Lacu Roșu – Lake, Gorge and Mountain Views

The Bicaz Gorge begins in the lower reaches of Lacul Roșu. The gorge stretches for 6 km along the Bicaz River, connects Transylvania with Moldavia and, together with the lake, forms a unique tourist ensemble in Romania.

Lacul Roșu is part of the Cheile Bicazului–Hășmaș National Park. According to local legend, the lake was formed after Eszter’s curse came true: It swallowed the robber who wanted to oppress her, and the fir trunks submerged in the lake still preserve their memory to this day.

Nature

The Cheile Bicazului–Hășmaș National Park was established in 1990 as a protected national park area. Its purpose includes protecting biodiversity, the landscape and valuable species, as well as promoting ecotourism. The park is part of the Natura 2000 sites ROSCI0027 Cheile Bicazului–Hășmaș, a site of community importance covering 7,642 ha, and ROSPA0018 Cheile Bicazului–Hășmaș, a bird protection area covering 7,961 ha.

Mountain Views

The Piatra Ghilcoş viewpoint offers a comprehensive view of Lacul Roșu and the surrounding area. The panorama includes Mount Licaş at 1,675 m, Suhardul Mare at 1,507 m, as well as Suhardul Mic, Făgetul Ciucului, Piatra Poienii, Mount Ghilcoș, Surduc and peaks of the Ceahlău.

The plateau of Suhardul Mic is a viewpoint with panoramic views of the holiday resort of Lacul Roșu and the side valley of Valea Oii. Wooded mountain ranges and distinctive peaks surround the plateau.

Active Adventures

BIKKLA offers exploration tours by electric bicycle in the Lacu Roșu and Cheile Bicazului area. Specially marked and digitised routes, a map and explanations of the route are available for this purpose.

The „Wild Ferenc“ via ferrata was opened in autumn 2016 on Suhardul Mic at an altitude of 1,345 m near Lacul Roșu in the Cheile Bicazului in Harghita County.

Hiking

The Lacu Roșu–Cheile Bicazului–Cheile Bicăjelului–Lacu Roșu circular route offers views of rock faces and the small waterfalls of the Bicăjel. The circular route is a moderately difficult hike covering 10.9 km with a duration of 5 to 5 hours and 15 minutes.

The Lacu Roșu–Valea Oii–below Poiana Albă hiking trail connects Lacu Roșu with the ridge trail of the Hășmaș Mountains. It follows the valley of the Oii stream, has around 600 metres of elevation gain and takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. The trail is accessible year-round.

The Lacu Roșu–Păstrăvărie–Lacu Roșu circular route begins at the car park of the Lacu Roșu Hotel and leads via the Lacu Roșu Restaurant and a forest section to the Balconul de Piatră viewpoint after an ascent of approximately 350 m.

Other Destinations

You can access other destinations here: Senetea, Corund, Sândominic, Odorhellen, Dănești, Miercurea-Ciuc, Cozmeni, Bălan

To the higher-level travel overview: Harghita.