Roads to Ride on your WIMA International Rally Adventure in Romania

WIMA International Rally – Romania 2024

Over 260 women motorcycle riders from far and beyond will take on the Romanian roads and meet in Transylvania! 
WIMA Romania hosts the 75th Anniversary Edition of the International Rally on a fabulous event reuniting women motorcycle riders from 19 countries, furthest being Japan. 5 days of crazy time, fun and relaxation in the heart of Transylvania. While you’re here, the organizers encourage you to participate in the events taking place in the camp but also to explore and discover this beautiful realm.

“I am thrilled that Romania will be hosting this year’s WIMA International Rally!
Our gathering promises to be a vibrant celebration of camaraderie, adventure, and shared passion for motorcycling.
As we come together, we eagerly anticipate creating lasting connections among members, bridging cultures, and forging unforgettable memories. Our team is committed to ensuring an outstanding and memorable experience for each and every one of you.
Let’s rev up our engines, embrace the open road, and make this rally an extraordinary journey! 🏍️🌎
See you in Romania!”

Mihaela Hodivoianu
WIMA International Vice President
WIMA Romania President

Roads, activities, attractions
for a Ride under Dracula’s Wings in Transylvania

1. Lakes County
Tabara Saulia – Somesul Cald along Tarnita Lake – Poiana Horea – Albac – Campeni – Tabara Saulia

Distance: 364 km
Estimated Riding Time: 6hrs
Surface: asphalt
Road type: national roads, European roads and partly highways

Highlights:

Ride along the lakes region near Cluj-Napoca. The place is a preferred summer destination for motorcycle riding, boat riding or hiking. Gilau Lake, Somesul Cald and Tarnita Lake come with twists and turns and charming landscapes.
Continue with the southern section of Transursoaia – third highest mountain road in Romania. The road snakes up to the Dark Hill and Belisului Valley to the village of Horea.
Apuseni Natural Park – offering fabulous rides and amazing views of the Sunset Mountains (Western Carpathians)

Apuseni Natural Park
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Google Maps itinerary

2. Road of the General
Tabara Saulia – Huedin – Belis – Tacla Gavrii – Maguri Racatau – Cluj Napoca – Mociu – Saulia

Distance: 312 km
Estimated Riding Time: 5h30min
Surface: asphalt
Road type: national roads, European roads and partly highways

Highlights:
Southern Section of TransUrsoaia – a narrow road offering superb rides and amazing views
Belis Lake – In order for the Dam to be created during the communism times some of the villages had to be re-located. Nowadays on dry season when the level of the water is lowered you can still see some of the ruins of the abandoned houses, the most famous being the ruins of the Giurcuta de Jos Church with its tower coming out of the water.
Road of the General – Twists and turns, deep ravines and mountain peaks in a fairy-tale décor – a motorbike adventure in the Sunset Mountain having as road companion Zamolxis Realm. Ride the motorcycle on The Road of the General – a strategic, military route built in 1940 to ease the access of the Romanian Army to Cluj-Napoca.  Riding here gives you the feeling that you are flying over Gilau Mountains. 
Țâcla Gavrii Belleview Point – park your motorcycle, open the gate and follow the trail. A short walk takes you to Țâcla (Peak) Gavrii. The stunning height seduces you with breath-taking views.

Road of the General
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Google Maps itinerary

3. Mures Canyon National Park
Tabara Saulia – Reghin – Deda – Toplita – Praid – Tg. Mures – Tabara Sulia

Distance: 293 km
Estimated riding time: 5h30min
Surface: asphalt
Road type: national roads, European roads

Highlights:
Mures Canyon Natural Park – high and steep slopes, volcanic blocks, the ride on Superior Mures Canyon is breathtaking
Lazar Castle in Lazarea was once the most attractive baronial residence in all of Szeklerland the battlemented renaissance building remains one of the most splendid 17th century creations of Transylvanian architecture.
Schedule: Tuesday to Saturday from: 09:00 – 16:00
Entrance fee: up to 10 lei/person
Praid Salt Mine – Get on the Bus transporting you deep underground through a 1250m long tunnel to one of the most beautiful Salt Mines in Romania
Schedule: M-S from 08:00 to 14.30 last bus
Entrance fee: 50 lei (about 10 euros)/person

