Transfagarasan And Vidraru Dam

Transfagarasan and Vidraru Dam, 7 to 9 hours, rated 5 across 7 traveller reviews.

Overview

This is a private full-day road trip from Sibiu along the Transfăgărășan, the paved mountain road that crosses the southern Carpathians and was famously called the best road in the world by Top Gear. You ride in a private air-conditioned vehicle with bottled water and WiFi on board, while a driver-guide explains how the road was built. The whole outing runs 7 to 9 hours.

The route takes in the Făgăraș Mountains, a stop of about an hour at Bâlea Lake, and then continues to Vidraru Dam, an imposing structure 166 meters high, where you get around half an hour. On the way back to Sibiu there is a quick stop at the Clay Castle. Travellers who have taken this tour describe a fantastic day out, and two reviewers mentioned seeing brown bears from the road.

Because only your group participates, the day runs at your own pace and conversation. Most travellers can take part, though the vehicle is not wheelchair accessible and infants must sit on laps.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Start of the tourPrivate transportation for your group only, with bottled water and WiFi on board.
2. Drive the TransfăgărășanThe paved mountain road crosses the southern Carpathians through the Făgăraș Mountains, with commentary on how it was built.
3. Bâlea Lake, 1 hourA stop of about an hour at the lake. Admission is free.
4. Vidraru Dam, 30 minutesAround half an hour at the 166-meter dam. Admission is free.
5. Clay Castle quick stopA brief stop to visit the Clay Castle on the way back.
6. Return to SibiuThe full day runs 7 to 9 hours in total.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points worth knowing before you book this day in the mountains.

• Weather matters. The experience requires good weather. One reviewer still had a memorable day despite rain, but the operator can cancel in poor conditions.
• It is private. Only your group participates, so the pace and conversation are your own. Travellers report plenty of questions answered and long chats about Romanian history and current affairs.
• Wildlife from the road. Two reviewers mentioned seeing brown bears during the trip. Sightings are never promised, but they do happen on this route.
• Drinks on board. The listing includes bottled water, an air-conditioned vehicle, WiFi and private transport. The listed stops carry no admission fee.
• Weather cancellations. If the tour is cancelled for poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
• Short walking stops. Stops are brief, an hour at the lake and half an hour at the dam, so no real fitness demand. Most travellers can participate, though it is not wheelchair accessible.

Common issues. The vehicle is not wheelchair accessible and infants must sit on laps, and the listing warns against participating with heart problems or other serious medical conditions. Weather is the main wildcard: the tour requires good conditions, and one reviewer encountered rain during the day. Stops are short, with an hour at the lake and half an hour at the dam.

Common Questions