The best walks and hikes in Harghita

The Bicaz Gorge (Cheile Bicazului) in the Eastern Carpathians is one of Romania's deepest, most wild and impressive gorges. Nestled between steep rock faces up to 300 meters high and dense forests, it connects the town of Bicaz in the north with the region around the Red Lake (Lacul Roșu) in the south. The gorge was formed by the erosive power of the Bistrița river, which carved deep into the rock over millennia, creating a landscape reminiscent of North America's wildest canyons. The DN12, which runs through the gorge, is one of Romania's most spectacular roads – narrow, winding, and lined with breathtaking rock formations. It is equally popular with motorcyclists, car drivers, and cyclists, but also offers countless opportunities for hikers and nature lovers. A walk along the gorge or a hike to the viewpoints is particularly worthwhile, as spectacular panoramas repeatedly open up here. A highlight is the Red Lake, located just a few kilometers from the gorge, which with its deep red color, caused by minerals and algae, appears like a natural wonder. The Bicaz Gorge is not only a geological jewel but also a hotspot for outdoor activities. Hikers can roam through the gorge on well-marked trails, while climbers can explore the steep rock faces. Anglers can find trout and other fish species in the gorge's waters, and those who simply want to enjoy the silence of nature will find perfect spots for a picnic or a break on the banks of the Bistrița or in the surrounding mountains. The region is also home to rare plants and animals, including various bird species and even bears.

The Red Lake (Lacul Roșu) in the Eastern Carpathians (Neamț County) is one of Romania's most mysterious and beautiful natural wonders. Nestled in the wild and romantic landscape of the Bicaz Gorge and surrounded by steep rock faces up to 300 meters high and dense forests, the lake appears like an enchanted place from another world. Its name comes from the deep red color of the water, caused by minerals, algae, and the reddish rocks in its surroundings – a fascinating phenomenon that makes the lake unique. The lake was formed in 1838 by a massive landslide that blocked the course of the Bistrița River, creating a natural dam. Today, it is about 1,200 meters long and up to 35 meters deep, surrounded by an almost mystical atmosphere. The surrounding mountains, including the Ceahlău Massif, are reflected in the calm water, enhancing the impression of an untouched, almost fairytale-like landscape.

The Bicaz Gorge (Cheile Bicazului) in the Eastern Carpathians (Neamț County) is one of Romania's deepest, most wild-romantic, and most impressive gorges. Nestled between steep, up to 300-meter-high rock faces and dense forests, it connects the town of Bicaz in the north with the region around the Red Lake (Lacul Roșu) in the south. The gorge was formed by the erosive power of the Bistrița River, which carved its way deep into the rock over millennia, creating a landscape reminiscent of North America's wildest canyons. The DN12, which runs through the gorge, is one of Romania's most spectacular roads – narrow, winding, and lined with breathtaking rock formations. It is equally popular with motorcyclists, car drivers, and cyclists, but also offers countless opportunities for hikers and nature lovers. A walk along the gorge or a hike to the viewpoints is particularly worthwhile, as spectacular panoramas repeatedly open up here. A highlight is the Red Lake, located just a few kilometers from the gorge, which, with its deep red color caused by minerals and algae, appears like a natural wonder. The Bicaz Gorge is not only a geological jewel but also a hotspot for outdoor activities. Hikers can roam through the gorge on well-marked trails, while climbers can explore the steep rock faces. Anglers will find trout and other fish species in the gorge's waters, and those who simply want to enjoy the tranquility of nature will find perfect spots for a picnic or a break on the banks of the Bistrița or on the surrounding mountains. The region is also home to rare plants and animals, including various bird species and even bears.

Never crossed a river. May be nonexistent as of 2026.

Unfortunately, there aren't many parking spaces if you drive through the gorge. We were there early in the morning. The hiking trail starts right next to the road. After about 400 meters, you'll reach the lower suspension bridge over the Bicajel River.

Small waterfall / Colorful flowers

Beautiful view with fixed binoculars.

The Red Lake Iron-containing clay colors the lake red Nicknamed the “Murder Lake” In 1838, a forested rock massif slid from a height of 1000 m into the Bicaz. The masses of rubble acted like a natural dam, the pine trees drowned and today only their stumps protrude from the water Numerous snack bars on the lake shore