Bicaz Gorge

Cheile Bicazului

A spectacular limestone canyon where the road winds beneath towering vertical cliffs, one of Romania's most scenic drives. Nearby lies the eerie Red Lake with its submerged tree trunks.

Things to do

• Drive the Gorge Road — Navigate the winding DN12C beneath sheer limestone walls, one of Romania's most dramatic mountain drives.
• Explore the Red Lake — Walk the lakeside promenade at Lacu Rosu, admiring the ghostly submerged tree trunks formed by a 1837 landslide.
• Browse the Gatul Iadului stalls — Stop at the 'Hell's Throat' narrows where vendors sell woolen goods, honey, and souvenirs beneath the tallest cliffs.
• Hike to Suhardul Mic viewpoint — Climb the marked trail above Red Lake for a panoramic view over the water and surrounding Hasmas peaks.
• Rock climbing on the cliffs — Tackle the bolted limestone routes that draw climbers from across Romania to the gorge's vertical faces.
• Rent a rowboat on Red Lake — Paddle among the eerie tree stumps and mirror-still waters framed by forested mountains.
• Visit Hasmas-Bicaz National Park — Explore the protected reserve's karst formations, alpine flowers, and wildlife trails surrounding the gorge.

Food to try

• Bulz ciobanesc — A hearty shepherd's dish of polenta balls stuffed with sheep cheese and baked, often served at mountain guesthouses.
• Tochitura moldoveneasca — A rich Moldavian pork stew served with mamaliga, fried egg, and salty branza cheese.
• Pastrav de munte — Fresh mountain trout, often grilled or smoked, sourced from the cold streams of the Bicaz region.
• Mamaliga cu branza si smantana — Cornmeal polenta topped with local sheep cheese and sour cream, a Carpathian staple.
• Local honey and blueberry products — Jars of forest honey and afinata (blueberry liqueur) sold at roadside stalls in the gorge.
• Papanasi — Fried doughnuts topped with sour cream and berry jam, a beloved Romanian dessert found in local restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Drive cautiously and early — The narrow gorge road gets busy with tour buses and cyclists, so travel early morning to enjoy it with less traffic.
• Bring cash for stalls — Roadside vendors and small guesthouses often prefer Romanian lei in cash over card payments.
• Dress in layers — The gorge and Red Lake sit at high altitude where weather shifts quickly, even in summer.
• Respect the protected area — You are within Hasmas-Bicaz National Park, so stay on marked trails and take all litter with you.

Nearby

• Ceahlău Massif — 19 km
• Piatra Neamț — 43 km
• Neamț Monastery — 58 km
• Neamț Citadel — 61 km