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Transalpina has a size of:
– 148 km from Bengești (the place the place it begins from DN67 Tg.Jiu-Rm.Valcea) to Sebeș (junction with DN1 Sibiu-Sebeș)
– respectively 155 km from Bengești to Săliște (junction with DN1 Sibiu – Sebeș) – that is the unique route of Transalpina.
On totally different sections the highway has:
Sebeș-Șugag: 27 Km; Şugag – Obârșia Lotrului: 60 Km; Obârșia Lotrului-Rânca: 30 Km; Rânca-Novaci: 18 Km; Novaci-Bengești 13 Km.
Information on the development of Transalpina
Transalpina was initially a mountain path, generally known as the “Satan’s Path”. The path was utilized by shepherds from Sibiu to cross the mountains with herds of sheep in Wallachia. This transhumance highway related Transylvania to Oltenia.
Between 1934 and 1939 the highway was rebuilt on the disposal of King Carol II of Romania. He needed a strategic highway that could possibly be travelled by troops passing from / to Wallachia in Transylvania. The highway was opened in 1939 by King Carol II himself, on the wheel of an off-road. The unique route of Transalpina, because it was inaugurated by King Carol II, was from Novaci (Gorj) to Săliște (Sibiu). Since then it has been generally known as the King’s Street, which changed the favored title of the “Satan’s Path”.
The highway was not taken care of till 2009, when modernization works started on the portion Rânca (1,600 m) – Lake Oașa. The official opening on the portion between Rânca and Obârșia Lotrului was in 2015. The highway nonetheless requires rehabilitation on brief parts, lower than 1km of asphalt, on the portion of Lake Oașa – Obârșia Lotrului. Transalpina additionally presents areas the place not all parapets are mounted.
Probably the most spectacular altitude space of about 25 km between Rânca (Gorj) and the Oaşa Dam (Alba) is closed throughout winter. The date of highway opening/closing differs from 12 months to 12 months, relying on the climate, because it is dependent upon the approaching/melting of snow.
Description of the highway and the sights alongside the way in which.
Ranging from the north, Transalpina follows the mountains Șureanu, Cindrel, Lotrului and Latoriței to lastly cross the Parâng Mountains.
Between Sebeș and Şugag, Transalpina passes by means of a number of villages alongside the Sebeș River. The households in these villages are strongly influenced by the Saxon structure. You possibly can see huge gates and inside courtyards in Petrești, Sebeșel, Săsciori, Laz, Căpâlna, Mărtinie, Șugag. From Căpâlna a purple cross marked highway results in the Dacian fortress Căpâlna, included on the UNESCO World Heritage Checklist. The Căpâlna fortress was the easternmost fortification within the defence system of the capital of Dacia, Sarmisegetuza Regia. Close to Căpâlna one can discover a small dam on Lake Obreja de Căpâlna.
On the finish of the Şugag Village there may be the junction with the Șugag-Saliște highway that crosses Mărginimea Sibiului – the Final European vacation spot.
This half that runs by means of the villages of Mărginime was a part of the King’s highway inaugurated in 1939. It’s in itself a small Transalpina, the highway going up from Şugag to the village of Jina virtually 500 m elevation achieve, in about 9 km. Subsequent, the highway winds by means of the villages situated on the highest of the hills with views to the south, each to the Cindrel Mountains and the Transylvania Plateau.
Close to the junction with the Şugag-Săliște highway, on the appropriate financial institution of the Dobra Stream, at an altitude of 750-900 m, there may be the geological reserve “Pintenii din Coasta Jinei” (The Spurs of the Jina Slope) shaped by a sequence of remoted rocks made from crystalline schist.
From right here on, the Sebeș Valley deepens and Transalpina crosses a wild gorge. Some remoted cliffs stand out on steep and wooded slopes with pine and beech. Two geological reserves, “Masa Jidovului ” (The Jew’s Desk) and “La Grumaji” (On the Napes) are situated about 10 km south of Şugag. The valley steadily opens and on the left you possibly can see the mirror of the Reservoir Tău-Bistra. The highway meanders additional alongside the Sebeș Valley in a straightforward climb, one other 16 km, to the Oașa Lake Dam (situated at 1,250 m). Oaşa Dam is a relaxation cease. From the dam you possibly can watch one of many few panoramas to the lake in addition to to the very best peak in Șureanu, the Pătru Peak-2,130 m.
