Take the Scenic Route and Discover Bicaz Gorge in Romania

Bicaz Gorge is a very scenic canyon located on the boundary of Neamț and Harghita counties, in the historic region of Transylvania, in Romania. The road that slices through the gorges is among Romania’s most spectacular. This stunning gorge has a part that is so narrow that it is known as "The Neck Of Hell."

Bicaz Gorge

Can you drive through Bicaz Gorge?

Tucked away on the northeastern part of the country, the road through the gorges, known locally as Cheile Bicazului, is totally paved but pretty narrow and defiant, with tunnels and 12 hairpin turns. It’s called National road DN12C. The gorge twists and turns steeply cutting through sheer, 300m-high limestone rocks. At one point, the narrow mountain road runs uncomfortably beneath the overhanging rocks in a section known as the ‘neck of hell’ (Gâtul Iadului).

How long is Bicaz Gorge?

Located in the Eastern Carpathians, within the Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park, the road through the gorges is 10.8 km (6.71 miles) long, running from Lacu Roșu to Bicaz-Chei. Along this way, one may find bazaars where one can buy products made by the Romanian and Hungarian craftsmen from this area. This scenic drive is spectacular with sheer cliffs rising literally from the edges of the road. The Bicaz Gorges are, without a doubt, one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in Romania. After you pass Bicaz Gorge and you are in Neamt County you can visit the amazing Lake Bicaz.

Is the road through Bicaz Gorge challenging?

Located in Hasmas National Park. along this thrilling road that pass through the mountains, the walls seems to be "closing" on you. The road along ravines, often in serpentines with rock on one side and a sheer drop on the other, is one of the most spectacular drives in the country. The road inside this canyon looks like serpentine windings. The limy walls of the crags hide amazing caves (The Black Cave and The Waterfall Cave) and also circular precipices (Licas, the precipice with three entrances). Legend has it that the ‘red lake’ or ‘killer lake’ was formed from the flowing blood of a group of hapless picnickers who had the misfortune to be sitting beneath the mountainside when it collapsed, crushing them to death.