Bicaz Gorge

A dramatic 10km canyon road threading the limestone cleft of Cheile Bicazului from Lacu Roșu to Bicaz-Chei, with sheer walls rising 300m overhead.

The DN12C through the Bicaz Gorge is one of the most spectacular drives in Romania, cutting between Transylvania and Moldova along a narrow ravine where limestone cliffs tower up to 300m on either side. From the landslide-formed Red Lake the road follows the river through a string of curves and short tunnels, squeezing through the section known as Hell's Gate where the walls almost close overhead and the sky shrinks to a slot. It is paved throughout but tight, with roadside stalls and pedestrians clustering at the narrowest, most photogenic points. The 10km gorge run is the highlight, framed by the peaks of Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park. Mind the very narrow gorge floor with two-way traffic and tour coaches, pedestrians wandering near the market stalls, and rockfall and water across the carriageway after rain.