Top 5 caves in Romania

The natural underground network of Romania consists of a large variety of caves and narrow galleries, underground lakes, and water streams. But only a small part of them is accessible to tourists. Yet the ones that are open to the public offer us a glance at this extraordinary world beneath us.

So without further ado, here is a list of the most beautiful caves in Romania that you can visit during your trip here.

 

The Bear's Cave

The Bear’s Cave from Apuseni Mountains was accidentally discovered in 1975 by a local and opened to the public five years later. It is probably one of the most well-known caves in Romania. The multitude of cave bear fossils found all over the galleries gave the cave its actual name.

But what makes it so special is the speleothems which are so diverse and can be found in so many shapes that tourists are simply amazed. The Charmed Palaces, the Dwarf’s House, the Water Lily Lake, and the Candles Chamber are just a few examples of what the depths has secretly created for thousands of years.

 

Apart from all these underground beauties, the main attraction is an intact skeleton of a cave bear, which is more than 15,000 years old.

 

Meziad Cave

Meziad Cave is only 40 km away from the Bear’s Cave, so both can be easily visited on the same day. Although the Meziad Cave does not have as many limestone formations as the Bear's Cave, it is astounding through its large and spacious chambers as well as its numerous colonies of bats.

 

Important info: In order to visit it, you will need to wear a protective helmet, which you will receive before entering.

 

 

Women's' Cave

The Women's Cave is located in the Baia de Fier village, in Gorj County, and it is the first electrified cave in Romania.

The name comes from the fact that during wars and times of need, women and children used to shelter inside. But the cave has been used as a shelter for villagers for thousands of years, as research revealed both human and animal remnants that date back to the Paleolithic Age.

Women’s Cave is also famous due to its beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations as well as for its bat colonies. The locals say that miracles happen inside and that some places of the cave have special healing properties.

 

 

Scarisoara Cave

Scărișoara is one of the most famous attractions in the Apuseni Mountains, and according to many scientists, it is home to the largest underground glacier in the world.

The entrance to the cave is equally amazing as the cave itself because it consists of a 30-meter steep stairway descending into the cave.

The visit of the cave itself doesn't last for long, but we can assure you that once you discover the beautiful glacial stalactites and stalagmites, you will be amazed. Even on the hottest summer days, the temperature inside the cave doesn’t exceed 1°C, so Scarisoara is the perfect place for a short winter break in the middle of summer.

 

 

Beautiful video about Scarisoara Cave taken by a group of tourists:

Credits to Alex Bartis

Valea Cetatii Cave

The Valley of the Citadel is situated in the Brasov County, near Rasnov Citadel. Between 2010 and 2011, 330 meters of the cave was carefully equipped with fiberglass bridges, handrails, stairs, and bat-friendly lights.

The guided tour lasts almost a half an hour and ends in the Great Hall of the cave. The most interesting fact is that the acoustics of the Great Hall are so accurate that the cave is used regularly for classical music concerts.

 

Credits background photo to Socaciu Marcel.