The Mestecanis Pass, on the DN17, is yet another fantastic road in Romania which cuts through the country’s beautiful landscape. The pass gets up to 1,096 meters above sea level and is located in Suceava County, Romania.
The route is a connection port between two depressions, the Dornelor depression (Eastern Carpathians), and Campulung Moldovenesc depression. Transylvania and Moldova are also connected by a road which crosses the DN17 over the Eastern Carpathians, linking the villages of Dej and Suceava.
How many kilometres is it / How long does it take to ride it? Starting from Jacobeni the Mestecanis Pass is 6 km (4 mi) long.
Are there any accommodation or camping options along the way? Bucovina, where the pass is situated, is one of the top tourist destinations in Romania and, as such, there are plenty of places to stay there.
Interesting sights on the route? Bucovina is one of Romania’s most beautiful regions, with churches, museums, and Painted monasteries dotted throughout the area. There are attractions close to the road of Mestecanis, one of which is the Ascension of Jesus monastery.
Ciocanesti village, one of the prettiest villages in Romania is also a must see. The village is known for its houses which are decorated with painted Easter eggs.
What is the best time of year to travel the route? The best time to ride this route is between April and September.
Is the route ever closed over winter? The road is open in open in winter but can be quite hazardous. If you intend on riding this route in winter, check the weather forecast before leaving.
Where are people able to get fuel when they are riding the route? There’s no petrol along the pass but you can refill in Pojorâta.
Photo credit: Remus Pereni / CC BY Photo credit: Cristian Bortes / CC BY
