Novaci: Transalpina, hiking and regional culture

• The Transalpina (DN 67C) crosses Novaci from south to north over a distance of approximately 30 kilometres.
• At Urdele Pass, the Transalpina reaches an altitude of 2,145 metres.
• Rânca is a developing mountain resort in the Parâng Mountains and is located 18 kilometres from Novaci town centre.
• Novaci has four wooden churches as well as a wooden church route.
• The Novaci–Rânca mountain area is used for hiking.

The Transalpina gives Novaci a clear connection to the mountain landscape. Its approximate length within the town and the highest point at Urdele Pass are two different planning details: the approximately 30 kilometres describe the route of the DN 67C through Novaci, while 2,145 metres refers to the altitude at Urdele Pass.

The surrounding area also offers various specific points of interest for hikers. The Novaci–Rânca mountain area is used for hiking. In the vicinity of Novaci, Lake Gâlcescu can only be reached on foot. Șipotului Waterfall is located near the source of the Șipot stream in the Plaiul Novăcenilor area. Travellers with several generations or those wishing to combine different interests can use this information to distinguish between a drive along the Transalpina and a destination requiring a walk.

The natural area also includes a Special Protection Area covering approximately 3.5 kilometres of the Galbenu River. The Galbenu is a tributary of the Gilort; the protected area includes parts of Novaci and covers 873 hectares. These figures convey the extent of the protected area, but do not indicate a specific circular trail or a particular access point.

If you are looking for accommodation in Novaci, compare the town centre and Rânca as different points of reference. Rânca is 18 kilometres from Novaci town centre and is located in the Parâng Mountains, within the territory of the town of Novaci and the municipality of Baia de Fier in Gorj County. For a trip focused on the mountain region, this location information may be important when searching. If, on the other hand, you are planning to explore Novaci’s cultural attractions and local cuisine, Novaci itself is the natural search focus.

This means that your accommodation decision can initially be based on the surroundings you want: the Transalpina and Rânca represent mountain landscapes and hiking opportunities, while Novaci itself offers additional cultural and culinary themes.

Novaci has a wooden church route. One of them is the wooden church dedicated to the “Sfiinţi Voievozi” in Novaci-Români, built in 1740. The building has a rectangular nave and a five-sided polygonal apse. Those interested in sacred architecture and regional building styles can take these features into account when finding their way along the wooden church route. The building’s historical identity should be distinguished from any statement about current opening hours or visiting opportunities.

Another cultural point of reference is located in Rânca: the Museum of Gorj Mountain Civilization is housed in Casa Obştii “Cerbul” in Rânca, Novaci. Together with the shepherds’ folklore festival “Urcatul oilor la munte”, it illustrates the connection between the mountain region and traditional customs. In 2025, the festival reached its 58th edition. It focuses on an old custom marking the beginning of transhumance; the festival also included a parade of traditional costumes.

Regional cuisine is also associated with the town. “Tocan de Novaci” is a local gastronomic product certified by OSIM. At the sixth edition of the “Festivalul Tocanului”, shepherds from Novaci and other regions of the country were scheduled to prepare Tocan according to traditional recipes on 11 and 12 October. For planning purposes, it is advisable to consider festival information together with its respective edition or date rather than automatically assuming that an event takes place every year.

If you would like to compare Novaci with other destinations, you can find additional location pages for Baia De Fier, Târgu Jiu, Săcelu, Muşeteşti, Aninişu din Deal, Arcani, Aninoasa and Țicleni.

How far does the Transalpina cross Novaci?

The Transalpina (DN 67C) crosses Novaci from south to north over a distance of approximately 30 kilometres.

What is the highest stated point of the Transalpina?

At Urdele Pass, the Transalpina reaches an altitude of 2,145 metres.

Can Lake Gâlcescu be reached by car?

In the vicinity of Novaci, Lake Gâlcescu can only be reached on foot.

How far is Rânca from Novaci town centre?

Rânca is 18 kilometres from Novaci town centre.

To the main travel overview: Gorj.