Top 13 Natural Monuments 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.

The Bicaz Pass (Pasul Bicaz) in the Eastern Carpathians (Neamț County) is one of Romania's most spectacular and winding mountain passes. At an altitude of 1,242 meters, it connects the towns of Bicaz in the north and Piatra Neamț in the south, leading directly through the breathtaking Bicaz Gorge (Cheile Bicazului), one of the country's deepest and most impressive gorges. The region is characterized by steep rock faces, dense forests, and the famous Red Lake (Lacul Roșu), a natural mountain lake with a deep red color, formed by a landslide in 1838.

Saint Ana Lake in the Ciomatului Mare crater is the only lake of volcanic origin in Central and Eastern Europe and the most visited tourist attraction in Szeklerland. It is surrounded by the steep walls of the volcanic cone of Monte Ciomat, with several higher peaks: Ciomatul Mare (1301 m), Ciomatul Mic (1238 m), Tata Hill (1174 m) or Piscul Pietros (1125 m). The lake, unique in Europe, is located at an altitude of 946 m, has a diameter of 1737 m and a greatest depth of 7 m. From the crater rim, 13 temporary streams formed after the rains carry water and gravel into the lake. The lake is fed by rainwater and water from snowmelt. The lake's sedimentation process began at the northern and western edges, with the lake floor being covered by an increasingly thick layer of mud. The lake is currently 6.5 m deep at its deepest point. In good weather, especially without wind, you can see gas bubbles rising from the bottom of the lake, which are actually an expression of post-volcanic activity. In the northern, northeastern part of the lake, you can see a layer of floating peat about a meter thick.

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

A lot of tourism is expected here

Welcome to an unforgettable adventure for bike lovers! Discover a cyclist's paradise where you cycle through extensive vineyards and the sun accompanies every pedal stroke. Here you will be welcomed by warm and hospitable locals who want to offer you the best experiences. With excellent wines to pamper your senses and the unique hospitality, you will return home with unforgettable memories and a warm heart. It is a place where adventure meets the refined taste of wine and the warmth of the people.