Plizio Visual Lab

Bicaz Gorge

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

The Bicaz Gorge, located in the Eastern Carpathians of Romania, is one of the most memorable natural passes in the country, serving as a boundary between Moldavia and Transylvania. Formed by the Bicaz River carving through limestone rock over millions of years, the gorge stretches for about 8 kilometers. Its vertical cliffs rise up to 300 meters high, creating a narrow and awe-inspiring passage for the road that winds alongside the river. The most famous section, known as 'Hell's Throat' (Gâtul Iadului), features nearly vertical walls that almost touch at the top. The DN12C national road traverses the gorge, connecting Harghita and Neamț counties. Nearby lies the Red Lake (Lacu Roșu), formed in 1837 after a major landslide blocked the valley, where petrified tree stumps still emerge from the water. The entire area is part of the Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park, providing a habitat for rare species like the wallcreeper and chamois.

Location: Neamț, Romania
Top sights: Altar stone · Cheile Bicazului · Canyon stone
Nearby: Bălan (19 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-4	-3	2	8	14	18	20	20	14	8	3	-2
Rain mm	28	29	38	52	83	115	99	68	48	54	32	32

📋 Practical info

📍

Address

DN12C, 617105 Bicaz-Chei

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Hours

24/7

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Entry

free

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Transit

Buses between Piatra Neamț and Gheorgheni stop right in the gorge

🅿️

Parking

Small bays along the road, often crowded by souvenir stalls

♿

Accessibility

The main road is paved, hiking trails are steep and rocky

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Photos

Allowed everywhere, beware of traffic on the narrow road

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Best time

Early morning before tourist buses and souvenir stalls open

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Audio guide

Geography

Coordinates

46.82000, 25.83000

Facts

The vertical limestone cliffs reach heights of over 300 meters.
The gorge was carved by the Bicaz River over millions of years.
The pass covers a total distance of approximately 8 kilometers.
The adjacent Red Lake was created by a landslide in 1837.
National road DN12C is the primary route through the gorge.
The site is part of the Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Red Lake5 km · SWExplore →

Bicaz Lake (Izvorul Muntelui)9 km · NEExplore →

Bălan19 km · SExplore →

Ceahlău20 km · NEExplore →

Durău21 km · NExplore →

Gheorgheni21 km · SWExplore →

📍Bicaz22 km · NEExplore →

Carpathian Lynx24 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Bicaz Gorge (5)

Altar stone 📍 landmark

A striking rock peak in the Bicaz Gorge, considered an iconic landmark of the region.

Cheile Bicazului 📍 landmark

A spectacular gorge in the Carpathians, impressive for its towering rock walls.

Canyon stone 📍 landmark

A prominent rock formation located in the heart of the imposing Bicaz Gorge.

Hell's porch 🌿 nature

A viewpoint in the Bicaz Gorge offering a wide perspective over the canyon.

Bardócz cave🌿 nature

A viewpoint and small cave located within the impressive landscape of the Bicaz Gorge.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is there a toll to drive through Bicaz Gorge?

No, driving through on the national road DN12C is free. Fees only apply to parking at tourist spots.

Can you park and walk in the gorge?

Yes, there are small parking pockets. Many tourists leave their cars to admire the impressive 300m high rock walls on foot.

What can you do at Lacu Roșu (Red Lake)?

Located just above the gorge, you can go boating on the lake and see the famous petrified tree trunks sticking out of the water.

Are there souvenir markets in the gorge?

Yes, in the narrowest sections, there are many stalls selling traditional handicrafts, ceramics, and wooden items.

How dangerous is the road for motorhomes?

The road is narrow and has very tight curves. Experienced motorhome drivers can pass, but caution is needed with oncoming traffic.

Bicaz Gorge: where is it located?

Bicaz Gorge is located in Neamț, Romania.

Bicaz Gorge: what is there to see?

Highlights include Altar stone, Cheile Bicazului, Canyon stone.

Bicaz Gorge: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Bicaz Gorge: why is it worth visiting?

The Bicaz Gorge, located in the Eastern Carpathians of Romania, is one of the most memorable natural passes in the country, serving as a boundary between Moldavia and Transylvania.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →