About Lotru Valley Road
The road up the Lotru Valley, the DN7A, links the Olt Valley with the Jiu Valley over 108 km, between Brezoi, where it leaves the DN7, and Petroșani. Most of it lies in Vâlcea county: it follows the Lotru upstream, between the Lotru and Căpățânii Mountains, runs through Malaia and Voineasa, climbs over the Vidruța saddle to Lake Vidra and reaches Obârșia Lotrului, where it crosses the Transalpina. From there it climbs to the Groapa Seacă Pass, at 1,575 m, into Hunedoara county, and descends between the Parâng and Șureanu ranges to Petrila and Petroșani.
Today's road is largely the work of the great hydroelectric project on the Lotru in the 1960s to 1980s: the Brădișor, Malaia and Vidra dams, the underground power station at Ciunget, and the workers' settlements that grew into Voineasa and Vidra. It is a quiet mountain road with little traffic, unlike the DN7 through the Olt gorge, and it stays open in winter, when it is the only way to the ski slopes at Vidra.
What you can see
From Brezoi, the road enters a narrow wooded valley, runs along the shore of the Brădișor reservoir and passes through Malaia to Voineasa, an old holiday resort with large hotels, at about 600 m. After Voineasa it climbs in hairpins through spruce forest to the Vidruța saddle, at over 1,500 m, then drops to Lake Vidra, one of the highest reservoirs in the country, running along its shore for several kilometres, past the Vidra resort. Next comes the clearing at Obârșia Lotrului, with chalets, guesthouses and a monastery, and the climb to the Groapa Seacă Pass. On the Hunedoara side, the road descends almost 11 km through the Jieț Gorge, past signposted waterfalls, to Petrila.
Good to know
In 2026, between Vidra and the Hunedoara county line (km 63+200 – 86+601), major works are under way to rebuild the road, its bridges and the slopes, with traffic restrictions. In winter, avalanches and snowfall temporarily close the road at Obârșia Lotrului and Groapa Seacă.
- Lake Brădișor, with its blue water between wooded slopes, right by the road at the start of the valley.
- The Vidruța saddle, at over 1,500 m between Voineasa and Vidra, where trails set off into the Latoriței Mountains.
- The shore of Lake Vidra, the reservoir at almost 1,300 m, surrounded by spruce forest.
- Obârșia Lotrului, the clearing with chalets at the junction with the Transalpina, a good halfway stop.
- The Jieț Gorge, on the descent to Petrila, with signposted waterfalls close to the road, such as Dușul Pădurarului.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: from the east, the road leaves the DN7 at Brezoi, in the Olt Valley: ~35 km from Râmnicu Vâlcea and ~65 km from Sibiu. It is ~36 km to Voineasa, another ~40 km to Obârșia Lotrului, and ~30 km from there to Petroșani. From the west, you join the DN7A in Petroșani (the DN66 through the Jiu Gorge from Târgu Jiu, or from Hațeg and Deva). At Obârșia Lotrului you can carry on along the Transalpina to Rânca and Novaci or to Lake Oașa and Sebeș, when the ridge is open. Fill up before the mountain section.
Public transport: Antares minibuses run between Râmnicu Vâlcea and Voineasa, via Brezoi and Malaia, and the Sibiu – Râmnicu Vâlcea train stops at Brezoi. There are no scheduled services between Voineasa and Petrila; the mountain section can only be done by car, motorbike or bicycle.
- Where to park
There are no proper car parks along the road, apart from those in the villages and at the chalets. At Obârșia Lotrului you can stop on the open ground by the bridge and at the chalets and guesthouses, and in the Jieț Gorge there are a few lay-bys and wider spots. On the section under works between Vidra and Groapa Seacă, do not stop on the carriageway.
- Fees & discounts
The road is public and free, with no toll or parking charge. The road vignette (rovinieta) is compulsory on the DN7A, as on every national road, outside built-up areas.
- Rules
Follow the signs in the work zones: in 2026 there are temporary traffic restrictions on the Vidra – Groapa Seacă section. Stones can fall from the slopes after rain. In winter, drive only with winter tyres and bear in mind that the road can be closed temporarily in heavy snow or when there is a risk of avalanches. Bring water, food and a full tank before the mountain section.
- Facilities
Shops and restaurants in the towns and villages along the way · hotels and guesthouses in Voineasa and Vidra · chalets and guesthouses at Obârșia Lotrului, and the Groapa Seacă chalet in the Jieț Gorge · the Transalpina Ski Resort slopes at Vidra in winter · no public toilets on the road; at the chalets and restaurants
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