Explore
Combine your climb to Poenari Citadel with stops at nearby historical and engineering sites.
The drive along the Transfăgărășan Highway (DN7C) offers several prominent landmarks. You can easily add the Vidraru Dam, Lake Vidraru, and Curtea de Argeș Monastery to your day trip.
These stops break up the driving time from Bucharest. They also require minimal physical effort compared to the steep citadel stairs.
30 mins4 km from Poenari
This massive 1960s hydroelectric engineering marvel sits just 4 kilometers north of the fortress. You can walk across the top of the curved structure. Look down the steep drop on one side, then view the calm lake on the other.
1 hourSummer boat tours
The dam created this 16-kilometer long artificial lake. It is surrounded by pristine mountain forests. During the summer, you can book short boat tours from the docks near the dam.
45 minsOn the route to Bucharest
This 16th-century Romanian Orthodox cathedral serves as the royal necropolis. It features intricate Moorish-influenced architecture. Stop here on your drive to or from Bucharest.
