The area is the starting point for mountain trails that pass through vast coniferous forests, climbing to the alpine pastures and gorges up to the ridges of Ceahlău Massif. Each of the trails offers unforgettable experiences for tourists, who thus have the chance to explore the surroundings by hiking in unique places with spectacular mountain views.

The region is impressive in any season you come by, displaying specific colors which give the landscape a spectacular, fascinating look.

In the area, on the course of River Bistrita, from Poiana Largului to Bicaz, Lake Izvorul Muntelui Aquatic Reserve covers a wide surface. Also known as “the sea between the mountains”, it is the largest reservoir on inland rivers in Romania, and the only lake on which the “Navy Day” is celebrated.

The lake stretches over 35 km long, at the foot of the Ceahlău Massif, the volume of waters covered by the impressive barrage built in the 1950s and 1960s can reach up to 1.250 million cubic meters. The dam was built according to the design conducted by Eng. Dimitrie Leonida as a “weight” dam, the largest of its kind on inland rivers in Romania.  Having 127m height, it ranks third in the country and ninth in Europe, in terms of height.

Once reached the pinnacle in Hangu, tourists can admire the amazing nature in all its splendor and be enraptured by the perfect reflection of Ceahlău Massif (”The Pawn”) in the still waters of Lake Izvorul Muntelui. From the highway that closely follows the lake shore, tourists can admire the hills that guard the lake and also the villages located on valleys or on mountain peaks, in the distance. All of these scenic landscapes are a delight for everybody travelling in the area.

Leisure:

• Kayak Fest – June

• Hăşmaş Mountain Marathon – August

• Navy Day – August

• Hiking on marked trails

Both mountain tourism and leisure tourism in Izvoru Muntelui and Bicaz have always represented an attraction for sport lovers and climbers all over the country and abroad, who have the possibility of practicing different sports and spending quiet hours amidst the evercharming nature.