Bacău county offers a trip 240 meters below the grass into a world of white salt. You descend into the Târgu Ocna mine where the air is cool and very fresh. There is even a small church, Saint Barbara, carved entirely out of the rock salt walls. It is a silent space that feels very far from the world. The ground under your feet is white and sparkly like fresh snow.
Follow the Trotuș Valley for a scenic mountain drive. Thick forests cover the hills and hide the salt springs of Slănic Moldova, known as the Pearl of Moldavia. Local spas offer a chance to drink from 20 different mineral springs that bubble from the earth. The scenery is lush and full of life near the Cireșoaia peaks. It is a great route for travelers who want to feel healthy and fresh.
The Nemira peaks watch over the small mountain towns. You find the Ghimeș Pass where the old border of the empire used to sit. Stop at a local market to try balmoș, a heavy mountain dish made with corn and sheep cream. The people are warm and always ready for a chat about the forest. This eastern route is a mix of deep mines and high woods.
Bacău (county) highlights
- Târgu Ocna Salt Mine Journey 240 meters underground to find a vast cathedral and even a lake carved entirely from white salt. The crisp air is famous for its health benefits and offers a refreshing break from the humidity of the summer sun. You can walk the glowing passages and see how the mineral walls sparkle like frost under the lights.
- Slănic Moldova Springs Discover the Pearl of Moldavia where twenty different mineral springs bubble directly from the mountain rocks along a narrow valley. Each spring has a unique mineral taste and is tucked away in a leafy path that is perfect for a slow nature walk. The elegant old villas nearby add a classic touch of royal style to your mountain road trip.
- Trotuș Valley Drive Gear up for a stunning journey through the green heart of the eastern hills on this winding and scenic river road. Every mile reveals high peaks and small mountain villages where life moves at a very slow and honest pace. It is the ideal route for drivers who love the sound of rushing water and deep forest views.
- Ghimeș Pass Stand at the old frontier of an empire where the landscape turns rugged and the mountains feel immense and powerful. You can explore the ruins of an ancient guard post and see a steep railway line that climbs the rocky peaks. The view from the top is vast and captures the wild spirit of the high eastern range.
- Poiana Uzului Lake Find total peace at this massive blue reservoir hidden away in a dense and silent forest far from the main roads. The quiet road hugging the shore offers many secret spots to stop and watch the reflection of the clouds on the water. It is a prime destination for a quiet picnic where the only sound is the wind in the trees.
- Nemira Mountains Explore wild trails and silent woods where the only sound is the wind moving through the tall spruce and fir trees. These peaks offer a rugged challenge for hikers and provide incredible views over the vast plains of the east. The drive to the base of the mountains takes you through some of the greenest valleys in the region.
- Red Lake of Bacău Escape to this local secret that turns into a sea of fire when the autumn leaves change color on the surrounding hills. It is a much quieter alternative to more famous lakes and offers absolute silence for a relaxing afternoon in the car. The narrow road leading here winds through a peaceful landscape of rolling fields and small farms.
- Dărmănești Palaces Step back into the age of aristocracy by visiting the grand stone manors hidden in large and leafy local parks. These buildings show the great wealth of the old timber trade through their fine carvings and vast, well kept gardens. Walking through the estates gives you a rare glimpse into the elegant history of the regional elite.
- Cireșoaia Peak Challenge your driving skills on the steep climb to this high point for a panoramic look at two river valleys. The view from the summit is spectacular and shows the endless layers of the Carpathian forest stretching to the distant horizon. It is a top spot for photographers who want to capture the scale and power of the mountain world.
- Buhuși Textile Museum Learn the ancient secrets of wool and cloth at this unique stop dedicated to the history of regional craft and industry. You can see the old machines in action and understand how the locals used natural fibers to build a famous trade. It is an insightful break that adds a touch of culture and local pride to your scenic road trip.
The local Four
History of Bacău (county)
Bacău is the industrial backbone of Moldova and a land of ancient princely forests. This region was once the favorite hunting ground of the Moldavian kings who protected the massive bison herds that roamed the Eastern Carpathians. The local history is defined by its strategic position on the trade routes connecting the mountains to the river plains which turned the county into one of the earliest centers for salt and oil extraction. In the 15th century Stephen the Great established a princely court here to oversee the defense of the eastern border against invading nomadic tribes.
The landscape is a mix of rugged peaks and deep river valleys that witnessed intense fighting during the Great War. The Oituz Pass became a legendary site of resistance where the national army held the line against superior forces in a series of brutal mountain battles. You can still explore the remains of trenches and monuments that mark this heroic defense. The city history is also tied to the work of the poet George Bacovia who captured the melancholic beauty of the local parks and the grey industrial silhouettes in his famous verses.
For road trippers the county offers a drive through the Trotuș Valley where the history of salt mining comes to life. You can visit the Târgu Ocna salt mine which houses an underground cathedral and a lake deep beneath the earth. The mountain resorts like Slănic Moldova have been famous since the 19th century for their healing mineral springs which were prized by the European aristocracy. The local villages still preserve the tradition of the Bear Dance a prehistoric ritual performed during the winter to drive away evil spirits. Bacău is a powerful journey through the strength of the eastern industry and the wild soul of the Moldavian woods.