Back to Top

Bacau tourism

Author Archives: Iulian VIMp

About Iulian VIMp

Via Bacovia project initiator, amateur photographer, runner. "Computer scientist" by profession.

Lake Berești

Introduction

A few dozen kilometres from Bacău, between the domed fields of the Siret, stretches Lake Berești – a mirror of water that gathers around it the silence, the sky and the birds’ flights. Here, time seems to slow down: the dam, the reeds, the surrounding villages and the light changing over the shimmering lake give the place a simple but profound beauty. The Berești is not just a reservoir, but also a small natural world where people come to fish, watch the sunset or simply to be still with the water.

Key facts and location

Berești Lake is located in Bacău County, on the Siret River, and stretches over the municipalities of Sascut, Corbasca, Orbeni, Tătărești, Valea Seacă and Parava.

  • Area: about 2,250 hectares
  • Length: about 15 km
  • Average width: 1 km
  • Year of utilisation: 1986
  • Purpose: reservoir for hydropower and to regularise the flow of the Siret

Access is easy from the E85 motorway (Bacău-Bucuresti), with a detour to the east, and the road offers sweeping views of the valley and surrounding villages.

A living ecosystem

Although artificial, Berești Lake has quickly become a complex ecosystem, integrated in a Natura 2000 site of avifauna importance.
Here have …

Continue Reading→

In the footsteps of autumn: hiking on the Emil Braescu trail

A start like autumn weather

When autumn dresses the hills of Măgurei in shades of mauve, every step on the Via Bacovia trails becomes a poem.
Our weekend hike, also captured in the post on the official Via Bacovia page, was more than just a simple outing in nature – it was a journey through the tranquillity, the colours and the soft breath of autumn in Bacău.

We set off early in the morning with light rucksacks and open hearts from the bus stop. The air was chilly and the sunlight either reached us or didn’t. The forest at the foot of the Măgurei welcomed us with a clean smell of damp earth and leaves, and the silence was broken only by our footsteps and here and there the barking of dogs, happy that tourists had come on the route.

Route “Emil Braescu” Magura

The road linking the present with history

The chosen route is part of the Via Bacovia network – an initiative that brings together movement, history and heritage. In the Măgurei area, nature is in harmony with the rustic and the people’s life.
Among them is Emil Brăescu, the visionary nobleman who built the village school …

Continue Reading→

Route reconnaissance for the Capelelor’s Cross

The second edition of the Via Bacovia Trail will take place on 20 September.

On Sunday, 14 September, the Feast of the Ascension of the Holy Cross, we set off on an easy run to reconnoitre the VBT Chapels Cross Country Run route.

The start was, of course, in front of the “Ascension of the Holy Cross” church in Luizi Călugăra.

We leave some pictures here to tell you about the route.

The hills of east – a panorama not to be missed

Bacăul has its beauties.

From Buhoci, climbing up a forest road, in less than 3km we reach the top of a high hill (over 430m) from where we can admire the surroundings, both to the east, where a sea of rolling hills stretches, and to the west where we can see the meanders of the Siret and the city of Bacău.

Somewhere below the ridge towards Buhoci-Traian, there is also the protected area Culmea Cucuieți, which covers an area of 6,499ha. It is a wild area, with deserts, scrublands, ruptures and old trees and is the habitat of four protected species: red-bellied owlet, yellow-bellied spoonbill, crested newt, grey-browed tawny nightjar.

The protected area covers the territory of the TAUs Bohoci, Gioseni, Horgești, Parincea, Secuieni, Tamași, Traian and Ungureni.

Let the pictures do the talking!

Calvar Chapel (Calvaria)

Calvar Chapel – A Place of Peace and Reflection

Nestled atop the scenic Calvar Hill in Luizi-Călugăra, Bacău County, the Calvar Chapel is a historical and spiritual gem that offers a unique glimpse into the region’s rich past. Built in 1814, the chapel was dedicated to the Descent of the Holy Spirit, and over the years, it has become an important place for both locals and visitors alike, offering moments of reflection and tranquility.

The chapel is renowned not only for its spiritual significance but also for its stunning location. Standing on the hill, it provides sweeping views of the village of Luizi-Călugăra, the surrounding valleys, and the distant horizon. The area is known for its peaceful atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for quiet contemplation and connection with nature.

Visitors can experience the beauty of the landscape, particularly at sunrise when the first light casts a golden glow over the valley. The chapel is a testament to the deep spiritual and cultural heritage of the region, and its serene surroundings allow for a deeper connection with both history and nature.

Whether you’re seeking a place for peaceful reflection, a historical exploration, or simply a beautiful vantage point to appreciate …

Continue Reading→

Gherț Chapel (The Ascension of The Lord)

Welcome to the Ghert Chapel, the Heroes’ Chapel “Ascension of the Lord”

Perched atop the Osebiti Hill (Gherța or Gherț) in Luizi-Călugăra, Romania, the Ghert Chapel is a landmark of the nation’s history and a place of beauty. Built after World War I to honor those who sacrificed their lives in war and the Romanian War of Independence, this chapel offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the city of Bacău.

An altar of devotion and tranquility:

Dedicated to the Ascension of the Lord, the Gherț Chapel attracts visitors with its peaceful atmosphere and beautifully contoured architecture. Its simple, elegant, beautifully rounded design, adorned with religious motifs, creates a sense of spirituality and reverence.

A symbol of resilience and patriotism:

The Ghert Chapel serves as a moving reminder of Romania’s history and the courage of its people. It is a symbol of resistance, a testament to the enduring spirit of those who fought for their nation’s freedom. Inside, marble slabs bear the names of those from the local area who gave their lives in the two wars mentioned above. Moreover, in the immediate vicinity of the chapel, the ground still holds hidden traces of battles that took place …

Continue Reading→

Ciciola Chapel

Welcome to the Ciciola Chapel

Located under the high Carunta Peak (717 m) on the picturesque Ciciola Hill in Faraoani, Romania, in a small clearing, the Ciciola Chapel is a place of spiritual peace and natural beauty. This chapel is a first or last stop along the famous 7 Chapels Pilgrimage route, offering visitors a unique feeling of harmony between faith, heritage and breathtaking landscapes.

A sacred destination

Built to inspire and guide pilgrims, the Ciciola Chapel is more than a landmark – it is a place of reflection and renewal. Located approximately 3 kilometers from the picturesque “Vis” plateau, the chapel offers an ideal setting for prayer, peace or moments of personal tranquility amidst the hills and forests.

Part of a rich pilgrimage tradition

As the sixth stop, or the first, depending on the direction of travel, on the 7 Chapels Pilgrimage Route, the Ciciola Chapel holds a special place in the spiritual journey through Bacău County. Whether you walk the entire route or visit these chapels separately, Ciciola is a highlight that should not be missed.

More than a chapel

Visitors to the Ciciola Chapel can enjoy:

capela suhard

Suhard Chapel (Sinislău)

Location: Sinislău Hill, Luizi Călugăra commune, Bacău county
Geographical coordinates: 46.51867667204952, 26.84153213325184
Google maps: here
Access:
1. The access can be done on foot, from Sărata, from MTB Bar or

2. From Luizi-Călugăra leaving the church towards the hill and at the intersection with the Road between the Vii you enter this road, or
3. From the Cattaleya guesthouse, go up the road on the right and then, when you reach the forest, turn left towards Sărata. Depending on the weather, up to a point can be reached by car or by bike.
Description:
The Suhard Chapel is built on Sinislău hill, one of the highest points near Bacău. From here you have a beautiful view over the city, the village and the valley. You can also admire the sunrise from here.
The chapel was built by the Neculai I. Horvat family in 1932, with the feast of St John the Baptist, in June.

Chapel of the Ascension

Location: Nicolae Bălcescu commune, Bacău county
Geographical coordinates: 46°28’52.5″N 26°51’46.2″E
Google maps: here
Access:
1. The access can be done by car, on an unpaved road, going up from Valea Seacă. From the bottom of the hill you walk about 500 metres.
2. On foot or by bicycle from Valea Seacă, Nicolae Balcescu or other places, following the Via Bacovia routes.
Description:
The chapel “Jesus’ Ascension to Heaven” is built on Albeni hill between Valea Seacă and Balțata. It is perhaps not by chance that this place, a favourite with paragliding enthusiasts, has this name.

The chapel was built in the 19th century, the exact date is unknown. It was built in honour of heroes.

Chapel of Saints Constantine and Helen

Location: village Buchila, commune Nicolae Balcescu, county Bacău
Geographical coordinates: 46.456477, 26.865037
Google maps:here
Access:
1. Access can be made on foot, from Buchila or from Valea Seacă
3. By bike

Maps:
1. Via Bacovia – Big Map
2. Route – Southern Chapels


Description:
The Chapel of Saints Emperors Constantine and Helen is built on the hill in the locality of Buchila. From here you can reach the Ciciola Chapel (about 4Km) following forest roads. From here you can also reach the chapel “Ascension of Jesus to Heaven”.

The chapel was founded in 1888.