Bikepacking from Arefu to Cârţişoara

Get ready for an epic ride from Arefu to Cârţişoara! This route is a real adventure, taking you deep into Romania’s wild Carpathian landscapes. Starting in Arefu, a quiet village best known as the gateway to the legendary Transfăgărășan Highway, you’ll immediately sense the history—local tales even link the area to Vlad the Impaler.

The journey stretches north for 180 km, climbing and dropping constantly with more than 7,000 meters of elevation gain—so it’s not for the faint of heart! As you wind your way up into the mountains, you’ll reach heights over 2,100 meters. The path is a mix of gravel, ground, and rough tracks, so a sturdy bike (and strong legs) are a must.

About halfway, you’ll roll through forests and over mountain ridges—keep an eye out for breathtaking views and maybe even some wildlife. After tackling one last descent, you coast down into Cârţişoara, a village famous for its open-air museum and as another access point to the Transfăgărășan. It’s a tough ride, but the scenery and sense of accomplishment are totally worth it!