lake may be inaccessible during winter months due to heavy snowfall and road closures. Travelers with limited mobility or above 95 years old may find the tour challenging, as it involves extensive walking and navigating uneven terrain.

Factor	Consideration
Accessibility	Seasonal road closures may impact access to the highway and Balea Lake.
Mobility	The tour requires significant walking and traversing uneven terrain, which may not be suitable for all guests.
Age	Guests over 95 years old may find the physical demands of the tour too strenuous.
Prohibited Items	Drones, alcohol, and drugs are not permitted on the tour.

It’s essential to review these important considerations before booking to ensure the tour meets your expectations and abilities.

Customer Feedback

Reviewers have overwhelmingly praised the Transfagarasan Highway and Balea Lake tour, awarding it an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 based on 6 reviews.

Customers particularly enjoyed:

• Visiting the stunning Balea Lake and capturing its breathtaking scenery

• Taking in the dramatic mountain views and hairpin turns along the Transfagarasan Highway

• Exploring the impressive architecture of the Cistercian Abbey of Carta

• The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as the knowledgeable private guide

However, visitors should note the limited parking near Balea Lake and plan to arrive early, especially on weekends or public holidays, to avoid traffic and parking issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There Any Flexibility in the Tour Duration?

The tour duration is generally fixed at 9 hours, but some providers may offer flexibility for longer or shorter tours. Customers should check with the specific tour operator about any potential adjustments to the standard duration.

Can We Make Additional Stops Along the Route?

Yes, the tour offers flexibility to make additional stops along the route. The private car and guide allow for customization of the itinerary to accommodate visitors’ interests and preferences within the overall tour duration.

What Is the Dress Code for This Tour?

The tour has no formal dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Layers are advised as the weather can be unpredictable in the mountainous regions. Formal attire is not necessary for this private car tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children on This Tour?

The tour is not suitable for individuals over 95 years old. While there’s no explicit age restriction for children, the tour’s physical nature may not be appropriate for very young children. Parents should consider their child’s abilities before booking.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Tour With a Private Vehicle?

The tour offers a private car option, which allows travelers to upgrade their experience. This private vehicle upgrade is available for an additional cost, providing more personalized and flexible transportation during the tour.

Recap

The Transfagarasan Highway and Balea Lake Private Car Tour offers a captivating journey through Sibiu’s breathtaking landscapes.

Travelers can witness the spectacular mountain vistas, explore the serene Balea Lake, and discover the rich history of the Cistercian Abbey of Carta.

With a knowledgeable guide, this personalized tour provides an unforgettable experience, showcasing the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Romania’s captivating region.

You can check if your dates are available here: