The road that slices through the Bicaz Gorges (Cheile Bicazului), 20km west of Bicaz, is among Romania’s most spectacular. The gorge twists and turns steeply uphill for 5km, cutting through sheer, 300m-high limestone rocks. At one point, the narrow mountain road runs uncomfortably beneath the overhanging rocks in a section known as the ‘neck of hell’ (Gâtul Iadului).

Tourists staggering around, mouths agape, have brought with them the requisite dozens of artisan stalls, stationed right where visitors park their cars. However, this is mostly forgivable as some of these locally made crafts are actually quite nice. This stretch of road is protected as part of the Hasmas-Bicaz Gorges National Park (Parcul National Hasmas-Cheile Bicazului).