Turda Gorge (Cheile Turzii)
Comuna Petreștii de Jos, Comuna Petreștii de Jos, Turda, ROU
Sheer limestone cliffs featuring caves and rock towers rise up on either side of this 1.8-mile (3-kilometer canyon, which forms a split in what was once a single mountain. The dramatic karst formations, carved over millennia by a rushing river, are now part of a protected nature reserve popular with hikers and climbers.
Turda Gorge (Cheile Turzii) is a go-to for city dwellers who want to escape to nature. Guided hikes, often departing from nearby Cluj-Napoca, typically include round-trip transportation as well as a hiking guide to accompany participants on the trails. Adventure-hungry travelers can tackle the gorge’s Via Ferrata climbing route; rails and rungs are embedded in the rocks for assistance.
- Turda Gorge is a must for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
- Bring along water and wear hiking shoes with plenty of grip as the rocks can be slippery when wet.
- The main trail along the river is flat and relatively easy, and takes about 40–60 minutes to complete (one-way). More challenging trails are also available.
Turda Gorge is about nine miles (15 kilometers) southeast of Cluj-Napoca. Driving will take 50–60 minutes. If you’re coming from Turda, take the bus to Cheia, and make the 3-mile (5-kilometer) walk from there to the gorge entrance.
Visit in spring and summer when daylight lasts longer and the weather is milder. Many city dwellers head to the gorge at the weekend, and trails can get busy; get here early to beat the crowds.
Turda Gorge is home to more than 1,000 plant and animal species, from wild garlic to common wall lizards. Bird species including golden eagles, owls, wallcreepers, and rock buntings all nest here, while bats cling to the ceilings and crevices of the caves.
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