Red Lake (Lacu Roșu)
Lacu Roșu / Gyilkos-tó
A dam lake formed when a landslide in 1837 blocked the river valley. Dead tree trunks stand in the water, surrounded by pine forest, and you can row around the lake.
Red Lake sits at about 980 metres above sea level. In 1837, Mount Ucigașu, meaning 'Killer Mountain', collapsed and blocked the Bicaz valley, forming the lake. The pine trees that were submerged still stand as dead stumps in the water, creating a strikingly unusual landscape. In Hungarian it is called Gyilkos-tó, meaning 'Killer Lake'. A loop trail of about 3 km, roughly an hour's walk, circles the lake. At the pier you can rent rowboats and pedal boats, and the lakeside has a resort village, wooden guesthouses and restaurants. Summer weekends are busy, but early morning, when the water is calm and mist drifts over it, is best for photos. The lake is also the starting point for hiking trails in the area.
Opening hours
All day; boating about 09:00–19:00 (summer)
Nearby sights
- Suhardul Mic
- Piatra Altarului
- Bicaz Gorges
- Șugău Gorges
- Hășmașu Mare
- Durău Monastery
- Ceahlău Massif (Toaca Peak)
- Duruitoarea Waterfall