Bikepacking from Căpățânenii Pământeni to Cârţişoara

Get ready for an epic ride! Starting in the quaint village of Căpățânenii Pământeni, right at the foot of the famous Transfăgărășan road, you’ll wind your way north through the heart of the Făgăraș Mountains to the welcoming village of Cârţişoara. This route isn’t just long (about 185 km!), it’s also seriously challenging—expect over 7,000 meters of climbing. 

If you’re a fan of wild landscapes and quiet tracks, you’ll love this one. More than half the roads are unpaved, a mix of forest paths, gravel, and ground—so a gravel or mountain bike is a must. You’ll pedal through some of Romania’s most dramatic alpine scenery, peaking at over 2,100 meters. There are stretches where the road “disappears” and it’s just you, your bike, and the wild.

When you roll down into Cârţişoara, you can relax in a beautiful village with deep connections to Romanian culture and history (it’s also the hometown of Badea Cârțan, the legendary shepherd who walked to Rome). Bring your adventurous spirit and be prepared for a memorable day on the bike!