Sibiu to Viscri with Transfăgărășan
Four days adventure that will take you from the city of Sibiu up to the heights of Făgărăș mountains
Tour duration
4 Days / 3 Nights
Trip style
Road, Gravel
Start location
Sibiu
Dificulty
5/5
Starting from
1,290 euro
ABOUT THE TOUR
On this tour, you will cycle between Sibiu and Viscri, two of the most popular destinations in Transylvania, through picturesque Saxon villages and beautiful landscapes.
The highlight, however, will be climbing the Transfăgărășan, Romania’s most famous road. Linking Transylvania and Wallachia, two of the country’s historic provinces, it was built in just four years, in the early 1970s, as a strategic military objective and an escape route across the Făgăraș Mountains in the event of a Soviet invasion. Today, it stands as a remarkable feat of civil and military engineering.
The decision to build the road was taken by Romania’s former communist dictator, Nicolae Ceaușescu, following the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia by Soviet-led troops, which Romania refused to join.
Often considered one of the best roads in the world, the Transfăgărășan will not disappoint. The breathtaking views of the Făgăraș Mountains from its 25 hairpin turns, the glacial lake at the top of the climb and the thrill of navigating every curve on the descent will linger in your memory forever.
Due to heavy snowfall in winter, the road traditionally opens to traffic around the middle of June and closes in autumn, usually around the end of October or beginning of November. Depending on the weather in June, we may be able to climb earlier, while the road is still closed to regular traffic, so keep this in mind when planning your trip.
Our final stop, Viscri, is another must-visit destination in Romania. First brought to wider international attention by King Charles III, the village has become a leading example of rural restoration and sustainable tourism in the region.
ROUTE
DAY TO DAY
The tour begins from the town with a pleasant ride on a forested cycle path, providing ample time to get accustomed to the bikes before venturing into the countryside. The first part of the day takes us through the Saxon settlements around Sibiu, and after 45km, we'll have a well-deserved lunch break at the Orangery located in the park of Avrig’s Brukenthal Palace.
Following a winding road climb, revealing the majestic range of the Făgăraș mountains, we enter the Hârtibaciu Valley area with its rolling hills, one of the last intact rural medieval landscapes in Europe.
Dinner and the night await us in one of our favourite accommodations, Veseud 11.
Guesthouse: Veseud 11
TODAY'S RIDE
Approximately 93 km (57 miles) with 870 m (2,857 feet) of climbing
This is the day of an epic climb. After thirty-three kilometres of warming up, we will reach Cârțișoara, where the next thirty kilometres of climbing will take us from the lowlands to the second-highest altitude reachable by road in Romania.
As we cross the coniferous forest, we will make our way into the alpine pastures. After 25 hairpin turns and countless breathtaking views of the Transylvanian Alps, as the mountains are nicknamed, we will conquer the Transfăgărășan. At the top of the climb, the mountains and the road will reveal their last secret: Bâlea Lake, a glacial lake at an altitude of 2,040 metres, nestled in a glacial cirque guarded by majestic rocky peaks.
After having lunch at Ceaușescu’s former mountain hut, built beside the lake, we will get ready for a magical descent along the same road we took up. The thirty-kilometre ride down the mountain will be just as rewarding and awesome as the climb.
Guesthouse: Casa Moșului
TODAY'S RIDE
Approximately 95 km (59 miles) with 1,900 m (6,230 feet) of climbing
The route takes us along quiet country roads, winding through peaceful landscapes, and offering views of lush meadows and traditional villages. The gentle climb through the foothills of the Făgăraș Mountains provides a perfect opportunity to take in the beauty of the countryside at a relaxed pace. As we approach the iconic Saxon villages, we will be immersed in the region's rich history, cycling past well-preserved fortifications and centuries-old churches.
