Transfogarian Route - Romania

The Transfogarian Route is a paved mountain road crossing the southern section of the Carpathian Mountains of Romania. It has national-road ranking and it climbs to an altitude of 2,042 metres, making it the second highest mountain pass in Romania after the Transalpina. It is both an attraction and a challenge for hikers, cyclists, drivers and motorcycle enthusiasts. The road connects the historic regions of Transylvania and Wallachia. It also provides access to Bâlea Lake and Bâlea Waterfall. The road is usually closed from late October until late June because of snow.
The route was constructed between 1970 and 1974 during the rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu, who wanted to ensure quick military access across the mountains in case of a Soviet invasion. Built mainly by military forces, the road had a high financial and human cost. Many workers died, official records state that only 40 soldiers lost their lives, but unofficial estimates by workers put the number in the hundreds.