It is one of Romania's earliest show caves and makes a short guided visit of 30–45 minutes.
About the place
The cave was blasted open on 10 November 1903, above the waterfall visible from the train, and fitted out for visitors in 1905 by Count Ödön Zichy. It got electric lighting in 1969, the second cave in the country to do so, and was refurbished in 2004. It has stalactites, stalagmites and an underground stream that forms a waterfall of about 6 m, 40 m from the entrance. It has been a natural monument since 1955 and hosts a large bat colony.
It is run by the Țării Crișurilor Museum. Tickets cost 20 lei for adults and 10 lei for children, students and pensioners. Published hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am–5 pm from 1 April to 31 October and 10 am–4 pm from 1 November to 31 March; closed on Mondays. Visits are guided only and must be booked at least 24 hours ahead. You can reach it by train to Peștera halt, on foot along the railway from Vadu Crișului (1.9 km) or Șuncuiuș (2.6 km), or on a trail marked with a red dot, about 30 minutes, from the car park on the left bank of the river.
Good to know
- Call the guide on 0742 120 940 at least a day ahead; without a booking you may not get in.
- Bring a jacket: it is about 10 °C inside all year, and the floor is wet.
- Do not use flash; it is banned because of the bats.
Opening hours
Opening hours are not confirmed. Check the venue's website before you go.