Eastern Carpathians

The Ceahlău massif rises in the central Eastern Carpathians, bounded by the valleys of the Bistrița, Bistricioara and Bicaz. Its steep slopes and encircling ridges converge on the high summits of Ocolașul Mare and Toaca. Forests cover the lower mountain, while exposed rock and open ground crown the heights. The rivers cut paths around the massif, linking the mountain country to the eastern valleys beyond it and providing natural routes through an otherwise rugged landscape.