Both the spectacular Bicaz Gorge and the unique Lacul Roşu (Red Lake) are among the most worth seeing tourist destinations in Romania with a fantastic landscape.
The 10-kilometre-long Bicaz Gorge (Cheile Bicazului), is one of the most spectacular mountain roads in the country and one of our top 10 sights in Romania. Right next to the road, rugged cliffs rise almost vertically up to 300 metres, creating a fantastic landscape.
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PICTURES: Lacul Roşu and Bicaz Gorge
Photo gallery: Lacul Roşu and Bicaz Gorge
The breathtaking gorge is located in the north-east of Romania and runs from the small village of Bicaz Chei to Lacul Roşu, the "Red Lake".
The beauty of the gorge attracts many tourists and the Cheile Bicazului is anything but untouched. DN 12C, which runs through the gorge, is usually busy and lined with souvenir stands.
Climbing and hiking in the Bicaz Gorge
The steep cliffs that border the Bicaz Gorge hide around 120 via ferrata routes. It is not uncommon to spot courageous climbers hanging in the middle of the steep face as you pass by.
For the less adventurous, the gorge can also be explored on solid ground along a total of four signposted hiking trails. But even crossing the Bicaz Gorge by car brings the visitor closer to the spectacular dimensions of the gorge.
Among the most impressive places are the "Hell's Mouth", the narrowest part of the gorge, and the "Altar Rock", which is extremely popular as a climbing rock and can be seen from afar. Those who can spend a little time in the gorge should visit the Peștera Munticelu stalactite cave.
Lacul Roşu terminus - forest under water
The "Red Lake" at the end of the Bicaz Gorge is no longer in the province of Moldova, but already in Transylvania. It is not only worth seeing because of its sometimes more, sometimes less strong colouring by iron oxides, but also holds another highlight: an underwater forest.
The lake was formed in 1837 by a massive rock slide that took not only soil but also an entire forest with it. At the same time, the debris dammed up the lake and the tree stumps still protrude from the water today.
Bicaz Gorge/Haşmaş Mountains National Park,
Around the idyllic lake lies the Bicaz Gorge/Haşmaş Mountains National Park, which can be explored on almost 20 marked hiking trails. It provides a safe home for bears, wolves and lynxes. The starting point for hikes through the national park or boat trips on the unique lake is the village of Lacul Roşu directly on the shore, where several guesthouses have also been newly built.
Tip: Only four kilometres to the north is another reservoir, Izvorul Muntelui or Lacul Bicaz. With a capacity of 1250 million cubic metres, this is Romania's largest reservoir and also impresses with its fantastic view over the Eastern Carpathians.
