Prislop Pass

Pasul Prislop

A scenic high mountain pass linking Maramureș with Moldavia through the Rodna and Maramureș mountains. It offers sweeping alpine vistas and marks the setting of the traditional Hora la Prislop festival.

Things to do

• Stand at the pass summit — At around 1,416 meters this is one of Romania's highest road passes, offering panoramic views over the Rodna and Maramureș mountains.
• Attend the Hora la Prislop festival — Held each August on the meadows near the pass, this traditional folk gathering brings together shepherds and communities from Maramureș, Bucovina, and Transylvania in costume, dance, and song.
• Drive the Transrarău and DN18 approach — The winding DN18 road up from Borșa treats drivers to hairpin bends and sweeping alpine scenery well suited to a slow, scenic journey.
• Hike toward the Rodna Mountains ridge — Trails from the pass lead into the Rodna National Park, home to Romania's chamois, glacial lakes, and high alpine meadows.
• Visit Borșa ski and mountain resort — Just below the pass, Borșa offers cable car rides, ski slopes in winter, and the impressive Cascada Cailor (Horses' Waterfall) nearby.
• See the Prislop monument and cross — A stone cross and memorial marks the historic frontier between Maramureș, Moldavia, and old Transylvania at the watershed.
• Photograph the alpine pastures — In summer the slopes fill with grazing sheep and wildflowers, framing classic shots of the surrounding peaks.

Food to try

• Balmoș — A rich shepherd's dish of cornmeal cooked in sheep's cream and cheese, traditional to the mountain pastures around the pass.
• Bulz ciobănesc — Baked polenta balls stuffed with sheep cheese and often topped with an egg or bacon, a hearty highland staple.
• Brânză de burduf — Sharp, salty sheep cheese matured in fir bark or a sheepskin pouch, made by shepherds in the local sheepfolds.
• Horincă de Maramureș — A strong traditional plum brandy that locals offer as a welcome and to warm up in the cool mountain air.
• Ciorbă de burtă or tochitură — Warming meat stews and tripe soups served in guesthouses in Borșa to fuel travelers before or after the pass.

Local customs & good to know

• Time your visit for the August festival — The Hora la Prislop is usually held on a Sunday in mid-August, so check dates ahead if you want to see the folk celebration.
• Prepare for cold and sudden weather — Even in summer the pass can be windy, foggy, or chilly, so bring layers and check conditions before crossing.
• Respect shepherds and their flocks — Ask before approaching sheepfolds or dogs, as working sheepdogs guard the flocks and shepherd hospitality is best met with courtesy.
• Carry cash for roadside stalls — Local vendors selling cheese, honey, and horincă near the pass rarely take cards, so keep small lei on hand.

Nearby

• Vaser Valley Steam Train — 23 km
• Ciocănești (Bucovina) — 34 km
• Vatra Dornei (Bucovina) — 47 km
• Moldovița Monastery (Moldavia) — 56 km