You will discover right here a number of kiosks with meals and hand-crafted merchandise. From right here, the forest highway results in the Șureanu Ski Resort. The highway is in good situation and accessible for any kind of automobile. Nonetheless an unpaved highway can create small issues, equivalent to mud in dry intervals or puddles after rains. The highway follows the define of the lake for about 7 km. At kilometre 5 there’s a monk monastery, the Oaşa Monastery. Right here, within the courtyard of the monastery, the place life has a unique rhythm, you possibly can go to an outdated wood church and a more moderen brick one.
Close to the monastery there’s a spur from the place you have got one other perspective on the lake and the encircling peaks. Additionally, it’s right here the primary accessible place for many who need to launch their very own kayak and need to cross the 2 arms of the lake that stretch throughout the Sălanele Valley and Sebeş Valley about 4-5 km.
From the monastery, you go 11 km till Poiana Poarta Raiului (Heaven’s Gate), the place you possibly can enter the Visiting Heart of the Pure Protected Areas Frumoasa.
In the identical time, there are some lodging items right here. You will discover different lodging potentialities in Poiana Luncile Prigoanei, a vacation village, 5 km behind. From Poarta Raiului there are 2 km to the Șureanu Ski Resort. The highway continues one other 2 km to the Șureanu Army Lodge (1,734 m alt., doesn’t accommodate vacationers). The ski space consists of 10 slopes that begin from the altitude of 1,650 m as much as 2,010 m. From Poiana Raiului, from the highway bend, a blue triangle vacationer mark shortens the automobile highway by greater than 2 km. This path arrives to the Șureanu Army Lodge in about half-hour. The mark bypasses the lodge and behind it you possibly can admire one of the vital lovely glacial lakes in Romania.
Lake Iezerul Șureanu (1,737 m alt.) is located within the glacial cirque on the japanese slope of Sureanu Mountain, which rises above the lake at 2,059 m. The lake is surrounded by dwarf pines, junipers, fir bushes and bilberries making a fairy-tale ambiance. The proximity of the highway makes it accessible to households with kids and there are some benches if you wish to make a pause. For a prime view of the lake in addition to the huge panorama of the encircling space (Cindrel, Lotrului, Vf. Lui Pătru, Poarta Raiului) we suggest the purple triangle marked path that comes off close to the Șureanu cottage. When the marked path comes out of the forest, go away it and comply with the sting of the dwarf pines. You will see small paths that take you to great lookout factors over the lake.
As soon as you come back to the Oaşa Dam, you proceed on the Transalpina by means of the fir forest that gives few lookout factors on Lake Oaşa. About 1 km from the dam you’ll cross by the Oaşa Lodge and huts. Close to the lodge you possibly can comply with the purple band ridge path of the Cindrel Mountains. About 3 km from the Lake Oașa, close to the Tărtărău Forester’s Lodge, the highway from Frumoasei Valley, named Transcindrel, turns left.
The unpaved highway crosses the Sadului Valley over the Șteflești Saddle (1,725 m), the saddle that separates the Cindrel Mountains from the Lotrului Mountains. The highway over the saddle just isn’t accessible to small automobiles, however might be crossed by mountain bikes and is included in a extra spectacular circuit on prime of the Cindrel Mountains.
