Things to do
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Scărișoara Cave
A cave holding an underground glacier of about 100,000 cubic metres, the second largest in south east Europe, some of it around 3,500 years old. It is entered by stair into a 48 metre shaft and the temperature stays near freezing. Visits are guided and a warm layer is wanted even in August.
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Apuseni Natural Park
A protected area of about 76,000 hectares over the karst plateau, holding ice caves, gorges, sinkholes and the Padiș basin, which is the centre of the region's walking. Marked routes leave from Gârda and from the Padiș meadows, and water is carried, because the plateau drains underground.
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Ordâncușa Gorge
A limestone gorge below the ice cave with walls that close over the road in places, carrying a stream and several cave mouths. It is driven or walked and it is the way up to Scărișoara. The road is narrow and unsurfaced in stretches, with few passing places in summer.
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Poarta lui Ionele Cave
A show cave with a 15 metre entrance arch beside the main road, short and easily done, and the gentlest introduction to the karst here. It is lit and railed, the visit takes about a quarter of an hour, and it is usually combined with Scărișoara on the same drive.
