Take the Scenic Route and Discover Bicaz Gorge in Romania
Romania, europe
10.8 km
N/A
extreme
Year-round
Okay, picture this: Transylvania, Romania. You're carving through the Bicaz Gorge, one of the country's most mind-blowing canyons. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience.
The road, DN12C (locals call it Cheile Bicazului), winds between Neamț and Harghita counties for about 10.8 kilometers (6.7 miles) between Lacu Roșu and Bicaz-Chei. It's paved, but don't expect a smooth ride – think narrow stretches, tunnels, and a wild series of 12 hairpin turns that'll keep you on your toes.
You're in the Eastern Carpathians, deep inside Cheile Bicazului-Hășmaș National Park, where the limestone cliffs soar 300 meters straight up. Seriously, they're right there, practically scraping the sky. There's even a section called the "Neck of Hell" (Gâtul Iadului) where the rocks overhang the road – talk about intense!
Keep an eye out for roadside bazaars where Romanian and Hungarian artisans sell their crafts. The views are insane. As you weave through the mountains, you might feel like the walls are closing in. Legend says the nearby "red lake" formed from the blood of picnickers crushed in a landslide! Don't miss the Black Cave and Waterfall Cave hidden in the cliffs. Trust me, the Bicaz Gorge is a Romanian natural wonder you won't forget.
Where is it?
Take the Scenic Route and Discover Bicaz Gorge in Romania is located in Romania (europe). Coordinates: 44.5930, 24.9746
Road Details
- Country
- Romania
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 10.8 km
- Difficulty
- extreme
- Coordinates
- 44.5930, 24.9746
Related Roads in europe
hardIs the road to Col du Cenise paved?
🇫🇷 France
Looking for an off-the-beaten-path adventure in the French Alps? Col du Cenise, sitting pretty at 1,723m (5,652ft), might be your perfect escape! Nestled in the Haute-Savoie, it's a fantastic shortcut connecting the Arve and Borne valleys in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. The 14.3 km (8.8 miles) route from Mont-Saxonnex to Glières-Val-de-Borne is a mixed bag. Think well-maintained gravel turning into a rocky challenge near the top! Most cars can handle the western approach to Chalet de Cenise, but beyond that, you'll definitely want a 4x4 to conquer the rugged middle section until you hit the sweet, sweet asphalt again near Parking des Frachets. Expect classic mountain road vibes: hairpin turns, steep climbs, and a surface that keeps you on your toes. Summer's the best time to go—winter snow usually shuts things down. Keep an eye on your car's ground clearance before tackling the rocky bit. But trust me, the views are worth it!
hardWhy is Imbros Gorge famous?
🇬🇷 Greece
Okay, picture this: Crete, Greece, and you're about to tackle Imbros Gorge. This isn't just a drive; it's an experience! Think dramatic, towering limestone cliffs, wildflowers popping up everywhere, and maybe even a goat or two showing you how it's done on the rocks. The gorge is one of the deepest and narrowest on the island, with some points so tight you can almost touch both sides of the canyon at once! This place has history, too — whispers of wartime escapes linger in the air. Now, about the road: it's paved... but don't let that fool you. It's defiant, constantly twisting and turning up and down near the coast. We're talking serious elevation changes here, some spots reaching almost 700 meters! This road is about 16.8 km (10.43 miles) through the White Mountains, stretching from Vrisses to Komitades. Keep in mind it can be closed anytime because of weather. This one's a must-do for any adventure-seeker!
hardThe iconic Route de la Berarde is a balcony road in France
🇫🇷 France
# Route de la Bérarde: France's Road to the Edge of the World Nestled in the heart of the Isère department in southeastern France, Route de la Bérarde is one of those legendary drives that lives up to the hype. Located within the stunning Écrins National Park, this 27.2 km (16.9 miles) stretch of fully paved road has been thrilling—and occasionally terrifying—drivers since it opened to traffic back in 1921. Fun fact: when it first opened, buses didn't just carry passengers; they were also the lifeline bringing groceries and supplies to remote mountain villages. What makes this drive so memorable? Everything, honestly. Following the scenic Le Vénéon river, the road winds through dramatic high mountain terrain with hairpin turns and sections so narrow that two cars literally can't pass each other. There are even unlit tunnels thrown into the mix. Locals affectionately call it "the road to the end of the world," and once you've driven it, you'll understand why. Here's the reality: this is narrow, winding, and genuinely impressive in the best (and most nerve-wracking) way. The road climbs steep grades reaching up to 13%, with some seriously vertiginous drop-offs that'll make anyone with a fear of heights white-knuckle the steering wheel. Add in the risk of landslides and you've got yourself a proper adventure. Plan on 40 to 60 minutes of pure concentration to complete it. While technically open year-round, winter isn't your friend here—snow and ice can close it without warning. Summer through early autumn is your sweet spot for tackling this iconic French balcony road.
hardHorcadina de Covarrobres
🇪🇸 Spain
Get ready for an off-road adventure in Northern Spain! Horcadina de Covarrobre is a high mountain pass sitting pretty at 1,930m (6,332ft) in Cantabria's Picos de Europa mountains. This isn't your average Sunday drive, folks. The road's gravel, rocky, bumpy, and can get pretty dicey. Snow usually hits hard from October to June, so plan accordingly. This trail is strictly for experienced 4x4 drivers only. If unpaved mountain roads aren't your thing, steer clear! The weather's super unpredictable (think freezing temps out of nowhere), so be prepared for anything. You're in the Picos de Europa National Park, so expect some serious elevation gain. A 4x4 isn't just recommended – it's a must. And if heights make you queasy, maybe skip this one. Keep an eye on the sky, thunderstorms can turn the roads impassable in a heartbeat. Plus, this place is teeming with wildlife – wild boar, ibex, chamois, and even wolves and bears! The road’s a constant rollercoaster of twists and turns that will test even seasoned drivers. On your way up, you'll pass Chalet Real, a mountain hotel with a royal history – King Alfonso XIII himself stayed here back in 1912! And at the start of the road, you’ll find Hotel Áliva. The views are insane, with Olvidada, Peña Vieja, Pico de Santa Ana, and Torre de los Horcados Rojos creating a stunning backdrop.