Are you looking for a fascinating destination in the heart of Romania, where you can enjoy a unique experience in the middle of nature? The Bear Cave in the Apuseni Mountains is a place that deserves its notoriety. In the following lines, you will find everything you need to know about the Bear Cave: information about its history and location, details about access and visiting hours, as well as many ideas for exciting sights and activities in the area, perfect for a successful trip.
- Bear Cave – a brief history
- Bear Cave – access and location
- Bear Cave – program of visits
- Visit the Bear Cave with children
- Bear Cave pictures
- Tourist attractions in the area of Bear Cave
- Other activities near Bear Cave
- Where to stay
Bear Cave – a brief history
The Bear Cave (in Hungarian, Medve Barlang) is considered one of the most spectacular caves in Romania and even in Europe, being a top destination for tourists visiting the Apuseni Mountains. Its galleries stretch for more than 1,500 meters and are divided on two levels: the upper gallery, 488 meters long, designed for visitors, and the lower gallery, 521 meters long, designed for scientific research.
Accidentally discovered in 1975, following dynamiting in the marble quarry of Chișcău, the Bear Cave quickly became a major attraction. Its name comes from the numerous fossils of cave bears (Ursus spelaeus) found here, a species extinct for some 24,000 years. Apart from its success as a tourist destination, Bear Cave is also an important scientific landmark, a place of great interest to paleontologists, geologists and biologists.
How was Bear Cave discovered?
The story of Bear Cave begins a long time ago, in the Jurassic period, when the limestones were formed that would later house its galleries. But to the outside world, the cave remained a well-kept secret of nature until September 17, 1975. On that day, blasting work in the marble quarry at Chișcău revealed the entrance to the cave. The miner Traian Curta was the first man to enter the cave and walked through the Bear Gallery to the Great Hall.
This chance discovery triggered a wave of excitement and curiosity. In the following days, a group of amateur speleologists from Ștei carefully explored the newly discovered galleries, then mapped the first sections of it. But it was not until 1977 that systematic research began, carried out by the Emil Racoviță Institute of Speleology in Cluj-Napoca, in collaboration with the Crișurilor Country Museum in Oradea and the Speodava Speleology Club in Ștei.
Because of its beauty and scientific importance, it was decided to open the cave for visitors. The work took about five years and on July 14, 1980, the Bear Cave was officially opened to the general public. Since then, millions of visitors from all over the world have walked in the footsteps of cave bears and have been mesmerized by the underground landscapes of the cave.
➡️ If you are looking for another unique place in Europe, perfect for relaxation, we recommend you to read all about Lake Ursu, a true natural oasis of health.
Bear Cave – access and location
The Bears Cave is located in Bihor county, in the heart of the Apuseni Mountains. It is located in the village of Chișcău, commune of Pietroasa, at an altitude of 482 meters. This area is famous for its spectacular karst landscapes, with numerous caves, gorges and gorges.
How to get to Bear Cave
Access to the Bear Cave is mainly by car, following the national and county roads in the area. Here are some possible routes from the main towns nearby:
- From Oradea (89 km, about 1 hour and 30 minutes):
- Follow DN76/E79 towards Deva/Beiuș, until Sudrigiu;
- From Sudrigiu, turn left on DJ763 towards Pietroasa and then towards Chișcău.
- From Cluj-Napoca (170 km, about 3 hours):
- Follow DN1/E60 towards Oradea, until Bucea;
- From Bucea, turn left on DJ764 towards Beiuș, then continue towards Sudrigiu, Pietroasa and Chișcău.
- From Deva (130 km, about 2 hours):
- Follow DN76/E79 towards Oradea/Beiuș, until Sudrigiu;
- From Sudrigiu, turn right on DJ763 towards Pietroasa and then towards Chișcău.
There are public transport options to Pietroasa, but connections to the village of Chișcău (where the cave is located) are limited. It’s a good idea to check local bus timetables in advance and bear in mind that you’ll most likely have to walk part of the way.
Parking
At the entrance to the tourist area, there is a parking lot, quite generous in terms of space. It costs 20 lei/day/car and 5 lei/day/motorbike. Parking capacity is about 400 cars and 20 coaches. From the parking, you have to walk about 500 meters to the entrance of the cave along an easily accessible path.
Cave of the Bears – visit program
The Bear Cave has a well-established visitation program that allows safe public access without endangering visitors or the underground environment.
You can visit the Bear Cave from Monday to Sunday from 10:00-18:00 (last entry is at 17:00). This program is valid all year round, whatever the season. However, in exceptional cases (adverse weather conditions, maintenance works, etc.), the program may change.
An entrance ticket costs 40 lei (adults or children). For organized groups of at least 20 people, the entrance to the Bear Cave is free for accompanying persons. The rule is: for every 10 people who pay for a ticket, one accompanying person (educator, teacher, teacher, guide or organizer) of the group gets free admission.
