This road begins in scenic Vatra Dornei, a mineral spa and ski resort town. The area is at the confluence of several mountains—Bistritei, Suhard, and Calimani. The mountain landscape gives this route a wild and rugged character.

For all of its 90 kilometers, the road follows the rambling turns of the Dorna River. From Vatra Dornei, the road climbs quickly into the Bistritei Mountains, from where it crosses into the Stanisoarei Mountains, and ends up descending in the Dorna valley in-between the two. The road quality is average, with most of the route riding over concrete surface or rough asphalt. It is not a fast route, and on a sport bike, it could be jarring. But the sights compensate for the ride quality.

The road runs mainly through rural areas, with little economic development or industrial infrastructure. You pass through villages with names like Rusca, Sunatori, Chiril and Crucea. Places where people still extract their living from the land, the same way their ancestors did centuries before. The land is difficult to work, yet people have persevered.

The road maintains its character even as you approach its end, at Lacul Izvorul Muntelui (a.k.a. Bicaz Lake). The road ends at the lake and DN15. Just before saying ‘goodbye’ it leaves you with a glimpse of the accompanying mountains reflected in the lake’s clear waters.

DN17B

Roads > DN17B

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DN17B

DN17B

Lac Izvorul Muntelui

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