Motorhome Road Trip Through Transylvania
7 Days in the Heart of Romania

Route overview

The route is a loop starting and finishing in Bucharest. Total distance: approximately 1,400 km. All roads are paved and suitable for integrated and semi-integrated motorhomes. Exception: the Transfăgărășan road (generally open July–October — check current status before you go).

Day 1 — Bucharest → Sinaia → Brașov (180 km)

Leave Bucharest on the A1 motorway towards Pitești, then take DN1 into the mountains. First stop: Sinaia — visit Peleș Castle (allow 30–60 minutes; the interior is worth it) and stroll through town. Overnight: campsite in the Bușteni or Azuga area, with electrical hookups and hot showers.

In the evening, continue 45 km to Brașov. Park the motorhome at a campsite on the outskirts and take the bus or walk into the centre. Piața Sfatului and Strada Republicii at night are unmissable.

Day 2 — Brașov → Bran Castle → Sibiu (160 km)

Morning: Bran Castle, 30 km from Brașov. Romania's most photographed castle; arrive early (opens 9:00) to beat the crowds. Motorhome parking is available outside the main courtyard.

From Bran, take the scenic road through Rășinari and Păltiniș or the direct DN1 to Sibiu. You'll arrive by midday — plenty of time to explore Piața Mare, Piața Mică and the Council Tower on foot. Camping Stejarul, 20 km from Sibiu, is an excellent base for 1–2 nights.

Day 3 — Sibiu → Sighișoara → Reghin (120 km)

Sighișoara is the only continuously inhabited medieval town in Europe — a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Transylvania's true jewels. Park the motorhome at the public car park at the foot of the hill and walk up. Allow 2–3 hours: the Clock Tower, the Church on the Hill and the narrow cobbled streets of the citadel.

Continue to Reghin (40 km), known as the Romanian violin-making town. Several campsites and guesthouses with motorhome parking are available. Alternative: park on the banks of the Mureș river — peaceful scenery, free of charge.

Day 4 — Reghin → Bicaz Gorge → Red Lake (120 km)

This is the most dramatic day of the entire route. From Reghin, follow DN15 through Toplița to the Bicaz Gorge (Cheile Bicazului). This is an 8 km canyon carved into limestone, with 300-metre-high walls on both sides — one of Romania's most spectacular roads.

Note: The Bicaz Gorge narrows in places. Integrated motorhomes (length over 7 m) can pass, but take care when meeting oncoming lorries. Check your vehicle's width before attempting.

At the far end of the gorge: Red Lake (Lacul Roșu), a natural dam lake formed by a rockslide. Several basic campsites sit right on the lake shore — a unique setting for an overnight stop.

Day 5 — Red Lake → Sovata → Târgu Mureș (130 km)

Before leaving, walk the marked trail around Red Lake (45 minutes return). Then head west on DN12 through Gheorgheni.

Stop in Sovata, home of Lake Ursu — a heliothermal lake unique in Europe, where deep water reaches 40–60°C in summer without artificial heating. A 30-minute swim is wonderfully restorative after four days on the road. Motorhome parking is available at the resort entrance.

In the evening, arrive in Târgu Mureș for a short stop to see the Palace of Culture and Theatre Square, beautifully lit at night.

Day 6 — Târgu Mureș → Turda Gorge → Cluj-Napoca (130 km)

Head west on the A3 motorway and detour to Turda Gorge (Cheile Turzii), a nature reserve with well-marked hiking trails. The main gorge walk takes 2–3 hours — no special equipment needed, just good walking shoes.

Cluj-Napoca — the final major destination of the trip. Park at a campsite or designated motorhome area and explore by foot or tram: Unirii Square, the Botanical Garden, Eroilor Boulevard. Evening: restaurants and coffee shops in the Mănăștur district or city centre.

Day 7 — Cluj → Bucharest (500 km) or an extra day

If your schedule allows, take the A3/DN1 via Turda, Câmpia Turzii and Pitești back to Bucharest (5–6 hours with no stops). Alternatively, spend an extra night in Cluj or make a detour to Alba Iulia (Alba Carolina Citadel, 30 km south of the main route).

Recommended campsites on the route

• Bușteni / Azuga (Day 1) — electrical hookup, showers, €16–24/night
• Camping Stejarul, Sibiu (Days 2–3) — motorhome pitches, power, WiFi, €20–30/night
• Red Lake (Day 4) — rustic campsite on the lake shore, power available, €12–20/night
• Turda Gorge area (Day 6) — small campsite next to the reserve, basic facilities
• Cluj-Napoca (Day 6–7) — motorhome campsite on the city outskirts, €16–26/night

Best time of year for the Transylvania route

• May–June: pleasant temperatures, spring flowers, no crowds. Ideal.
• July–August: warm but busy at the main sights. Book campsites in advance.
• September–October: spectacular autumn foliage, cooler temperatures, fewer tourists. Highly recommended.
• Winter: the route is partially feasible (avoid Bicaz Gorge and mountain roads in bad weather), but campsites are limited.

Practical tips for the Transylvania motorhome route

• LPG refuelling: OMV and Rompetrol petrol stations have LPG points in most towns along the route.
• Drinking water: available at all campsites. Mountain springs marked on Park4night are also reliable.
• GPS navigation: use Waze or Google Maps — avoid "truck route" mode on narrow local roads. Sygic with a motorhome profile is a good alternative.
• Currency: Romania uses the Romanian Leu (RON), not euros. ATMs are available in all major towns.
• Road tax (vignette): required on motorways and national roads. Buy online at roviniete.ro or at any petrol station.

Start your Transylvania adventure with Romanian Campers

This route is perfectly suited to any motorhome in our fleet. For the Bicaz Gorge and narrower mountain roads, we recommend a semi-integrated or alcove motorhome for 2–4 people — the ideal balance of comfort and manoeuvrability.