Gutâi Pass (DN18)
The DN18, a famously winding and scenic road in Romania, traverses the Gutai Pass (Pasul Gutâi), connecting the cities of Baia Mare and Sighetu Marmației. At an altitude of approximately 987 meters, the pass snakes through the Gutâi and Igniș Mountains, offering drivers and travelers breathtaking panoramic views of the Maramureș region.
Information
- Open all year.
- Asphalt quality: 10/10
- Scenery: 6/10
- Distance: 3/10 ( around 30 km)
- Traffic 8/10*
- Winding: 10/10
*traffic points
1 = very heavy traffic, 10 = no traffic at all.
Twisted Points:
Route
North to South: Mara- Baia Sprie
Tips
- The Bârsana Monastery is a beautiful and significant landmark located in the Maramureș region of northern Romania. It is known for its remarkable wooden architecture and is a testament to the region’s rich cultural and religious traditions.
- Breb Village: Often cited as one of the most well-preserved traditional villages in Maramureș, Breb offers a glimpse into authentic rural life. It’s a great place for rural tourism and to see traditional wooden gates and houses.
- Wooden Churches of Maramureș: This region is famous for its unique wooden churches, many of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Some of the most notable ones, like the churches in Plopiș, Surdești, and Desești, are located in the villages and valleys accessible from the DN18 road and Gutai Pass.
- Merry Cemetery (Cimitirul Vesel) in Săpânța: While a bit further north, on the other side of Gutai Pass, this is a must-see attraction. It’s a unique cemetery where the brightly colored crosses are painted with naive art and humorous epitaphs that tell the life story of the deceased.
- Experience Gutai Pass on Two Wheels | Motoblitz (RO)