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Transfagarasan Highway – Romania

Once upon a time, there was a real Count Dracula, and he really did call the Carpathian Mountains home. The Transfagarasan Highway is the only way to or from what claims to be the ruins of his former castle. Secluded as it is, the highway is only open three months out of the year, and snow persists on the northern side of the route even during the warm months. The route falls down an ancient glacial valley and into the Transylvanian countryside with the road scrambling to stay pinned to the mountain. As a result, multiple immediate switchbacks mean you either pay attention or find yourself in the company of the 38 soldiers who died building the road.