Additional on, Transalpina climbs in extensive bends, about 400 m elevation achieve and for 9 km to the Tătărău Saddle, at 1,679 m. Right here you discover the watershed between the basins of the Sebeș and Lotru Rivers in addition to the purpose the place 3 massifs meet: Lotrului, Șureanu and Parâng. From right here Transalpina descends on 6 km to 1,340 m, to Obârșia Lotrului. Obârșia Lotrului is a relaxation cease for vacationers, with lodges, hostels, cottages, tenting, kiosks with native merchandise and so on. Right here Transalpina intersects the highway DN 7A Petroșani-Voineasa-Brezoi (106 km). In winter, Obârșia Lotrului is accessible solely on this highway. From right here, the Lotrului Valley heads east in the direction of Vidra (Otter) Reservoir, 4km away. 3 km additional and the highway reaches the Vidra Ski Resort. The lake is surrounded by fir forests, from the 8 km-long highway there are few locations the place you possibly can admire the mirror of the reservoir. Vidra Reservoir feeds the Ciunget Hydroelectric Energy Station, the second largest hydroelectric energy station in Romania, after the one on the Iron Gates. Transalpina continues west by means of the extensive valley of Lotru the place Obârșia Lotrului Monastery is situated. After about 1.5 km, probably the most spectacular a part of Transalpina, the area Obârșia Lotrului – Rânca is separated from the highway resulting in Petroșani.
After crossing the Lotrului Valley, the highway begins an actual climb on the slope of Ștefanu Mountain within the Latoriței Mountains. In additional than 15 tight curves, the highway features greater than 300 m elevation achieve, popping out into the alpine tundra. The sights start to open on the appropriate, in the direction of the tops of the Parâng Mountains and the Câlcescu Lake Cirque guarded by the Setea Mare Peak (2,365 m).
At a good bend of the highway there may be additionally a sheepfold, Stâna Ștefanu, a spot of attraction on the Transalpina, providing vacationers conventional dishes equivalent to polenta with telemea (a conventional Romanian sheep cheese), sheep stew and so on.
One other 2.5 km and Transalpina passes by means of the Ștefanu Saddle (1,915 m), the place one other spectacular highway, the Strategic Street, breaks off to the left. It crosses the highest of the Latoriței Mountains, from the Ștefanu Saddle to the realm of Valea Maceșului, on a size of 45 km. The Strategic Street, unpaved alongside its total size, is likely one of the most sought-after mountain-biking trails. If you happen to really feel like strolling (about 12 km spherical journey), take the yellow cross marked path, (unmarked at first), as much as Iezerul Latoriței. It’s a glacial lake situated on the lowest altitude within the Carpathians (1,530 m).
Transalpina continues to barely climb, passing from the slope to the highest that separates the Muntinul Cirque to the left, from the deep valley of Lotrului to the appropriate. Right here, on the plateau of the Muntinu Mountain, below the blue sky, panoramas open to the peaks and tops in all instructions. You’re within the coronary heart of the mountains, the place, more often than not, you’ll actually have your head within the clouds. On the left of the highway there’s a small glacial lake, Muntinul (1,980 m), seen from the highway.
The remaining cease with kiosks that gives primarily conventional meals from totally different elements of the nation invitations you to make a brand new break.
Vacationers who enterprise on an extended path, to the ridges and glacial lakes of the Parâng Mountains can even begin from right here, mountain climbing on unmarked paths. Probably the most visited is Lake Gâlcescu (Câlcescu), a protected space with glacial lakes, cliffs and wealthy vegetation, particular to mountain areas.
You need to take into account one other 1.5 km (spherical journey) from the marked path that begins from the Urdele Saddle. The benefits for many who go away the path from listed below are: a extra beneficiant parking place and the truth that they begin from the next altitude (2,100 m in comparison with 2,040 m on the Urdele Saddle). From right here as much as Gâlcescu Lake you’ll hike for about 6-7 hours (spherical journey). The one extra demanding half, as a result of steep slope with scree, is the Hornul Lacurilor, which descends into the Gâlcescu Cirque, on the lakes Vidal, Pencu and Gâlcesu.
Those that dare to achieve the highest of Parângul Mare, the very best peak in Parâng -2,509 m, should reserve a full day for the path, about 10-12 hours spherical journey. This path is advisable for vacationers with an excellent bodily situation and correctly outfitted.
From Muntinu, Transalpina nonetheless reserves us nice surprises. We discover ourselves crossing the narrower ridge of the Muntinu Mountain, as if suspended between heaven and earth. Even whether it is brief, the portion will stay in our minds due to its spectacularity. The highway descends into one other rocky cirque, The Urdele Cirque.
