Bicaz Gorge

About this place

Bicaz Gorge is a deep rock canyon in the central Hășmaș Mountains of northeast Romania, between Neamț and Harghita counties, about 19 km northeast of Gheorgheni in a straight line. It is a natural passage between the provinces of Transylvania and Moldavia. The Bicaz River carved the gorge out of Jurassic limestone, and along the route there are also jasper, volcanic ash and conglomerates in varied colours and shapes. The gorge is a protected natural monument inside the strict protection zone of the Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park. The national road between Gheorgheni and Bicaz runs through it for about 8 km of ravines, between the Red Lake above and the village of Bicaz-Chei below. Grey limestone walls rise straight up on both sides of the narrow road, in places leaning so close they almost meet overhead, with the river rushing between rocks below. Forest crowns the tops, and in the tightest section souvenir stalls stand beneath the towering cliffs. Most visitors drive through and stop at small pull-offs to walk and take photos, combining the trip with the nearby Red Lake. The road is narrow with many bends, so drive carefully and watch for people on foot.