Cetățile Ponorului
Explore Cetățile Ponorului, a spectacular cave system and hiking destination in Romania's Bihor Mountains, featuring Europe's largest rock gate and adventurous rappelling through blooming meadows.

📜 Spectacular cave system and hiking destination in Romania's Bihor Mountains.
🏞️ Features Europe's largest rock gate and unique cave passages.

Why Go

🌍 Explore one of Europe's most renowned karst landscapes
🌸 Hike through Poiana Florilor meadows and discover the Galbena River springs
🧗‍♀️ Experience adventurous rappelling on chains and ladders
⛰️ Witness Europe's largest cave portal, an impressive rock gate up to 74m high

Why Avoid

⚠️ Not for beginners; requires good physical shape and suitable shoes
❄️ Not recommended from November to March due to snow/glaciers
🌧️ Cave and descent can be wet, slippery, and muddy
⏳ Descent to the cave can be time-consuming if encountering other groups
🥶 Caves are very dark and cold inside

Tips

💡 Headlamp (essential for the cave) and helmet (recommended)
👟 Sandals or water shoes for the cave passage
🍖 Secure your food from stray dogs

🅿️ Parking

Free roadside parking available, but can be limited.

🍽️ Food & Drink

Restaurant and pub available at Cabana Cetatile Ponorului, a hut a few kilometers from the cave.

🚫 Restrictions

No dogs allowed on the trail
No wheelchair accessibility