Bicaz Gorges and the painted monasteries of Bucovina
From Piatra Neamț through the Bicaz Gorges and Lacu Roșu to Neamț Citadel and the painted monasteries of Voroneț, Humor, Moldovița and Sucevița.
- Distance
- 312 km (194 mi)
- Driving
- 4 h 18 min
- Suggested days
- 5
- Stops
- 9
- Countries
- Romania
- Updated
- June 4, 2026
At a glance: 5-day road trip of about 312 km (194 mi) with 9 stops, from Piatra Neamț to Suceava. About 4 h 18 min of driving in total.
More road trips in Romania
Route description
Leave Piatra Neamț west on the DN15 along the Bistrița to Bicaz and its dam across Lake Izvorul Muntelui. Then turn onto the DN12C into the Bicaz Gorges, where the road squeezes between limestone walls several hundred metres high. The tightest section is called the Neck of Hell. Stop only in the lay-bys, as trucks use this road too.
At the top of the gorges lies Lacu Roșu, a lake formed in 1837 by a landslide, with the stumps of drowned trees standing in the water. Walk the shore or take a rowing boat. Then return through the gorges and drive north past Bicaz and the monasteries of Agapia and Văratec to Târgu Neamț, where Neamț Citadel stands on a wooded ridge.
Continue north via Fălticeni to Gura Humorului, the best base for the painted monasteries of Bucovina, all listed by UNESCO. Voroneț, just south of town, is famous for its deep blue Last Judgement. Humor, a few kilometres north, has red-toned frescoes. From there, the road west over the hills leads to Moldovița, with its yellow and blue walls behind strong fortifications.
From Moldovița, a scenic road climbs over the Ciumârna pass to Sucevița, the largest of the monasteries, with its Ladder of Virtues on the north wall. End in Suceava, about 50 km east, where the ruined fortress of Stephen the Great overlooks the city. Dress modestly at the monasteries, with covered shoulders and knees; small fees are charged for photography.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
Piatra Neamț
Romania - 254 km
Bicaz Gorges
NatureBicaz-Chei, RomaniaA narrow limestone gorge where the DN12C road squeezes beneath overhanging cliffs several hundred metres high. The tightest part is called the Neck of Hell; stop only in the lay-bys, as the road is busy.
- 35 km
Lacu Roșu
NatureLacu Roșu, RomaniaA lake formed in 1837 when a landslide dammed the valley, with the stumps of drowned trees still sticking out of the water. Walk the shore path or rent a rowing boat; car parks by the resort.
- 478 km
Neamț Citadel
HistoryTârgu Neamț, RomaniaA 14th-century fortress on a wooded ridge above Târgu Neamț, strengthened by Stephen the Great and reached over a long arched bridge. Park below and walk up the short paved path.
- 561 km
Voroneț Monastery
HistoryGura Humorului, RomaniaThe best known of the painted churches of Bucovina, founded in 1488, whose Last Judgement on the west wall is painted in a deep blue. A UNESCO site; dress modestly and go early to avoid the tour groups.
- 611 km
Humor Monastery
HistoryMănăstirea Humorului, RomaniaA painted church from 1530 with red-toned outer frescoes, including the Siege of Constantinople, inside a walled courtyard. It is a few kilometres north of Gura Humorului and much quieter than Voroneț.
- 727 km
Moldovița Monastery
HistoryVatra Moldoviței, RomaniaA painted church of 1532 inside strong walls, with well-kept exterior frescoes in yellow and blue. It is on the road over the hills from Sucevița; parking is by the gate.
- 821 km
Sucevița Monastery
HistorySucevița, RomaniaThe largest of the painted monasteries, a fortified complex from the late 16th century whose north wall shows the Ladder of Virtues. The road from Moldovița crosses a scenic pass with a viewpoint.
- 954 km
Suceava
Romania
FAQs
How long is Bicaz Gorges and the painted monasteries of Bucovina?
5-day road trip of about 312 km (194 mi) with 9 stops, from Piatra Neamț to Suceava. About 4 h 18 min of driving in total.
How many days do you need for Bicaz Gorges and the painted monasteries of Bucovina?
We suggest 5 days: about 4 h 18 min of driving, which leaves time for the stops.
Where does Bicaz Gorges and the painted monasteries of Bucovina start and end?
It starts in Piatra Neamț and ends in Suceava.
Which countries does Bicaz Gorges and the painted monasteries of Bucovina pass through?
Romania.