Important dates:
- The standard cave tour takes about 45 minutes;
- Access to the cave is allowed only accompanied by a cave guide. Groups form at the entrance at regular intervals. The guides provide information about the history, geology and formations in the cave, both in Romanian and in international languages (on request);
- For the moment, there is no possibility to buy tickets online. They can only be purchased at the ticket office at the entrance to the cave;
- Inside the cave, photography and filming can only be done with the written permission of the Apuseni Natural Park Administration.
Visit the Bear Cave with children
A trip to Bear Cave can be a fun and educational experience for children of all ages. The underground world, with its mysterious formations and the story of the cave bears, is sure to spark the imagination and curiosity of little ones. Here are some things to consider when planning a cave visit with your little one:
- The cave is accessible to children of all ages. However, given the length of the visit (about 45 minutes) and the fact that the whole time is on foot, it is important to make sure that they are able to withstand the effort and pay attention to the guide’s instructions;
- The temperature inside the cave is around 10 degrees Celsius all year round. Thicker clothing is recommended, even in summer, to avoid thermal discomfort;
- The trail is equipped with paths and stairs, but it is important that both children and adults wear comfortable, non-slip footwear to prevent slipping;
- The cave is a safe environment for visitors, but it’s important to follow the rules of the cave and supervise children carefully throughout the tour. Do not deviate from the marked route and do not touch the limestone formations;
- To make the experience as exciting as possible, tell your little ones about the cave, the cave bears and how the stalactites and stalagmites were formed before entering. Encourage them to ask the guide questions and observe the surrounding details carefully;
- The designated route is not suitable for strollers. If you have small children of pre-school age, they must be supervised at all times.
A visit to Bear Cave can be a really fun adventure, but also a great opportunity for children to learn new things about:
- geology – see for themselves how caves and limestone formations are formed;
- history – learn about cave bears and other prehistoric animals that lived in the area;
- science – they will better understand the natural processes taking place underground;
- protecting the environment – they will learn about the importance of protecting these ecosystems.
Bear Cave pictures
Beyond words and descriptions, the beauty of the Bear Cave is best revealed in pictures. To pique your curiosity about the wonders hidden deep in the Apuseni Mountains, we have prepared a selection of photos that capture the grandeur and uniqueness of this cave.
The Gallery of the Bears is named after the many Ursus spelaeus fossils found here. Visitors to the cave can see part of the skeleton of a cave bear, a species extinct for more than 24,000 years.
The “draperies” in the Candle Gallery are thin, curved limestone formations resembling folds of fabric. They were formed by the gradual deposition of minerals in the water seeping down the cave walls, resulting in a visually striking effect.
The Candle Gallery is one of the most famous areas of the Bear Cave and is located near the cave exit. The gallery’s name comes from the large number of stalagmites that rise from the cave floor and create a candle-like image.
Tourist attractions in the area of Bear Cave
A visit to the Bear Cave is just the beginning of your journey through the Beiuș Country, an area that encompasses numerous natural and cultural attractions. If you’ve made it this far, it would be a shame not to explore other hidden treasures of the Apuseni Mountains. Here are a few sights to include in your itinerary.
Caves:
- Meziad Cave (about 30 km from the Bear Cave) – another spectacular cave in the area, which stands out for its impressive size and diversity of formations. It is the second largest cave in Bihor County, being one of the longest caves in Romania (over 6 km long). It is also home to one of the largest bat colonies in the country;
- The crystal cave in Farcu mine (approx. 20 km from the Bear Cave) – unique in Romania, this cave will impress you with the numerous calcite crystals adorning the walls and ceiling. It can only be visited with a guided tour lasting about 30 minutes. The cave is 250 m long and the temperature inside is constant (between 9 and 12 degrees Celsius);
- Vârtop Cave (Vârtop Glacier, approx. 15 km from Bear Cave) – this cave is home to a fossilized ice block, a reminiscence of the last glaciation, more than 30,000 years old. In 1974, researchers also discovered traces of Neanderthal man, also known as “Vârtop man”, in the Vârtop Cave.
Keys and gorges:
- Galbena Gorges (approx. 25 km from Bear Cave) – a spectacular gorge, carved by the Galbena River, with steep walls, waterfalls and hidden caves. The Galbenei Gorges are a popular hiking trail among adventure lovers traveling in the area;
- Albioarei Gorges – located near the village of Rosia, these gorges are of rare beauty. They are a little over 2.5 km long and their depth is about 80-100 m;
- Crișului Repede Gorge (approx. 60 km) – it stretches between Șuncuiuș and Vadu Crișului. The area is suitable for hiking, rafting, but also for visiting the caves in the area (Vadu Crișului Cave, Vântului Cave).
