Lacul Cuejdel

Lake Cuejdel is one of the largest natural dam lakes in Romania (because of silting, its water volume is now smaller than that of Lacu Roșu), located in the Munții Stânișoarei, along the middle course of the Cuejdel stream, on the territory of Gârcina commune, approximately 25 km from Piatra Neamț. Its formation was a geological process that unfolded in several stages: the first massive landslide occurred in 1978, triggered in part by the construction of a forestry road on the hillside. In 1991, a new geological event (caused by the 1990 earthquake and the heavy rainfall of that year) completely blocked the entire valley, accumulating the volume of water that forms today's lake. The formation process is not considered final, as future landslides remain possible due to the instability of the terrain in the area. The most striking visual element is the hundreds of tree trunks emerging from the water: the remains of the forest that existed before the lake formed, gradually submerged as the water level rose. The image of the time-blackened trunks rising from the water's surface, surrounded by dense deciduous forest, has made Cuejdel one of the most photographed natural landscapes in Moldova. The scenic beauty, unique geomorphological and limnological characteristics, and specific biodiversity were the basis for the lake being declared a nature reserve of national interest in 2004. The Via Mariae M05 pilgrimage route, often compared to El Camino de Santiago, passes by the lake: the European pilgrimage route linking Mariazell in Austria, via Hungary and Șumuleu Ciuc, to Putna Monastery, part of a network of routes crossing 7 Central European countries. The lake can be reached from Piatra Neamț via two routes: the Gârcina-Cuejdiu village route, then on foot along the marked trail from Cuejdi Skete, about 35 minutes; or the Crăcăoani-Cracăul Negru route. Along the route from Gârcina, visitors can also stop at the Daniil Sihastrul de la Cuejdi monks' skete, and a picturesque waterfall can be found along the Cuejdi stream. The walk along the forestry road that follows the lakeshore is accessible to anyone, without special equipment.