Mures Canyon National Park
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Google Maps itinerary

4. Turda Canyon
Tabara Saulia – Turda Gorges – Salina Turda – Tabara Saulia

Distance: 177 km
Estimated Riding Time: 3h40min
Surface: asphalt
Road type: national roads, European roads and partly highways

Highlights:
Turda Gorges in Trascau Mountains – rocky representation, dating back thousands of years and yet in a continuous change due to the river’s corrosion process. You can enjoy a walk in the Natural Park or go crazy and try out one of the most spectacular Via Ferrata tracks in the country. A ride on the zipwire is a fabulous experience with the gorge unfolding right before your eyes.

Zip Line Location
As you reach Turda Canyon, before descending, up on the Hill you can enjoy a Zipwire ride down to the base of the mountain.
Zipwire cost: 50 lei/person (about 10euros)

Note: In order to get back to your motorcycle you will need to walk back up the hill.
Recommendation: travel with another biker, this way she can give you a lift back to your motorcycle.

Via Ferrata in Turda Canyon
Enjoy one of the most spectacular ferrata tracks in Romania.

Duration Via Ferrata: about 5hrs
Via Ferrata Equipment: can be hired for 50 lei (about 10 euros) from The Zip Wire line up on the hill
What to bring:
– Boots and fingerless gloves required
– Please take with you water and some snacks and chocolate bars 
Important: Via Ferrata depends highly on weather conditions. The track is closed during strong wind and rain.
If you don’t have via Ferrata/climbing experience but are fit and would love to try, guiding services starting from 200 ron (40 euro)/person are available (for minimum 3 climbers) + via ferrata equipment rental 50 lei (about 10 euros)
Booking in advance required as there is a limited number/group and a limited availability for ferrata equipment. Contact us for more details.

Continue with Turda Salt Mine – one of the oldest salt mines in the world. It was dug during medieval times for salt exploitation. 400-feet underground, you’ll find a theme park that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie. Un underground Salty lake where you can enjoy a boat road ride, mini bowling and a ferry’s wheel deep underground.
Schedule: 09:00 – 18.00 (last entrance)
Price: 50 lei/person (about 10 euros)

Please note that: You can arrange your day depending on your wish list.
Should you like to venture on Via Ferrata we recommend visiting Turda Salt Mines first as last entrance is at 18:00
Food and beverages available in Turda Gorges. We recommend trying the traditional mici (or mititei – skinless sausages made from a combination of sheep/beef or pork/beef meat).

Turda Canyon
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Google Maps itinerary

5. Reed Reservation
Tabara Saulia – Stufarisurile de la Sic – Bontida – Tabara Saulia

Distance: 170 km
Estimated riding time: 3hrs
Surface: asphalt
Road type: national roads, European roads and partly highways

Highlights:
Reed Reservation in Sic – is the second largest Reed Reservation in Romania, after Danube Delta. Home for numerous birds and other animals, the place got the nickname of Transylvanian Delta.
Banffy Castle in Bontida – It is a symbol of rebirth, of Transylvanianism, a home for contemporary culture, but also for traditional crafts. The historic building, which barely survived the Second World War and communism, is restored and brought back to life by the Transylvania Trust. The income from the visits will be used for the restoration of this architectural ensemble.
Schedule: 10:00 – 17:00 (last entrance)
Price: 10 lei/person

Reed Reservation
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Google Maps itinerary

6. Transapuseana Road
Tabara Saulia – Aiudul de Sus – Mogos – Zlatna – Ighiu – Galda de Jos – Tabara Saulia

Distance: 360 km
Estimated Riding Time: 6h30min
Surface: asphalt
Road type: national roads, European roads and partly highways

Ride the most recently built mountain Road in Romania – Transapuseana. It leads you on a twisting, narrow road straight into the heart of the Sunset Mountains. The route traverses the peaks of Trascau and Metaliferi Mountains on a stretch of about 80 km. A fabulous place with scenery resembling with Lord of the Rings movie scenes. Lost in time villages and superb countryside in Apuseni Mountains.

