Bicaz Gorges National Park

The Bicaz Gorges in the north-east part of Romania, in Neamt and Harghita counties are famous for their huge limestone rocks towering over narrow winding roads and passes that provide spectacular views and unforgettable experiences of Romania. The road that slices through the Bicaz Gorges (Cheile Bicazului) is among Romania’s most stunning and spectacular, as next to the road, there is a pleasant little creek that adds even more atmosphere. The most interesting natural attractions are Bicazului Gorges – the most spectacular road pass in Romania, The Red Lake (Lacul Rosu) – formed by the natural damming of the waters of the Bicaz stream, Sugaului Gorges and Piatra Singuratica Peak. Bicaz Canyon – Cheile Bicazului is uniquely beautiful place in Romania. The Bicaz Canyon is part of the National Park of the “Bicaz Canyon”, which includes actually the following protected areas: The Red Lake, The Bicaz Canyon and The Hasmasu Mare Mountain. The entry gate to the Cetatile Ponorului – Fortress of Ponor has 74 m height.

For kayaking and fly-fishing enthusiasts the main attraction of the Bicaz Gorges National Park is the Red Lake (Lacul Rosu). The Red Lake – Lacu Rosu is the largest natural mountain lake in Romania created in 1837 after a major natural landslide. Red Lake is situated at the foot of Hasmasu Mare Mountains. The name of Red Lake comes from the reddish alluvium (iron oxides and iron hydroxides) deposited in the lake by the Red Creek. During Ceausescu’s reign, these two wonders were compulsory tourist destinations for the ones who wanted to spend their vacations in the mountains. Short and long walks provide access to the lake’s spectacular scenery and many fishing spots.

The Bicaz Gorges offer a unique view of the Ceahlau Mountains. The alpine wildlife is represented in this area by the wall lizard (Lacerta muralis) the red deer (Cervus elaphus), the brown bear (Ursus arctos), the lynx (Lynx lynx), the wolf (Canis lupus), the pine marten (Martes martes) and the beech marten (Martes foina). The wall creeper (Tichodroma muraria), the three-toed woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus), the rock bunting (Emberiza cia), the raven (Crovus corax), the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), the oral owl (Strix uralensis), the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), and the great spotted woodpecker (Dendrocops major) can be seen in the Bicaz Gorges National Park area as well.