Cluj-Napoca
9:00
We recommend leaving no later than 9 a.m. to avoid the crowds at the salt mine. If you head out early, you’ll skip the ticket lines and enjoy a peaceful experience in the beautiful underground salt museum.
Access to the salt mine is through the Salina Tourist Center building, located on Aleea Durgăului, at No. 7. You might wonder why we’ve reserved so many hours for your visit here; in fact, you may even exceed this timeframe. Inside, you’ll discover a magical underground world where, in addition to relaxation, you can enjoy numerous exciting activities.
For example, visitors can take a boat ride on the salt lake in the heart of the mine, inside Terezia Mine. The boat ride lasts about 20 minutes and costs 10 lei. If that doesn’t appeal to you, there are plenty of other options. You can have fun with friends playing mini-golf, with six mini-golf courses available for 10 lei per person for a 30-minute game. Beyond mini-golf, you can also enjoy bowling, table tennis, or billiards in the mine.
Another must-do experience is the Ferris Wheel. This “ride” lasts 8 minutes and costs 5 lei per person, offering you the best views and photo opportunities from above! Other unique attractions include the Franz Josef Gallery, the Echo Hall, the Crivac Hall, and Rudolf Mine, each adding to the charm of this remarkable location.
Next, explore an iconic monument within the city of Turda, located about a 15-minute drive away.
The Roman Castrum Potaissa is a historical monument dating back to 168 AD, built by the Fifth Macedonian Legion during the reign of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Discovered in 1950, it is located on Citadel Hill. If you have a passion for history and culture, this is a site you shouldn’t miss!
For lunch, you can choose the restaurant at “Prince Hunter’s Castle,” where you’ll get a glimpse into how residences were organized in the time of knights. Within the castle grounds, you’ll find two restaurant options: Coliba Haiducilor (offering game dishes) and Căsuța Țărănească (with traditional Romanian decor and dishes). For a truly memorable experience, don’t miss the miniature castle crafted from old stone.
After exploring Turda’s little medieval world, we suggest taking a slight detour to enjoy an unmissable view. About a 20-minute drive along the Hășdate Valley lies the stunning Turda Gorge (Cheile Turzii).
Turda Gorge offers visitors breathtaking landscapes characterized by a unique, wild beauty. This karst landscape features massive cliffs and towering peaks that are home to hundreds of plant and animal species, including rare ones like the golden eagle and the wallcreeper.
This area is a natural reserve and has been recognized by UNESCO as one of the most beautiful natural monuments. Turda Gorge offers numerous hiking trails with varying difficulty levels. A recommended medium-difficulty trail, spanning 2.5 km, is the route from Izvorul Popii to Valea Arineilor and Ciucaș Waterfall.
After your adventure in Turda Gorge, return to the city known as the “Heart of Transylvania” to relax and unwind after this beautiful and engaging day.
