In short
- Vidraru Dam is just 4 kilometers north of the citadel.
- Lake Vidraru offers summer boat tours on its 16-kilometer waters.
- Curtea de Argeș Monastery is a historic stop on the drive from Bucharest.
In this article
- What is the road to Poenari Citadel?
- How close is Vidraru Dam to Poenari Castle?
- What can you do at Lake Vidraru?
- Is Curtea de Argeș Monastery on the way to Poenari?
- How long does it take to see the attractions on the Transfagarasan?
- Are there tours that visit all these Transfagarasan highway attractions?
Because Poenari Citadel takes about two hours to visit, you have plenty of time to explore the surrounding Argeș County. Most travelers driving the DN7C highway stop at several nearby sites to break up the mountain journey.
What is the road to Poenari Citadel?
Poenari Citadel is located on the DN7C, known as the Transfăgărășan Highway.
This mountain road connects the south of Romania to Transylvania. The citadel sits just before the road ascends into the highest peaks of the Făgăraș Mountains.
How close is Vidraru Dam to Poenari Castle?
Vidraru Dam is exactly 4 kilometers north of the Poenari Citadel trailhead.
This massive 1960s hydroelectric dam is a major engineering site. Visitors can walk across the curved top of the dam. One side features a steep drop into the gorge, while the other holds back the waters of Lake Vidraru. You need about 30 minutes to visit the dam.
What can you do at Lake Vidraru?
You can take short boat tours on Lake Vidraru during the summer months.
Lake Vidraru is an artificial reservoir created by the dam. It stretches for 16 kilometers through the dense mountain forests. Docks near the dam offer boat rides, providing clear views of the surrounding peaks from the water. Plan to spend about an hour here.
Is Curtea de Argeș Monastery on the way to Poenari?
Yes, if you drive from Bucharest, you will pass right through Curtea de Argeș.
This 16th-century Romanian Orthodox cathedral serves as the royal necropolis. It features complex Moorish-influenced architecture. A stop here takes about 45 minutes and provides a stark contrast to the rugged ruins of Poenari Citadel.
How long does it take to see the attractions on the Transfagarasan?
A full day trip covering the monastery, citadel, and dam takes 10 to 12 hours from Bucharest.
Driving from Bucharest to Curtea de Argeș takes about two hours. From there, it is another 25 kilometers to the Poenari trailhead. The Vidraru Dam is just a few minutes further up the mountain road.
Are there tours that visit all these Transfagarasan highway attractions?
Yes, most day tours from Bucharest bundle Poenari Citadel, Vidraru Dam, and the monastery together.
Booking a guided tour eliminates the need to drive the winding mountain roads. Tours typically cost between €80 and €150. A driver allows you to focus on the scenery and watch out for wild brown bears along the roadside.
Questions travellers ask
What else is near Poenari Citadel?
The main nearby attractions are the Vidraru Dam (4 kilometers away), Lake Vidraru, and the Curtea de Argeș Monastery.
Can I walk from Poenari Citadel to Vidraru Dam?
While it is only 4 kilometers, walking is highly discouraged. The winding road lacks pedestrian paths and has a high population of wild brown bears.
Do tours go to both Poenari and Vidraru Dam?
Yes, almost all guided day trips from Bucharest stop at both Poenari Citadel and the Vidraru Dam.
