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The road begins in Campulung and runs for about 100 kilometers into Brasov. This section is part of a major highway—E574—connecting the south of Romania in Craiova with the east of the country in Bacau, and running through several major cities: Slatina, Pitesti, Brasov Onesti.

Campulung a.k.a. Campulung Muscel (not to be confused with Campulung Moldovenesc in northern Romania), is a town besieged by its communist industrial past. Despite the views that welcome you as you arrive, the town has a long and important history. It was settled before Roman conquest of Dacia in the 2nd century B.C. It also served as Wallachia’s first capital in the 1300s. The town has a pleasant history museum and a monastery originally built in the 13th century.

From here, the road begins a winding ascent into the Leaota Mountains. As you ride the increasingly tighter curves upward, you run into an impressive roadside monument—the Mateias Mausoleum is a monument to the over 2,000 Romanian troops who died defending this area for 45 days against a major German offensive in 1916. The climb to the top affords beautiful views and once inside, fascinating mosaics depict soldiers as well as Romanian historical figures (Vlad Tepes, Constantin Brancoveanu).

The road continues through the villages of Dragoslavele and Rucar, areas defined by traditional wooden houses and porches, as well as roadside stands of homemade cheeses (a specialty in this region is pine-aroma and coaja which is wrapped in bark), smoked and dried sausages, milk and honey. In addition, the villages’ traditions of weaving and sheep farming are still alive.

From Rucar, the road takes an incredibly dramatic character. There is hardly a spot with a straight stretch, and most of the way is filled with turn after tight turn, and one sharp hairpin after another.

The gorges and the 360-degree views of the Bucegi Mountains make this one of the most spectacular rides in Romania. The Bridge of Dambovita passes between the Damboviciorei and Plaiu gorges to the north and the narrow Dambovitei gorges to the south. The village of Fundata sits at 1,290 meters continuing en route to the Bran Pass. The well-developed agro-tourism business makes finding accommodations easy in this area. The villages of Moeciu de Jos, Moeciu de Sus and Bran offer a variety of lodging.

One of the major attractions on this road is the Bran Castle. The castle is commonly and mistakenly referred to as “Dracula’s Castle.” The imposing structure was not built by Vlad Tepes (the historical figure on which Dracula is based). Rather, Saxons built it in the 14th century to defend Bran Pass from Turkish incursions from the south. The castle was more recently (as in 1920s) used as a summer residence by Queen Marie of Romania until 1947. The subsequent communist government turned it into a museum. As of 2006, the building has been returned to a descendant of the royal family. Currently, it is still open as a museum. It is definitely worth a visit.

From Bran, DN73 / E574 continues northward into the town of Rasnov. Long before arriving into the town, you notice the remarkable fortress atop a ridge dominating the surrounding valley. With tall pines as a dramatic backdrop, the 13th century Rasnov Peasant Fortress provides spectacular views of the plains towards the Piatra Craiului mountains. Built by the Teutonic knights as a defense against the Tartar, and then Turkish invasions, Rasnov remained in use until 1850.

Wandering the well-preserved grounds and peering inside the passages, it is easy to imagine life inside the walls. Restoration is in process throughout much of the fortress. The museum exhibits showcase a number of tools, weapons and household items. Two Turkish prisoners who were promised freedom upon its completion, dug the 146-meter water well over 17 years.

From Rasnov, it is a short 15 kilometers into Brasov, where DN73 ends. Approaching the city, you know you are approaching a growing economic center. It is not difficult to see why Brasov has become “Little Prague” and is the second most visited Romanian destination. The town has preserved its medieval architecture well and Mount Tampa, looming over the city, provides spectacular views. The pleasant Piata Sfatului welcomes tourists with trendy cafes and hours of people-watching. Pedestrian-only Strada Republicii with its bakeries, terraces, and boutiques adds to the allure of the old blending with the modern.

You will likely want to spend at least a day in and around Brasov. And from here, Romania’s roads open a range of great destinations.

Road to Campulung