Transalpina, Mountain road through Parâng Mountains, Romania
Transalpina is a mountain road in the Parâng Mountains that runs for 148 kilometers through Gorj, Vâlcea, Sibiu and Alba counties. The Urdele Pass at 2145 meters is the highest point, where the road crosses open meadows and rocky slopes.
The Romans built a military path here to move their troops through the Carpathians. During World War I, the route was rebuilt, and King Carol II had it upgraded for cars in 1939.
Shepherds used this old trail for centuries to move their flocks between summer pastures in the high mountains. Families from nearby villages contributed labor and stones according to what they could afford when the path was widened.
The road is usually open from May through November, when no snow or ice covers the surface. Plan at least three hours, as curves are tight and speed limits apply.
The Urdele Pass was once known as Devil's Path because conditions in winter were so harsh. Wild horses sometimes graze near the highest sections, where trees no longer grow.
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