Rider Favourite

Road Biking the Transylvanian Alps

Day 1 Meet in Bucharest or Brașov & Head to Cincșor

The tour begins with a morning group pickup in Bucharest or Brașov. We recommend arriving in either city the day before the tour begins to allow for a smooth and relaxed start. The transfer from Bucharest takes approximately four hours, while the transfer from Brașov is around one hour. If you are joining in Brașov, there is time to enjoy lunch in town before the transfer. Guests picked up in Bucharest make a short stop en route for snacks before continuing into rural Transylvania and the quiet Saxon village of Cincșor. On arrival, we settle into our accommodation and prepare for a short warm-up ride through the surrounding countryside, an easy introduction to the bikes and terrain. After the ride, there is time to relax before a trip briefing and our welcome dinner together.

Cincsor Transylvania Guesthouses
Dinner
Ride 23km
+132m
-133m

Day 2 Cincșor - Transfăgărășan

The day begins directly from the hotel, rolling out through the Transylvanian countryside for a gentle warm-up before the road gradually begins to rise. After approximately 35 km of steady approach riding, the Transfăgărășan comes into view and the climb proper begins. The ascent to Bâlea Lake follows the legendary mountain road for roughly 25 km, climbing steadily to just over 2,000 metres above sea level. The gradient is sustained but consistent, allowing time to settle into a rhythm as the scenery becomes increasingly dramatic. As we gain height, the road opens into wide alpine curves with sweeping views across the rugged Făgăraș Mountains, often referred to as the Transylvanian Alps. At the summit, Bâlea Lake sits in a glacial basin surrounded by steep rock walls and high peaks. We pause here for lunch before regrouping for the long, flowing descent toward Cârțișoara. From there, we return to Cincșor by support vehicle, with a transfer of around 30 minutes, or continue riding back to the hotel for those who would like to extend the day. In the evening, we come together for dinner and time to unwind after a full day in the mountains.

Cincsor Transylvania Guesthouses
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 97km
+1887m
-1714m

Day 3 Cincșor - Sighișoara

After breakfast, we ride out into the Transylvanian Highlands on quiet country roads. The terrain is rolling rather than steep, offering a gentler day after the previous mountain climb. Early on, the route passes through the village of Cincu, centred around its fortified church, before continuing through open countryside with the Carpathian Mountains stretching across the horizon. The day unfolds along minor roads and through small villages, following sections of the Hârtibaciu River and moving through the Brașov–Sibiu–Sighișoara cultural triangle. The ride reflects the long-settled history of the region, shaped by Saxon communities and rural life. We arrive in Sighișoara around lunchtime and sit down together for lunch. The afternoon is then free to explore the historic centre at your own pace. One of Europe’s best-preserved medieval citadels and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Sighișoara remains a living town, with cobbled streets, towers, and layers of architecture dating back to the 12th century. In the evening, dinner is on your own, with plenty of restaurants and traditional taverns to choose from in the historic centre.

Fronius Residence or Central Park hotel
Breakfast, Lunch
Ride 70km
+480m
-521m

Day 4 Sighișoara - Sibiu

The ride begins directly from the hotel, following a scenic secondary road through the Hârtibaciu Valley. The terrain remains gently rolling as the route passes through Biertan, one of the most important Saxon villages in Transylvania, centred around its UNESCO-listed fortified church. Continuing through open countryside and small settlements, the day offers a strong sense of the region’s rural rhythm and long-settled history. As the ride approaches Sibiu, traffic increases slightly near the city. To avoid busier roads, we can transfer the final 25 kilometres or continue riding all the way to the hotel. Sibiu is an engaging place to spend the next two nights. Named European Capital of Culture in 2012, the city is known for its well-preserved Saxon heritage, elegant façades, and lively cultural scene. The compact historic centre is home to medieval walls and towers, museums such as the Brukenthal Museum, and a relaxed café culture that makes it easy to unwind and explore at your own pace. In the evening, we come together for dinner in the city.

Craft Inn or Art Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 99km
+744m
-693m

Day 5 Sibiu - Păltiniș Loop

The day begins with a steady climb from Sibiu toward Păltiniș, a historic mountain resort set high above the city. The ascent includes several sustained sections, rewarded by a classic mountain road and expansive views, before a long descent back toward Sibiu. The route leads directly to the Open Air Village Museum, one of the largest open-air ethnographic museums in Central and Eastern Europe. Set in forested grounds around two artificial lakes, the museum features more than 300 traditional houses, workshops, and rural buildings from across Romania, connected by over 10 kilometres of walking paths. There is time to explore the exhibits and enjoy lunch. After the visit, we return by bike to the same hotel in Sibiu. The remainder of the afternoon and evening is free to explore the city at your own pace and choose where to dine. A shorter riding option is available, and those who prefer a rest day can skip the ride entirely and enjoy Sibiu, saving energy for the following day’s longer stage.

Craft Inn or Art Hotel
Breakfast, Lunch
Ride 82km
+1313m
-1309m

Day 6 Transalpina Ascent

The final riding day is the queen stage of the tour, centred on the Transalpina, Romania’s highest road and the most demanding climb of the week. Known locally as the King’s Road, this historic mountain pass cuts deep into the Carpathian Mountains, delivering a sustained and rewarding ascent on a well-engineered mountain road. A 20-minute transfer brings us from Sibiu to the start near Săliște, where rolling terrain offers a steady lead-in before the climb begins in earnest. The ascent gains height gradually, combining long steady sections with a few steeper ramps, eventually reaching Urdele Pass at 2,145 metres above sea level. As we climb, the scenery opens into wide alpine views and exposed high-mountain terrain. After cresting the pass, the route continues across a rolling plateau before a fast, flowing 20-kilometre descent into Novaci. From here, we transfer for around 30–40 minutes to our final overnight stop in Măldărești. In the evening, we come together for a farewell dinner, marking the end of the week’s riding.

Conacul Olarilor or Conacul Maldar
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Ride 139km
+3060m
-3119m

Day 7 Măldărești Departure

After breakfast, the tour comes to an end. We arrange transfers according to onward travel plans, either to Sibiu International Airport or to Bucharest. If you would like to stay a little longer, it is possible to extend your time in Măldărești or nearby Horezu, known for its traditional pottery and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hotel extensions and private transfers can be arranged at additional cost. Let us know your plans and we’ll help organise the details.

Breakfast

Disclaimer: The adventure cycling tours we operate often go beyond the beaten track, and the countries where we ride are not always predictable. Due to these reasons, it is occasionally necessary to reroute or update itineraries. Our guarantee is that we will not change a trip unless for safety or to improve it. Our listed hotels are always accurate at the time of writing, but should we have to change any hotel, it will always be for a similar or better one.