The road was built between 1970 and 1974, during the rule of Nicolae Ceauşescu, mainly with military forces. It was expensive not only from the financial point of view, but also 40 soldiers lost their lives during it's construction.

The bends of the Transfăgărăşan are also an attraction and a challenge for drivers and motorcycle enthusiasts. Even though some may be tempted to push the pedal, the recommended speed is 40 km per hour. The road is closed from the end of October until June, because of the snow.

A journey on this road will offer you dramatic views and breathtakingly beautiful places. Passing by the Balea Glacial Lake (2034 m altitude, through the longest road tunnel in Romania (884 m) and having the most tunnels and viaducts than any other road in Romania, Transfăgărăşanul is one attraction that must not be missed.

The road became even more popular when the crew from Top Gear filmed a show on the Trasfăgărăşan, in September 2009. The host of the show, Jeremy Clarkson said that Transfăgărăşan should have the title of the best road in the world, and that they were mistaken when they gave the Stelvio Pass in Italy this title.