2. The Transalpina Road
A brief history
The true history of the Transalpina is
actually up for debate. One theory states that
the road was created by the Romans as a way
of moving to and from Sarmizegetusa, the main
city of the Roman empire in Romania, which is
still home to many ruins and is an important
archaeological site. The alternative idea about
the construction of the Transalpina is that it
came about during the reign of King Carol II,
hence the nickname of The King’s Road.
3. Regardless of whichever theory is true, it is known that
the road fell into disrepair before the start of the second World
War. During that conflict, it was rebuilt for military use by
German troops, but remained inaccessible for most normal
drivers and vehicles until only a few years ago.
In 2007, a public works project set out to modernize the
Transalpina by paving the roads and making it easier for
tourists to enjoy the highest altitude highway in the country. It
would take five years to finish, but the construction was finally
completed in April of 2012. At the same time, many people
have questioned the decision as the road was previously only
available to true mountain lovers with vehicles suited to the
environment.
With the modernization project, many new visitors will
be able to take their turn on the road, which could cause a
great deal of damage to the pristine environment. For that
reason, travelers are encouraged to do their part to keep the
area clean and make it enjoyable for all later visitors.
4. A potential Transalpina visitor should keep in mind that
the road is not open all year round. Depending on weather
conditions, the highway is usually closed in November or
December due to the heavy amount of snowfall and the
treacherous driving situations that could develop.
5. A person going to the Transalpina basically has two
main choices in how they would like to see the road. If they are
coming from the north, the best option is to stay in the city of
Sibiu the night before and make it a full day drive, finishing in
Ranca, Baile Olanesti, or Targu Jiu. The other option is to come
up from the south and stay one night in the Ranca resort area
before beginning the journey. Located already in the
mountains, starting in Ranca and continuing north may be the
best bet to get a visitor in the right natural mindset to enjoy
the scenery of the Transalpina.
6. Explore the Wild Danube Delta
The delta of the Danube River is found mostly in
Romania (with a small portion in Ukraine) and offers a
completely different experience from anywhere else
in the whole of Europe. In planning a trip, at least
three days should be allotted for the Danube Delta,
but spending a week or more truly discovering the
region is an even better decision for travelers that
have time to spare.
7. Starting in the Black Forest of Germany and ending at
the Black Sea, the Danube River covers nearly 3,000 kilometers
before reaching the spectacular delta. For much of the journey,
the Danube is simply a big river, but the delta offers something
completely different. Branches and tributaries connect the
various towns and villages that make up the delta and the
abundance of food and natural ecosystems has led to a wild
proliferation of plants and animals, including an estimated 300
species of birds. In total, the region of the Danube Delta
measures around 5,700 square kilometers, making it the most
sparsely human populated area in all of Europe.
8. Finding a way from Bucharest or another major city to
the delta is part of any Danube adventure. The truth is that every
method of coming to the delta will require a stop in the city of
Tulcea, also known as the gateway to the delta. At this point,
most road transportation stops and the last leg of the trip will be
made by boat.
9. A book could be written about what to see at the Danube Delta as
there are seemingly an infinite number of sights. The cities of Sulina and
Sfantu Gheorghe both offer museums, beaches, and other attractions, but
the true beauty of the region is found in the wild landscape of the delta. In
both towns, a visitor can join an organized day-long cruise through the
backwaters and tributaries. These cruises will often incorporate a safari-like
trip to the Letea Forest to see wild horses and include meals along the way.