Cascade:
- Vârciorog Waterfall (approx. 10 km from Peștera Urșilor) – the Vârciorog River is a tributary of the Arieș Mare, and the 15-meter-high waterfall of the same name is located in a picturesque setting;
- Bohodei Waterfall (approx. 45 km from Bear Cave) – is the highest of the waterfalls in the Apuseni Mountains, with a height of over 80 meters.
Mountain trails:
- The route to Piatra Mărunțișului – a medium-difficulty trail, which offers superb views of the area;
- The route to Piatra Grăitoare – another popular mountain trail, leading to a rocky peak with breathtaking views.
➡️ Want to explore more of the beauty of the Apuseni Mountains? Discover other sights in the area and plan your next adventure!
Other activities near Peștera Urșilor
In addition to sightseeing, the area around the Bear Cave offers many outdoor activities perfect for enjoying the spectacular nature of the Apuseni Mountains. Here you are sure to find something to your liking, from hiking to mountain sports.
Hiking
The Apuseni Mountains are a hiking paradise with many marked trails of varying degrees of difficulty. You can choose between easy trails that last a couple of hours, perfect for families with children, or longer, more demanding trails that will take you along the mountain ridges and offer unforgettable panoramic views. Some popular examples include:
- The Gărzii de Sus Circuit: a medium-difficulty route, passing through the Ordâncușii Gorges and the Scărișoara Glacier.
- Trails in the Padiș area: the Padiș Plateau is an excellent starting point for many hiking trails, to places such as the Ponorului Fortresses, the Vărășoaia Glens or the Church of Moțului Peak.
- Trails in the Stâna de Vale area: a mountain resort, about 40 km from the Bear Cave, with many trails through centuries-old forests and picturesque landscapes.
Mountain biking
If you love cycling, you can explore the beauty of the area on two wheels. There are numerous forest roads and trails suitable for mountain biking. You can rent bikes from nearby towns or bring your own.
Mountaineering and climbing
For those experienced in mountain sports, the rocky walls of the Cheile Galbenei or Cheile Cuților offer the opportunity to practice mountaineering or climbing. It is recommended to be properly equipped and knowledgeable so that you can enjoy these activities safely.
Speology
Being a karst area, the Apuseni Mountains are home to numerous caves, some of them set up for visitation, others intended only for experienced cavers. If you’re a caving enthusiast, you can contact local caving clubs to organize tours in the lesser-known caves in the area. Vacii Cave, Smeilor Cave in Onceasa, Avenul V5 or Ghețarul Cave in Bârsa are just a few examples of caves that can be visited by amateurs accompanied by specialized guides.
Relaxation and traditions
If you prefer more relaxing activities, you can spend time in the area’s traditional villages, where you can experience the hospitality of the locals, taste fresh local produce and admire traditional crafts. You can also visit the old wooden churches, historic monuments of particular beauty.
For families with children, the Bear Cave area is very attractive. Together with your family, you can enjoy:
- horse-drawn sleigh or carriage rides;
- recreational fishing in local waters;
- visit a traditional cheese dairy – an authentic experience where children can see how cheese is made and interact with the animals.
➡️ Looking for other activities suitable for children? Discover the benefits and accommodation options at Salina Turda, another spectacular tourist attraction in Romania!
Where to stay
After enjoying adventure and unique landscapes in the charming region of Transylvania, you will surely need a quiet and cozy place to relax and recharge your batteries. Nestled in the heart of Transylvania, in the village of Cund, in a picturesque valley surrounded by wooded hills, Valea Verde Retreat offers a fairytale landscape where you can reconnect with nature. Here you will find the peace and quiet you need to completely relax, away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.
Valea Verde Retreat offers guests carefully restored apartments and vacation homes that combine rustic charm with modern amenities. Choose from a variety of accommodations, each with its own unique charm: The Long House, a traditional Saxon house, The Old Barn, a former stable converted into a modern accommodation, The Lake Apartment, located right by the lake, or The Stable Apartment, set in former stables overlooking the garden.
At Valea Verde, you can enjoy various outdoor activities: hiking in the surrounding hills, cycling or horse riding. You can also relax in the hammock, while reading a good book and enjoying the fresh air and lovely views. The retreat has a restaurant renowned for its delicious dishes cooked with fresh, local ingredients and an excellent wine selection.
➡️Cauți accommodation in Transylvania? Discover Valea Verde Retreat, an oasis of tranquility in the heart of nature, and book your perfect stay!
The Bear Cave is undoubtedly one of the most impressive natural tourist attractions in Romania. From its unique history, linked to the chance discovery and tracks left by cave bears, to the spectacular limestone formations, every corner of the cave tells a story. But the beauty of the area doesn’t stop at the cave entrance. The whole region of the Apuseni Mountains is dotted with dream landscapes, varied sights and plenty of activities to suit all tastes and ages.
Photo sources: Shutterstock 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, Valea Verde
