Apuseni Natural Park is definitely one of the most beautiful regions in Romania. Well known for the large number of interesting caves that attract thousands of tourists, the most imposing and splendid karst formations in Romania such as Cetatile Ponorului (Fortresses of Ponor) and the bucolic landscape with horses and haystacks, the whole area is a paradise for those who want both a relaxing and adventurous holiday. With a guided tour in Apuseni, one will find here gorges, waterfalls, impressive rock walls, water caves and ice caves, to name just a few of the wonders from Apuseni. No doubt, it is a place worth visiting!
Where: Apuseni Natural Park
Highlights: Galbena Gorge, Focul viu cave, vertical caves, view points, waterfalls
Available: June – October
Departure points: Bucharest, Oradea, Cluj
Type of activity: hiking, scrambling, photography
The hikes are rated as: medium – difficult
Recommended for: small groups up to 4 people with a very good physical condition, adventure seekers
Customizable: yes
Detailed program Glaciers and caves in Apuseni – guided tour
Day 1: We are heading to Glavoi Meadow, the heart of Apuseni Natural Park, where we’ll embark on a short walk to one of the most beautiful places in Apuseni, a karst plateau called Lumea Pierduta (The Lost World). We’ll see some of the most impressive vertical caves in the area: Avenul Gemanata, Avenul Pionierilor, Avenul Acoperit.
Accommodation at a local guesthouse.
Day 2: Today you’re in for the adventure called Galbena Gorge Circuit. You will visit Focul Viu ice cave (The Living Fire), then cross the wild and spectacular Galbena Gorge! The crossing through the gorge is done on cables…which will make this even more adventurous! At the end of the gorge you’ll have a beautiful surprise. It ain’t over until it’s over, so we’ve saved the best for last: the vertical Bortig Ice Cave, 54 m deep and 34 m wide! Just imagine how it’s like to stand near it and look down…
Accommodation at a local guesthouse.
Day 3: La piece de resistance for today is the famous Cetatile Ponorului Circuit (Fortresses of Ponor). First, we’ll pay a visit to the place called Balcoane (The Balconies), amazing viewpoints from where you see the impressive rock walls and a huge portal. After that, we’ll cross the cave for almost an hour, making our way through big boulders and water.The small waterfalls formed inside the cave… are a real natural show with natural spotlights. The exit of the cave is followed by a short climb on cables and soon we’ll be facing the impressive portal of the cave which is 74 m high. This makes it the biggest portal in Romania!
Accommodation at a local guesthouse.
Day 4: This area is called Padis, so we have to visit the Padis plateau. Today we enjoy a beautiful journey through mountains, beautiful meadows with horses, cows. At Padis, some peasants, shepperds, will wait for us with cheese, pies, milk and a warm smile.
Accommodation at a local guesthouse.
Day 5: Before we leave this amazing park, we have just one more little adventure to taste: Cetatile Radesei (The Fortresses of Radeasa). Of course, made by Mother Nature. A beautiful active cave, with a few natural windows, where the light gets in, and a small but wild canyon at the exit!
The beautiful journey in Apuseni Mountains ends but it leaves us with beautiful memories and pictures of a fairylike realm.
End of program and transfer to the departure point of the tour.
IMPORTANT: The program can be altered on the spot, depending on weather conditions and other relevant aspects such as the physical condition of the participants.
Price upon request.
