The Transfăgărășan was still closed due to snow, but the cable car views made it completely worth it. Jeremy Clarkson wasn’t lying.

Hey everyone, just wanted to share a few shots from a trip I just finished up. I finally went to tackle the famous Transfăgărășan highway in Romania, and honestly, the experience was completely breathtaking. Jeremy Clarkson famously called it the best road in the world, and even from the air, it’s hard to argue with him.

We actually couldn't drive the actual road because the higher sections are still completely filled with snow and blocked off which happens every year from November until late June or July. Instead, we hopped on the cable car to get to the top. It costs 80 lei each way (around $18 USD), but looking straight down at those empty, snow-covered switchbacks cutting through the Fagaras Mountains was insane.

The alpine nature up here feels incredibly raw. On the way up the lower open sections, we even ran into a massive brown bear just chilling right by the roadside guardrails.

Down in the valleys, we also got to check out La Vâltoare, which is this cool little museum about 20 minutes away from the road. Entry was only 10 lei a person, and they walk you through exactly how traditional Romanian textiles are made and give live demonstrations. It’s wild because they show you how an actual vâltoare works—which is basically an ancient, water-powered eco-washing machine. It’s this ingenious wooden whirlpool built right into a rushing mountain stream that locals have used for generations to wash heavy wool blankets and rugs without electricity. Seeing that and the old weaving looms still in action right next to a world-famous alpine pass was just incredible.

definitely put this on your list. Just double-check the snow reports if you specifically want to drive it!

Happy to answer any logistical or price questions if anyone is planning a trip out here soon!