Bacau: Discover landscapes and culture

Beech and fir forests grow alongside subalpine meadows in the Slănic Valley. The Nasolea Mare waterfall is located on the Uz River in the middle section of the Uz Gorge. It lies at an altitude of about 500 metres, between the northern edge of the Nemira Mountains and the Ciuc Mountains. The natural setting thus encompasses both wooded valleys and meadows, as well as a gorge with a waterfall.

Nature and landscapes in many different forms

In the Perchiu Nature Reserve, steppe and forest vegetation intermingle in a forest-steppe habitat. The area is classified as an IUCN Category IV nature reserve, with a primarily botanical and forestry focus. Lacul Bălătău offers a different natural feature: this natural reservoir was formed by a landslide. The Izvorul Negru stream was dammed in 1883. The lake’s formation and the dated impoundment are therefore two distinct aspects of its history.

The Hemeiuș dendrological park lies in the floodplain of the Bistrița River. It contains more than 1,300 rare and native tree and shrub species. Castelul Roșu, a medieval-style residence, is also located in the park. The park thus combines an extensive collection of woody plants with a named historic building.

Museums, remembrance, and architectural history

George Enescu completed his lyrical opera “Oedip” in Tescani and dedicated it to Maruca Cantacuzino. The memorial house in Tescani has been a department of the George Enescu National Museum since 2007. The site therefore offers a tangible connection to Enescu’s work and to a museum institution that continues to operate today.

In Bacău, the Museum of Natural Sciences presents the natural heritage of Bacău County in its “Ocrotirea Naturii” exhibition. The Bacău Vivarium displays native and exotic fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds, as well as ornamental pigeon breeds. Nature enthusiasts can therefore explore exhibition themes relating to the county’s natural heritage alongside a variety of animal groups on display.

The memorial houses also have distinct focuses. The Ion Borcea Memorial House displays photographs, exhibits, and authentic pieces of furniture related to the scientist’s life and work. The “George Bacovia” Memorial House has operated as a museum since October 1, 1971. It is housed in a building shaped like a house, dating from the last decade of the 19th century. Here, the history of a museum meets a distinctive architectural form that can be dated to a specific period.

Stargazing and events

A full visit to the “Victor Anestin” Astronomical Observatory includes the exhibitions “From Earth to the Stars” and “Spaceflight News,” a planetarium show, and a visit to the circular terrace overlooking the panorama of Bacău. The observatory also regularly hosts public observations of astronomical phenomena and celestial bodies. The observatory’s offerings thus include exhibitions and a planetarium, as well as public skywatching events.

The traditional Festivalul Judeţean de Folclor is dedicated to preserving the authentic folklore of Bacău County from the Trotuș Valley, the Siret Valley, Oituz, Cașin, and Zeletin. The event concludes in July with a gala performance in the spa resort of Slănic-Moldova. If you would like to plan your stay around the festival, check the specific dates for the year in question. The “Ion Borcea” Museum Complex of Natural Sciences in Bacău has celebrated European Museum Night every year since 2007.

Mineral springs and local cuisine

Slănic-Moldova has mineral springs and has been a destination for relaxation and treatment since 1801. Domeniul Cerbului offers another glimpse of a specific local business: this restaurant uses fresh ingredients from local producers and cooks according to traditional family recipes. Mineral springs, cultural events, and an individual restaurant each show a different side of travel planning; an interest in nature and an interest in culture need not lead to the same experience.

You can tailor your choices to the reason for your trip; for the festival, the specific dates of your planned stay are what matter.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Gura Văii, Slanic-Moldova, Bacău, Moinesti, Darmanesti, Comăneşti, Horgești, Târgu Ocna, Cerdac, Valea Seacă, Onești, Sulţa, Agăș, Sarata, Urechesti, Solont, Letea Veche, Preluci, Comuna Nicolae Bălcescu, Racova, Tescani, Hemeiuș, Ghimeș-Făget, Magura, Itesti.

See the full travel overview: Romania.