Bicaz Gorge

About Bicaz Gorge

The Bicaz Gorge is a canyon in the north east part of the country spanning the counties of Neamt and Harghita. Forged by erosion from the Bicaz River, it lies in the Cheile Bicazului-Hasmas National Park.

Fauna and Flora

There is a rich diversity of flora and fauna here, with over 1,150 identified plant species, many of which are rare and protected. The Canyon is also a prized location among bird watchers for spotting the wallcreeper, a small bird which generally lives at high elevations on cliffs and craggy rock outcrops.

Activities

Bicaz Canyon is one of Romania’s most popular rock climbing destinations as its walls are over 300 m (~984 ft) high in places; however, some are considered some of the most difficult climbing routes in the country and should be undertaken by professional climbers only.

The road which cuts through the gorge is one of Romania’s most spectacular for its views, twisting and turning uphill as it cuts through sheer limestone rock with rock overhangs and steep drops.

There are also eighteen hiking routes along which you can explore the scenery in the narrow valley with its small waterfalls, rocks and caves.

Just inside the border to Harghita county lies the resort of Lacul Rosu (Red Lake), named for the red-hued iron oxides and hydroxides deposited in it. At an altitude of 980 m (~3,215 ft), it was formed by a landslide in the 19th century. Its situation is considered beneficial for health reasons due to its microclimate – in the valley there is little wind, the air is extremely clean and temperatures are around 6°C higher than average for the surrounding area.

How to Get There

The gorge is around 25 km (~16 mi) to the west of the town of Bicaz on DN12C national road.