Discover Lacu Roșu

When looking for a hotel in Lacu Roșu, it is worth first considering what you want your stay to focus on: viewpoints around Lacul Roșu, hikes lasting several hours, or exploring by electric bike. The lake and Cheile Bicazului together form a distinctive landscape; other destinations along the way include the small waterfalls of Bicăjel. The variety of routes and views gives you concrete points of reference for planning your days.

The lake and the national park

Cheile Bicazului–Hășmaș National Park was established as a protected national park area in 1990. Its aims include protecting biodiversity, the landscape and valuable species, as well as promoting ecotourism. Lacul Roșu is part of the national park. Two Natura 2000 sites complement this protection framework: ROSCI0027 Cheile Bicazului–Hășmaș is a Site of Community Importance covering 7,642 ha, while ROSPA0018 Cheile Bicazului–Hășmaș is a bird protection area covering 7,961 ha.

Cheile Bicazului begins at the lower end of Lacul Roșu. The gorge extends for 6 km along the Bicaz River and connects Transylvania with Moldavia. Together with the lake, it forms a unique tourist ensemble in Romania. Both the lake and the gorge shape the character of the destination.

Panoramic views of the lake and peaks

The Piatra Ghilcoş viewpoint offers a sweeping view of Lacul Roșu and its surroundings. The panorama includes Mount Licaş at 1,675 m and Suhardul Mare at 1,507 m, as well as Suhardul Mic, Făgetul Ciucului, Piatra Poienii, Mount Ghilcoș, Surduc and peaks of the Ceahlău. Looking across the surrounding ridges lets you pick out several named mountains and peaks within a single landscape.

The plateau of Suhardul Mic offers a different perspective: from there, the panoramic view stretches across the resort of Lacul Roșu and the side valley of Valea Oii. Forested ridges and distinctive peaks frame the view. While Piatra Ghilcoş is associated with a range of named mountains and peaks, the plateau brings the resort and the valley to the fore.

Hiking trails with different highlights

The Lacu Roșu–Cheile Bicazului–Cheile Bicăjelului–Lacu Roșu loop is a moderately difficult hike covering 10.9 km. It takes between 5 hours and 5 hours 15 minutes. Along the way, you can enjoy views of rock faces and the small waterfalls of Bicăjel. The distance, difficulty level and hiking time together provide clear guidance for planning your day.

The Lacu Roșu–Valea Oii–below Poiana Albă trail has a different character. It connects Lacu Roșu with the Hășmaș Mountains ridge trail and follows the Oii stream valley. The route involves about 600 m of elevation gain and takes approximately 4 to 5 hours; it can be hiked all year round. Unlike the loop through the gorges, this trail focuses on the route through the valley and up to the mountain ridge. The hiking times are similar, but the routes differ in their course and elevation gain.

The Lacu Roșu–Păstrăvărie–Lacu Roșu loop can also be described by its landmarks: it leads from the Lacu Roșu Hotel car park past the Lacu Roșu Restaurant and through a forest to the Balconul de Piatră viewpoint. The viewpoint is reached after an ascent of about 350 m. These landmarks and the climb describe this route, not the other hiking trails.

By electric bike or to the via ferrata

BIKKLA offers electric bike tours in the Lacu Roșu and Cheile Bicazului area. Specially marked and digitized routes, a map and explanations of the route are available. This is a separate way to explore the area on two wheels; the route information provided helps you follow the course.

The “Wild Ferenc” via ferrata opened in autumn 2016 on Suhardul Mic at an altitude of 1,345 m. It is located near Lacul Roșu in Cheile Bicazului, in Harghita County. Its opening is a historical reference point for this route and adds another option alongside the hiking and cycling trails.

The legend of Lacul Roșu

The landscape also has a local story: according to legend, Eszter’s curse came true when the lake swallowed the robber who wanted to oppress her. According to the story, the fir tree trunks submerged in the lake preserve her memory to this day. Alongside its views and hiking trails, this story gives Lacul Roșu its own cultural interpretation.

Discover more destinations: Vlăhița, Făgeţel, Cotormani, Izvoare, Sub Cetate, Sâncrăieni, Baile Tusnad, Senetea

For the broader travel overview: Harghita.