Note: First section of the road (43 kms) starting from Aiudul de Sus was open to public traffic in 2024. The road is still undergoing construction, with authorities claiming that it will be completely finalized in August 2024. We’ll keep you informed.

Transapuseana Road
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Google Maps itinerary

7. Transfagarasan Road
Tabara Saulia – Balea Lake (on Transfagarasan Road) – Tabara Saulia

Distance: 460 km
Estimated Riding Time: 7hrs
Surface: asphalt
Road type: national roads, European roads and partly highways

Highlights:
Transfagarasan Road – 90 km of road, riding up to 2042 m in altitude, over 5 km serpentines, over 80 hairpin curves, 5 tunnels and over 500 small bridges. Now that’s a road you need to ride! The road winds up to the highest peaks of the Carpathians and connects Transylvania with Wallachia, crossing the Făgăraș Mountains. Due to the high altitude, the road is open only 3-4 months a year. Snow walls can be found on the side of the road even in June.
Alba Iulia Citadel – the crowning attraction a Vauban style, star-shaped citadel. 

Notes and Additonal Informations:
We recommend an early start (08:00 AM) in order for you to fully enjoy the experience and get enough breaks on the road. Remember that up on the mountain can get cooler, so please check weather conditions and have a second layer in your top box.
To visit Alba Iulia ride to Hotel Cetate. There are several parking places in the area. From here a short walk takes you right in the heart of Alba Iulia Carolina Citadel.

Transfagarasan Road
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Google Maps itinerary

8. Transalpina Road
Saulia Camp – Transalpina Road – Saulia Camp

Distance: 505 km
Estimated Riding Time: 7hrs
Surface: asphalt
Road type: national roads, European roads and partly highways

Highlights:
Transalpina Road – With its highest point at Urdele Pass (2,145m above sea level), crossing Paring Mountains, the road is one of the most spectacular roads of the Carpathian Mountain Chain and the highest mountain road in Romania. The road is perfectly built, like it was designed to be used as a race track to the clouds. The paving of the road didn’t spoil the off road appetite too much, since around the area there are still plenty of tracks to be explored.

Transalpina Road
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Google Maps itinerary

Notes and additional information
Motorcycle Touring Romania

Romanian currency: leu (or RON)
1 euro = 4.9771 lei
1 USD = 4.6489 lei
(as of June 26 – 2024)

You can choose ATMs in order to extract money from your own credit card or the exchange offices (“Casa de Schimb Valutar” in Romanian) for cash. ATMs are available in every big city. For the exchange offices, we recommend you choose the ones that do not charge a commission. Ask at the counter or look for “Comision 0” written on the board.
At border crossings, in the vicinity of motorways and tourist attractions, the Euro may be accepted as a means of payment. However, you should not rely on it. Especially away from the tourist regions, the Romanians will convert (RON/EUR) and you will usually have to pay in the local currency

Gas: 1 litre – about 7.45 lei (1.5 euro).
Please fill your motorbike tank from big petrol stations (Rompetrol, Petrom, OMV, Mol, Lukoil, etc.)
Payment by credit card is accepted at most gas stations.

Alcohol and driving: zero alcohol tolerance.
Should you like to immerge in the beer and wine culture they should do it after a riding day.

Speed limit:
50 km/hour in cities unless instructed otherwise.
100 km/hour on National or European roads
90 km/hour other roads
130 km/hour on highways

Wear bright reflective gear to be visible. When overtaking, make sure that the drivers have acknowledged your intention.

