The reopening of traffic on the entire section of the highest mountain in Romania, Transalpina, will represent a breath of fresh air for the owners of accommodation spaces in the Rânca mountain area.
The reopening of traffic on the Transalpina brings more tourists to the Parâng Mountains Photo: Archive
National Roads crews are working to remove snow from the roadway, and traffic is expected to be reopened by May 1 so tourists can enjoy the Labor Day and Easter mini-holidays.
“Every year, the number of tourists increases after the reopening of traffic on the Transalpina. This road helps us to have tourists for a day or two, so we have to come with extra services to be able to get tourists to stay in the area,” said Lucian Spafiu, the owner of several accommodation units in Rânca and Novaci.
He stated that the number of tourists increases from year to year: “From year to year it is better, at least for me who invests in tourism and I have four units in Rânca and Novaci. We always have to come up with something extra”.
Transalpina has a total length of 150 kilometers, from Bengești Ciocadia, in Gorj County, to Sebeș, in Alba County. The road is closed to traffic between Rânca and Obârsia Lotrului, where it crosses the highest heights and the snow is very heavy.
Among the activities that tourists can carry out in the Rânca area are walking on mountain trails or with ATVs: “There are many trails in the Rânca area and unknown waterfalls. We have a trail on the mountain with the ATVs to the Muierilor Cave, over the mountains, on Cheile Galbenului, at Trei Cascade, at the former graphite mine. The route lasts four hours and costs 300 lei, with a guide included. added Lucian Spafiu.
He said that the owners of accommodations in Rânca have to struggle to have tourists all year round: “Tourism in the Rânca area is different. If you don't fight, tourism is seasonal, which is not right for us hoteliers, because we need income all the time to keep our employees around, because it is not enough to give them a winter and summer job”.
