Bicaz Gorge
A wonder carved in rock
On the border between Neamț and Harghita counties, in the heart of the Hășmaș Mountains, lies one of Romania's most spectacular natural sights. Bicaz Gorge was cut by the Bicaz River through Jurassic limestone, and the road winds between huge rock walls, tunnels, caves and dizzying hairpin bends.
Every bend brings you closer to nature, to quiet and to the Carpathians at their most dramatic. The scenery here is so striking it takes your breath away.
What you can see
The Stone Gate
The natural symbol of the gorge, a huge arch shaped in the rock by the forces of nature. It is the area's best-known landmark and the perfect spot for memorable photos.
Altar Rock
A vertical wall more than 300 metres high, a favourite with climbers from all over the country. If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, the view from below is just as impressive.
Hell's Throat
The narrowest and most dramatic stretch of the road, where the rock walls seem to close in overhead. This is where you really feel how vast the mountains are.
Red Lake
At the upper end of the gorge lies Red Lake, a natural lake formed by a landslide in 1837. The tree trunks rising out of the water give it a unique, almost unreal look.
Trails and activities
Bicăjel Gorge and Șugău Gorge
Wild mountain trails along the tributaries of the Bicaz River, for anyone who wants to explore beyond the main road. Here you will find complete peace and untamed nature.
What you can do
- •Hiking on marked trails of varying difficulty
- •Climbing on the limestone walls
- •Landscape and nature photography
- •Mountain tourism and exploring
Getting there
The gorge is crossed by national road DN12C, which links the towns of Bicaz (Neamț) and Gheorgheni (Harghita). The road is fully paved and spectacular in every season.
Coordinates:
46°46′N, 25°46′E
Altitude:
800–1,000 m
Good to know
Bicaz Gorge – Hășmaș National Park is a nature reserve of national importance, so the area is protected and visitors are asked to follow the rules for behaving in nature.
Along the road you will find rest areas, stalls selling local produce (cheese, honey, handicrafts) and safe viewpoints for visitors.
Tips:
- • Stop at the marked viewpoints to take photos safely
- • Watch out for traffic on the hairpin bends
- • Check the weather forecast before heading out on mountain trails
- • Respect nature and leave no trace
The Carpathians at their finest
After exploring Bicaz Gorge, take the Piatra Neamț cable car for another spectacular view of the region