At its lowest level you possibly can drink water from a arrange spring. From right here the highway climbs once more. Within the second bend of the highway there’s a small parking area and a vacationer mark that signifies the route to the highest of Parang, to Gâlcescu Lake. Any more, 9 extra tight curves to go in an effort to attain the very best altitude all through Transalpina – 2,145 m.
From right here, from under the Urdele Peak (2,223 m), Transalpina begins its straightforward descent below the peaks of Dengheru (2,084 m) and Păpușa (2,136 m). Additional on the descent is extra accentuated as much as the Rânca Resort. Rânca with its 6 ski slopes is extra wanted in winter.
From Rânca, Transalpina descends on 18 km to Novaci, on an extended ridge, by means of the deciduous forest.
– The INFOTRAPHIC Centre of the Basic Inspectorate of the Romanian Police informs inhabitants when the visitors is closed or resumed on the alpine part between Rânca, (Gorj County), and Obârșia Lotrului, (Vâlcea County) respectively from kilometre 34 +800 meters to 59+800 meters. Normally, greater than 2,000 meters, snow persists from November to Might-June.
– on this part, visitors is allowed solely between 8 a.m. and eight p.m. for automobiles with a most authorised mass of lower than 7.5 tons,
– most velocity 30 km/h
– on the peak of the vacationer season, the highway is busy, particularly on weekends.
In winter, the highway sections of Șugag – Baraj Oașa and Novaci-Rânca are cleared of snow for many who need to ski on the slopes of the Șureanu and Rânca Ski Resorts. In winter you possibly can attain Lotrului Obârșia on DN7A Brezoi-Voineasa-Vidra-Petroșani. For entry from Petroşani it is suggested to search out out if the snow is cleared.
Suggestions
The Transalpina highway might be crossed each from north to south or in the other way, relying in your desire. The highway has 2 lanes, one on every route. Nonetheless, should you climb from the north, you’ll steadily climb, passing at first by means of an space with fir forests after which by means of probably the most spectacular space, crossing the Parâng Mountains. From the south, from Novaci, the highway climbs to Rânca in solely 19 km to the alpine hole, from 450 m to 1,600 m.
– take at the least a full day for Transalpina if you wish to go to some sights on the route.
– we suggest going by means of the part Săiște-Şugag as an alternative of Sebeș-Şugag, the highway is simply 7 km longer however crosses the villages situated on the peaks of Mărginimea Sibiului : Săiște, Tilișca, Rod, Poiana Sibiului, Jina.
– cease as usually as you possibly can both to admire the surroundings or, at relaxation stops, to style some native merchandise.
– gas up earlier than coming into the Transalpina, the one fuel stations are on the exit of Novaci, respectively on the exit of Şugag, so, all alongside 100 km you’ll not discover any fuel station.
– at over 2,000 m even in August temperatures can drop to 0 levels and the climate can change shortly. If it’s sunny at low altitude, the ridges might be surrounded by clouds. Be ready with appropriate garments and raincoats should you resolve to take a stroll on the tops.
– on Transalpina, the GSM sign just isn’t working from Şugag to Rânca space. In several areas, in Obârşia Lotrului and the Mutinu Plateau there’s a GSM sign from Orange.
– solely at Rânca you will discover a Mountain Rescue Base;
– lodging is to be discovered at Rânca, the resort situated on the highest altitude in Romania – 1,650 m and at Obârșia Lotrului.
The Transalpina additionally attracts highway cyclists.
The path might be completed, relying on the coaching, in a day or two. Entry is both from the south or from the north, as you would like. From Sebeș the departure is made ranging from 250 m altitude and from Bengești from 300 m. Nonetheless, should you resolve to start out from the south, at first, you’ll regularly climb, for about 40 km. Additionally, keep in mind that at altitudes, the climate is extra steady within the morning. From the north, the toughest half, the Obârșia Lotrului – Rânca, begins after 87 km from the beginning, and after crossing the Tătărău Cross (1,679 m).
By practice, the closest practice station to the Transalpina is, coming from the north, Sebeș and from the south, Târgu Cărbunești, 16 km from Bengești.
Suggestions for cyclists: keep away from as a lot as doable the height season July-August and weekends, when there are too many automobiles.
Versiunea in limba romana
