Romania · Land Adventure

Brasov Private Tour: Transfagarasan road & Poienari Fortress

10 Hours Round trip from Brașov Moderate pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Drive the spectacular Transfagarasan Road through the Fagaras Mountains
  • 02 Visit Poienari Fortress, linked to Vlad Tepes
  • 03 See Balea Waterfall, the highest step-waterfall in Romania
  • 04 Admire Balea Lake, a natural glacier lake high in the mountains
  • 05 Pass Vidraru Dam and Lake Vidraru
  • 06 Enjoy a private tour with guide and round-trip transport from Brasov
  • 07 Seasonal alternative route includes Carta Abbey and Sambata de Sus Monastery
  • 08 Optional cable car to Balea Lake when road conditions allow

Discover one of Romania’s most dramatic mountain routes on this private day tour from Brasov, combining spectacular scenery with a visit to Poienari Fortress, known as the real residence of Vlad Tepes. Travel along the famous Transfagarasan Road, often called the “Road to the Sky,” and take in the wild landscapes of the Fagaras Mountains.

Along the way, enjoy views of Balea Waterfall, Balea Lake, and Vidraru Dam, while learning more about the region’s geography and history from your guide. This is a great choice for travellers who want a scenic road trip with mountain landscapes, legends, and a rewarding climb to a historic fortress.

Please note that the itinerary is seasonal. When the Transfagarasan Road is closed between November 1 and June 30, the route changes to include Balea Waterfall, and weather permitting, an optional cable car ride to Balea Lake, plus visits to Carta Abbey and Sambata de Sus Monastery.

Discover one of Romania’s most dramatic mountain routes on this private day tour from Brasov, combining spectacular scenery with a visit to Poienari Fortress, known as the real residence of Vlad Tepes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 10 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Moderate
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
City Brasov
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Driving on Transfagarasan Highway as know as "the Road to the Sky", "the Road to the Clouds", "the Best Driving Road in the World" and even "A spectacular Monument to Earth-Moving Megalomania"We hike to Balea Waterfall - the highest step-waterfall in Romania, more than 60 metres tall.Balea Lac is a natural glacier lake at 2040m, 360 meters long, 240 meters wide and 11 meters deep.It is said that the name "Fagaras" is coming from the word "fagar", an old word which represents a large old beech forest.

In ancient times, the bottom part of the Fagaras Mounatins were covered with Oak forest. Now remains "Dumbrava Vadului", where, among the oak trees, we have daffodils (Narcissus stellaris), locally known as coprine.

In Fagaras Mountains there is "Mioarelor" galcial lake (2282 m), the highest glacial lake in the Carpathian mountains.

In Fagaras Mountains there are 8 of the 14 peaks of the Carpathian mountains that reach the altitude of 2500 m: Moldoveanu (2544 m), Negoiu (2535 m), Coltul Vistei Mari (2527 m), Lespezi (2522 m), Cornu Caltunului (2510 m), Vanatoarea lui Buteanu (2507 m), Hartopu (2506 m) and Dara (2500 m). Here there are over 42 peaks with altitude between 2400 and 2500 m.It was completed in 1966 on the Argeș River and creates Lake Vidraru. The arch dam was built with the primary purpose to produce hydroelectricity. The dam's height is 166 meters, the arch length 305 meters and it can store 465 million cubic meters of water. The reservoir has a total shoreline (perimeter) length of 28 km.Visit Poienari Fortress, the real Vlad Tepes' Residential Castle. Access to the citadel of Poienari is made by climbing the 1,480 concrete stairs.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Brașov 1 city · 10 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Professional guide
  • Hotel (only from Brasov city) pickup and drop-off
  • Round-trip transport by air-conditioned car or minivan

What's Not Included

  • Food and drinks
  • Gratuities

Know before you go

  • PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • Sturdy hiking footwear recommended
  • Please note - Access to the citadel is made by climbing the 1,480 concrete stairs
  • Private group tour - the experience is exclusively for you and your group. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or with friends, you'll have a dedicated guide and complete flexibility to enjoy the tour at your own pace.
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • According to a statement from the Argeș County Council, access to Poienari Fortress will be allowed in organized groups at fixed times, following the schedule below:
  • 9:00 AM
  • 11:00 AM
  • 1:00 PM
  • Last ascent at 3:00 PM
  • IMPORTANT! When the Transfagarasan road is closed (November 1 - June 30) we drive up to the Balea Waterfall (no visit of Poienari Fortress and Vidradu Dam). If the weather conditions allow, we take the cable car up to the Balea Lake (approx. extra 20 euro/person, includes the cable car ticket for the guide, also). We visit the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey of Carta and the amazing Sambata de Sus Monastery, also.
  • The cable car operates at least 10 people. Tourists have priority over freight shipments. No cargo is carried on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. In case of adverse weather conditions we do not assume responsibility. In case of technical failure will be refunded the amount paid. Please keep checking tickets. Thank you for understanding. More info: Comfortable walking shoes are recommended • Not recommended for pregnant women • Not recommended for participants with back problems • Please call at least 24 hours in advance to confirm hotel pick-up
  • Please contact us about the exact pick up time.
  • Meeting point: In front of Biblioteca Județeană 'George Barițiu', Bulevardul Eroilor 33-35. Please be aware that we provide pick-up and drop-off services exclusively within the city of Brașov, as well as for guests staying outside the old town. The pick-up time will vary based on the location requested. Additionally, we are happy to drop off guests at a different location than the pick-up point for an additional fee.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Brașov, RO
Tour start
Brașov, RO
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 10 hours finish where they began, in Brașov.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.