Vehicle papers and other necessary documents:

The vehicle registration document or the registration certificate part I is mandatory.
The IVK – International Insurance Card (formerly Green Card, including RO) is proof of liability insurance and is also mandatory.
The EU driver’s license is accepted in Romania, so no international driver’s license needs to be carried along as well. For non-EU citizens, an international driving license is required in addition to the national driving license of the country of origin.
For EU citizens, an identity card is sufficient for a tourist stay. For non-EU citizens it is of course necessary to carry a passport. As a rule, normally non-EU citizens can enter Romania without a visa. However, this also depends on the country of origin. Therefore, it makes sense for non-EU citizens to find out about the entry requirements for Romania on the following website “VisaHQ”. This is for your own safety.
All personal documents must be valid for at least 3 months upon departure.

Ride a rented motorcycle to or through Romania:

Basically not a problem, but riders who make journeys to or through Romania with a vehicle that is not registered in their name must carry a user permit from your rental company to be on the safe side. This license can be downloaded from the following link.
Requirements to be able to rent a motorcycle in Romania, you must be at least 18 years old (this can vary depending on the motorcycle category and local rental company). As a rule, however, the rental stations require a minimum age of 21 or 23 years. For riders under 21, sometimes even under 23 years of age, young driver surcharges are often required.

Health insurance:

In principle, all travelers to Romania or in general to the Balkan countries, regardless of their country of origin, should take out international health insurance.

Road Tolls

Tired of tolls on motorways, tunnels, and bridges. All over Romania, all motorcyclists can rejoice because there are no tolls for motorcyclists.
And this is true everywhere, so for tunnels, bridges (like Vidin, Cernavodă, and Giurgeni), and highways.
Otherwise, the vignette obligation applies to cars.

Correct behavior in the event of an accident or breakdown:

In some countries, including Romania, it is important to call the police even in the event of “minor damage”, because the police protocol is the basis for the settlement of the damage.
However, as a general rule, the Romanian police only come to the scene of an accident if there are injuries so a police accident report is not always prepared.
Therefore, in any case, try to fill out the European accident report provided under the link together with the other party involved in the accident. Pay particular attention to the crosses to be set and the number of crosses to be specified. The accident report usually has a relatively high probative value. If possible, notify the police, at least by telephone, so that the data can be recorded.

Emergency numbers in Romania: The emergency numbers are 112 and 961

Electricity supply
In Romania electric power in use is of 220 voltages, AC, usually 2 pronged. The support vehicle will also have power outlets for you to use whilst on the road.

Some useful phrases

English, Italian, Spanish or German speaking Romanians can be found, however we recommend learning a few words in Romanian just enough to thank someone for a well done service. Romanian is a Romance language spoken mainly in Romania and Republic of Moldova, as well as in some parts of Hungary, Serbia, Bulgaria and Ukraine. It is useful to know the language if travelling in Romania, especially in rural areas, and even though nowadays nearly everyone knows some English, your experience in the country will be so much better and friendlier if you handle some basic Romanian language.

Romanian is a fairly difficult language to learn and speak, due to its complicated grammar. It is, however, fairly similar to Italian, and, to an extent, other Romance languages (French, Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan, etc.), so speakers of these languages are more at an advantage.

Here are some basic words and phrases for you:

Note that in Romanian, there is a formal and informal form when addressing people. The informal is tu (you, pronounced tuh) and the formal is dumneavoastra (duhm-neehea-vuhua-strah). There is also a formal way of speaking about other people, not just when addressing them. Use tu when addressing friends or people you know well. When addressing strangers or speaking about strangers, use the formal form.

Numbers

1   unu                                              11 unsprezece                                    30    treizeci

2   doi                                                12 doisprezece                                   40    patruzeci

3   trei                                               13 treisprezece                                    50    cincizeci

4   patru                                           14 paisprezece                                    60    saizeci

5   cinci                                             15 cincisprezece                                 70    saptezeci

6   sase                                             16 saisprezece                                     80    optzeci

7   sapte                                           17 saptesprezece                              90    nouazeci

8   opt                                               18 optsprezece                                   100  o suta

9   noua                                            19 nouasprezece                                200  doua sute

10 zece                                             20 douazeci                                         1000 o mie

Welcome to Transylvania!