
A Driving Guide to Huta Pass in the Eastern Carpathians
Romania, europe
18.9 km
581 m
moderate
Year-round
Okay, adventure seekers, let's talk about Pasul Huta, a mountain pass that's a total hidden gem in northwestern Romania, practically waving hello to Ukraine!
Locals also call it Cireș Pass, Fărgău Pass, or even Sâmbra Oilor – talk about a place with many names! You'll find it nestled right where Maramureș and Satu Mare counties meet, high up in the Oaș Mountains of the Eastern Carpathians.
The road, officially known as DN19, is a winding beauty stretching for about 19 kilometers (or almost 12 miles) between Teceu Mic and Huta-Certeze. The whole route is paved, so no need for monster truck tires.
At its highest point, you'll be chilling at 581 meters (just over 1,900 feet) above sea level, soaking in those epic Carpathian views. Get ready for curves, maybe some slow-moving trucks, and landscapes that'll make your camera work overtime!
Where is it?
A Driving Guide to Huta Pass in the Eastern Carpathians is located in Romania (europe). Coordinates: 46.1406, 25.3457
Road Details
- Country
- Romania
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 18.9 km
- Max Elevation
- 581 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 46.1406, 25.3457
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