Transbucegi (DJ713), also known as “Babele Road” (“Drumul Babelor”), is a spectacular mountain road in Romania, often compared to the Transfăgărășan and the Transalpina.
Transbucegi
Opened around 2013, it offers easy access to some of the most iconic natural attractions in the Bucegi Mountains.
Route and Access
The road branches off the DN71, which links Sinaia and Târgoviște, and climbs through Dichiu Saddle. It turns sharply right at Dichiu Chalet and winds its way up to the Bucegi Plateau. It is about 16 km long.
The section open to cars ends at Plaiul lui Păcală, near Piatra Arsă Chalet, at an altitude of over 1,900 meters. The road is paved along its entire length, so most cars can drive it.
Road in the Bucegi Mountains
From here you can set off on foot toward Babele, on the Bucegi Plateau.
Sights Along and Near the Transbucegi (DJ713)
The Bucegi Mountains area, reachable via the Transbucegi road, abounds in natural and cultural attractions, flora and fauna, offering a wide range of experiences, from mountain hikes to cultural visits.
The Sphinx and Babele
They are the most famous geological formations in the Bucegi Mountains. Sculpted by wind and rain over thousands of years, the Sphinx on the Bucegi Plateau impresses with its resemblance to a human face, while Babele, a group of massive rocks, are shrouded in legend and mystery.
The Sphinx
Babele
Babele and the Sphinx can be reached on a short hike from the end of the Transbucegi road or by cable car from Bușteni. From here you can hike to Omu Peak.
Omu Peak in the Bucegi Mountains
Heroes' Cross on Caraiman
A monument recognized by Guinness World Records as the tallest metal cross in the world built on a mountain peak. Erected between 1926 and 1928 in memory of the heroes who fell in World War I, it offers spectacular panoramic views and can be reached on foot from Babele or by cable car from Bușteni.
Heroes' Cross on Caraiman
Obârșia Ialomiței Waterfall
With a drop of about 100 meters, it is the highest waterfall in the Southern Carpathians and the second highest in Romania.
It forms in a glacial valley, where the Ialomița River has its source, near Omu Peak. See details
Ialomița Cave and Peștera Monastery
Ialomița Cave is one of the best-known caves in Romania: it is about 480 meters long, 400 of which are open to visitors, and a stream runs through it. At the entrance to the cave stands the monastery of the same name, founded in the 16th century by Voivode Mihnea cel Rău (“Mihnea the Bad”).
Bolboci Lake and Scropoasa Lake
Often called “the Sea of the Bucegi,” Bolboci Lake is an artificial reservoir on the Ialomița River, yet its natural scenery is superb, surrounded by fir forests. It is a popular spot for fishing, walks, and relaxation.
Bolboci Lake
Scropoasa Lake is also an artificial reservoir in the Bucegi Mountains, located at an altitude of about 1,200 m in the Ialomița River valley. Its water is a spectacular blue-green, making it a popular destination for hikes.
Zănoaga Gorges and Tătarului Gorges
These narrow gorges, carved by water, offer wild landscapes and scenic hiking trails, ideal for lovers of nature and adventure.
7 Izvoare Waterfall
A waterfall famous for the purity of its water, which legend says is the purest in the world and has healing properties.
7 Izvoare Waterfall
Lăptici Peat Bog
A protected area, an active bog that is home to flora typical of mountain wetlands, at an altitude of 1,500 m. It is a site of scientific and ecological interest.
Lăptici Peat Bog
Horoaba Valley
A wild valley, a canyon known for its impressive scenery and less-traveled hiking trails, located near the Padina area.
Moara Dracului Waterfall
A lesser-known waterfall with a drop of about 20 meters, located in the western part of the Bucegi Massif.
Near the Transbucegi lie the resorts of Bușteni, Sinaia, Azuga, and Predeal. Although it is not directly on the Transbucegi, Bran Castle is a major tourist attraction near the Bucegi Mountains, famous for its connection to the legend of Count Dracula.
Whether they can be reached directly from the Transbucegi or require a short detour, these sights make the Bucegi area a multifaceted tourist destination.
Before the road was modernized, reaching the symbols of the Bucegi was much more difficult, requiring long hikes or a cable car ride.
Tips for the Transbucegi – Babele Road
The road is generally open from spring until late fall, but it is a good idea to check the weather and road conditions before you set off, especially in the off-season. In winter, access may be restricted because of snow.
Even though the road is paved, drivers need to be very careful, especially on the sections with tight hairpin bends. Weather conditions can change quickly at high altitudes, which calls for extra caution.
It's a good idea to bring comfortable shoes and a jacket, since the weather on the plateau can change quickly.
There are designated parking areas near Piatra Arsă Chalet. The road tends to get crowded on weekends.
Accommodation Near the Transbucegi
For those who want to explore the Transbucegi, Sinaia and the surrounding area offer plenty of accommodation options, suited to both families with children and couples.
Hotel Peștera Wellness & Spa offers indoor and outdoor pools, as well as a full spa center with a sauna and Jacuzzi. The modern rooms, some with mountain views, are complemented by a varied breakfast and seasonal activities such as hiking, skiing, or cycling. It is very popular with families for its facilities for children.
Hotel Peștera Wellness & Spa
Hotel Belmont & Spa is a modern 4-star hotel with an indoor pool, a Jacuzzi, and a fitness center. Guests can use the tennis court and free bicycles and explore the surroundings by hiking or fishing. It stands out for its own restaurant and its activities for children.
Hotel Belmont & Spa
Hotel Sinaia – located right in the center of the resort, next to Dimitrie Ghica Park, the hotel offers quick access to the main sights (Peleș Castle, Sinaia Monastery). It has an indoor pool, a spa, a gym, and a restaurant serving international cuisine, as well as a traditional wine cellar with live music. It is a popular choice for couples.
Hotel Sinaia
Vila Șipot – Casa Arhitecților is a more intimate option, close to Peleș Castle. The modern rooms, some with river or mountain views, offer extra privacy, and outdoor activities (hiking, skiing, cycling) round out the experience.
Vila Șipot – Casa Arhitecților
Weather in Sinaia
Current weather and the 7-day forecast for Sinaia, where the road to the Transbucegi starts:
Conclusion
Transbucegi is a memorable experience for any lover of mountains and nature, offering spectacular panoramic views and access to the geological and spiritual treasures of the Bucegi.
Like other mountain roads in Romania with spectacular scenery, such as the Transfăgărășan, Transalpina, Transrarău, and Transapuseana, Babele Road opens up fascinating views and stories.