We will end the day in the picturesque Unesco village of Viscri. One of the benefactors of the village is His Majesty Charles III, who in 2006, after buying and restoring some of the 18th century Saxon houses in the village, became the promoter of sustainable tourism in Transylvania. In the evening, you'll be able to witness one of the most iconic spectacles of rural Transylvanian life when the cattle return to the village from grazing, a perfect ending for your trip.
Guesthouse: Casa Moșului
TODAY'S RIDE
Approximately 97 km (60 miles) with 870 m (2,850 feet) of climbing
After breakfast you will be transferred by car back to Sibiu.
PRICES
FULLY GUIDED TOUR
€1,590 per person for groups of 5+ people
€1,840 per person for groups of 4 people
€2,110 per person for groups of 3 people
€2,890 per person for groups of 2 people
SUPPORTED TOUR
€1,290 per person for groups of 5+ people
€1,490 per person for groups of 4 people
€1,760 per person for groups of 3 people
€2,360 per person for groups of 2 people
Single supplement - €130
DEPOSIT - €300 (50% refundable up to 60 days before departure)
BALANCE - Full payment due 30 days prior to tour start
Because it depends on the road opening, this tour can be booked only between June 15 and September 30.
Learn more about the differences between FULLY GUIDED and SUPPORTED tours here.
What is included?
- All accommodation and meals
- English-speaking local guides
- Fully equipped bike (Trek DS) + helmet
- Fruits, nuts, snacks, and water during riding
- Assistance car
- Car transfer on the last day to Sibiu
- Tickets and donations
Optional
- Cube Nuroad gravel bike - €60 (limited availability)
- Transylvania Cycling jersey - €50
ACCOMMODATION & FOOD
GUESTHOUSES
Accommodation is provided in double or single rooms with private bathroom in small and cozy village guesthouses. The heart filled hospitality of our hosts will make you feel at home everywhere we’ll spend the night. All guest houses are unique and have beautiful gardens in which you can relax after a day’s riding.
For single rooms there’s a single occupancy supplement.
FOOD & DRINK
Breakfast, lunch and a three-course dinner are included in the tour package. Delicious dinners made with locally sourced ingredients are prepared by our host guesthouses, with either a fixed menu or a buffet. Vegetarian options are also available upon request.
Traditional Romanian spirits, such as plum or sour cherry brandy, are complimentary, while drinks like wine and beer can be purchased separately at each guesthouse.
LUNCH & COFFEE BREAKS
Lunch is included in the tour package and will be served at restaurants selected in advance by our team. At least one coffee stop between breakfast and lunch is planned each day, but we can always make additional refreshment stops whenever needed, so you can enjoy your holiday at your own pace.
Fruit, nuts, cereal bars and water are available anytime.
MORE INFORMATION
4 DAYS & 3 NIGHTS - 3 DAYS OF RIDING
DIFFICULTY: 5/5
AVERAGE DAILY DISTANCE
95 km (59 miles)
AVERAGE DAILY ELEVATION
1,213 m (3,980 feet)
TOTAL DISTANCE
285 km (177 miles)
TOTAL ELEVATION
3,640 m (11,940 feet)
TERRAIN: HILLY and MOUNTAINOUS
Transylvania is hilly and surrounded by mountains. That’s why any trip in this region implies some climbing, but the effort will be lavishly rewarded by the wonderful landscapes, colourful flower meadows and tranquil villages where life flows at a very slow pace. Every day there will be some short and rolling hills and a climb which will require more effort to conquer. But don’t worry as the descents are always beautiful and rewarding. For the elevation profile and for the number of kilometers/miles covered on a daily basis, see the day to day itinerary.
On all our tours we aim to find quite secondary roads, so that you’ll fully enjoy your vacation without the noise of big and busy roads. On this particular tour we only cycle on asphalt.
* At times, from various reasons, the routes, the activities listed in the daily breakdown or the guesthouses we sleep in may slightly change. Our guides will always try to replace them with similar or higher standard services in order to provide the same trip experience.
