Where is Ciumarna Pass?

Where is Ciumarna Pass?

Romania, europe

Length

61 km

Elevation

1,109 m

Difficulty

hard

Best Season

Year-round

Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Let's talk about Pasul Ciumârna, a seriously cool mountain pass nestled in Suceava County, Romania. You'll find this gem, also known as Pasul Palma, hanging out in the historic Bukovina region, in the northeast of the country. Think stunning scenery connecting the Moldovița Valley to the Suceava Plateau.

At the very top, at 1,109m (3,638ft), you HAVE to check out the "Drumarilor Monument (Palma)" – a giant palm symbolizing the epic handshake between road builders who completed this beast of a road back in '68. Talk about teamwork!

The road itself? It's a fully paved stretch called DN17A running for 61km (38 miles) from Câmpulung Moldovenesc up north to Marginea. But fair warning: "paved" doesn't always mean "smooth sailing." Expect a few steep sections, hairpin turns galore, and a road surface that's seen better days. But hey, a little adventure never hurt anyone, right? The views are worth it!

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Road Details

Country
Romania
Continent
europe
Length
61 km
Max Elevation
1,109 m
Difficulty
hard

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