Mount Cozla and the Gondola
About Mount Cozla and the Gondola
Mount Cozla (Muntele Cozla) rises over Piatra Neamț on the western side of town, on the ridge at the southern end of the Stânișoarei Mountains. From the top you can see the whole town, the Bistrița valley, Lake Bâtca Doamnei and, in clear weather, the Ceahlău Massif. The easiest way up is the gondola, which starts at Piața Gării, next to the town's railway station, and reaches the Cozla plateau, at 632 m, in about 8 minutes.
The gondola was built by the Austrian company Doppelmayr and has run since 2008, with 22 cabins of 8 seats each, on a 1,915 m route with a height difference of 309 m. A ski slope with a chairlift and artificial snow was built on the eastern slope of the mountain at the same time, but it no longer operates.
What you can see
The ride up is the first attraction: the cabin passes over the rooftops of the centre and over the forest, and the town opens out wider and wider. At the top, the arrival station gives onto a panoramic terrace overlooking Lake Bâtca Doamnei, the surrounding hills and, on clear days, the Ceahlău Massif.
Footpaths lead off from the plateau through the Cozla forest, along the ridge above the town; one hiking route runs towards Trei Căldări. Next to the top station is the Cozla Fossil Site (Locul fosilifer Cozla), a palaeontological reserve of about 10 ha where fossil fish have been found in the Oligocene layers, kept at the town's Natural Science Museum.
Good to know
The ski slope and the chairlift do not operate: the last ski season on Cozla was the winter of 2018–2019, and the installations have not been put back into service. The only installation that runs is the gondola, all year round. It stops in strong wind or bad weather. The area around the top station is being redeveloped in stages.
Information verified on 3 November 2026.
- The gondola ride from Piața Gării up to the Cozla plateau, in about 8 minutes, with the town opening out ever wider below the cabin.
- The panoramic terrace at the top, looking towards Lake Bâtca Doamnei and, in clear weather, the Ceahlău Massif.
- A walk on the footpaths of the Cozla forest, along the ridge above the town.
- The Cozla Fossil Site, the palaeontological reserve next to the top station, where fossil fish have been found in the Oligocene layers.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: Piatra Neamț is on the national road from Bacău, ~61 km away (~1 hour 30 minutes); from Suceava it is ~99 km (~2 hours) and from Iași ~136 km (~2 hours 30 minutes). The gondola's bottom station is at Piața Gării 7, in the town centre. The plateau can also be reached by a gravel road that starts next to the zoo, on Strada Ștefan cel Mare.
Public transport: the town's railway station is next to the gondola's bottom station.
- Fees & discounts
Adults: 60 lei return, 40 lei one way (up or down). Children aged 5 to 14: 40 lei and 30 lei respectively. Children under 5 ride free. Residents of Piatra Neamț and the neighbouring communes, pensioners of the municipality and people with disabilities get reduced fares or free rides, under the operator's rules. Tickets are sold at the ticket office or online, and prices may change.
- Rules
On the plateau, keep to the laid-out paths and terraces; in the forest, stay on the footpaths and wear suitable footwear. The palaeontological reserve is a protected area: do not take fossils or rocks. Do not leave rubbish and do not feed wild animals.
- Facilities
Gondola from the town centre · online tickets · panoramic terrace · toilets at the top station · simple accommodation on the plateau
Frequently asked questions about Mount Cozla and the Gondola
How much is a ticket to Mount Cozla and the Gondola?
A ticket to Mount Cozla and the Gondola costs 60 lei (adult, return). More under “Fees & discounts”
What are the opening hours of Mount Cozla and the Gondola?
Opening hours at Mount Cozla and the Gondola: Monday–Tuesday 10:00 – 20:00, Wednesday 12:00 – 20:00, Thursday 10:00 – 20:00, Friday–Sunday 10:00 – 22:00. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Mount Cozla and the Gondola take?
A visit to Mount Cozla and the Gondola takes about 1½ – 2 hours (the ride up, the terrace and a stroll).
Can you visit Mount Cozla and the Gondola with kids?
Yes, Mount Cozla and the Gondola is suitable for children (free under 5).
How do I get to Mount Cozla and the Gondola?
Mount Cozla and the Gondola is located at Piața Gării 7, bottom station of the gondola, Piatra Neamț, Neamț County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Mount Cozla and the Gondola?
The best season for Mount Cozla and the Gondola: All year round (all year, weather permitting).
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