Scărișoara of Scărișoara Ice Cave (Pestera Scărișoara) Alba County - interior view
The legends Scărișoara Ice Cave: The Frozen Heart of the Apuseni1. The Dragon of the Ice (Solomonarul și Balaurul)
The Legend: Where did the ice come from? The Story: Ancient folklore says that a "Solomonar" (a powerful sorcerer who controls the weather) captured a rogue dragon that was terrorizing the villages in the Apuseni. Instead of killing it, he cast a spell to freeze the dragon deep inside the mountain. The massive block of ice we see today is said to be the dragon's frozen breath. Locals believe that if the glacier ever melts completely, the dragon will wake up and bring a storm that will swallow the world.
2. The Twin Wells (Fântânile de Leac)
The Legend: The hidden springs of the Great Plateau. The Story: Near the cave, there are said to be two secret wells. Legend has it that one contains "Water of Life" and the other "Water of Death." Only the elders of the Moți (the local people of the Apuseni) knew which was which. It is believed that the water dripping from the cave's ice stalactites has purifying properties, and if you make a wish while a drop falls on your forehead, the "Mountain Spirit" will grant it.
3. The Giants' Mirror
The Legend: The Great Hall (Sala Mare). The Story: The floor of the cave is a flat, massive sheet of ice. Legend says that in ancient times, the giant women of the mountains used this ice floor as a mirror to braid their hair before the great "Feast of the Peaks." The stalagmites surrounding the ice were their "frozen candles" that lit up the dark when the moon was at its brightest.
Location & GeographyLocated in the Bihor-Vlădeasa Mountains (part of the Apuseni range) at an altitude of 1,165 meters above sea level, Scărișoara is situated in Alba County, near the village of Gârda de Sus.
The cave is famous for housing the world's second-largest underground glacier, a massive block of ice with a volume of over 120,000 cubic meters. This natural freezer has been preserved for over 3,500 years, making it a site of immense scientific importance for studying ancient climates.
Highlights for Travelers-The Descent: Your adventure begins with a walk down a series of metal stairs into a 48-meter deep, 60-meter wide sinkhole. As you descend, you will feel the temperature drop dramatically—an instant escape from the summer heat!
-The Great Hall: Once inside, you’ll stand on the "Great Hall," where the massive ice block forms the floor. The view is ethereal, especially when sunlight filters through the entrance.
-The Church (Biserica): No, it’s not a building! This is a specific chamber filled with over 100 stunning ice stalagmites that resemble flickering candles or religious icons.
-Apuseni Landscapes: The journey to the cave is just as beautiful as the destination. You'll pass through traditional Moți villages and dense pine forests, offering some of the best hiking trails in Romania.
A 4K video who present Scărișoara Ice Cave (Pestera Scarisoara):
Traveler Tips-Dress Warmly: Even if it’s 30°C outside, the temperature inside the cave stays around 0°C. Don't forget a jacket and sturdy shoes!
-Access: The cave is accessible via a paved road from Gârda de Sus, followed by a short walk.
-Best Time to Visit: Spring is spectacular as the ice formations (stalagmites) are at their largest after the winter freeze.
Fast FactsTotal Length: 720 meters
Glacier Age: ~3,500 years
Ice Thickness: Up to 22 meters
Difficulty: Moderate (many stairs to climb back up!)
This Underground glacier cave of Romania is in top 5 caves to visit, is one of the Transylvania's natural wonders.
Frequently Asked Questions: Scărișoara Ice Cave (Ghețarul de la Scărișoara)1. What makes Scărișoara Ice Cave unique?
Scărișoara is home to the largest underground glacier in the world by volume. The ice block has been inside the cave for over 4,000 years, with a thickness of about 22 to 36 meters. It is a natural wonder where stalagmites are made of ice instead of rock.
2. Where is the cave located and how do I get there?
It is located in the Garda de Sus commune, Alba County, in the Apuseni Natural Park.
-By Car: You can drive up to a parking lot located about 10–15 minutes away from the cave entrance.
-By Hiking: There are beautiful marked trails from Garda de Sus (approx. 2 hours) that offer a scenic experience through the traditional mountain hamlets (cătune).
3. Is it very cold inside the cave?
Yes! Even in the middle of a hot summer, the temperature inside the cave remains around 0°C or even lower. You will be standing near a massive block of ice, so a warm jacket, long pants, and closed shoes with good grip are mandatory for a comfortable visit.
4. What is the access to the cave like?
The entrance to the cave is a spectacular shaft (aven) with a diameter of 60 meters. You will descend about 48 meters on a series of steep, metallic stairs and walkways. While the stairs are safe and well-maintained, the descent and ascent can be physically demanding for some visitors.
5. Can I visit the cave all year round?
The cave is generally open year-round, but the best time to visit is in late winter or spring (March – May). During this time, the ice formations (stalagmites) are at their most spectacular height. By late autumn, some of the smaller ice structures may partially melt due to the warmer air outside.
6. Do I need a guide for the visit?
The cave is managed by the local community and the entrance is regulated. You don't necessarily need to book a private guide, as there is staff on-site to facilitate entrance, but the tour inside is relatively straightforward as you follow the designated wooden walkways over the ice.
7. What are the visiting hours and entrance fees?
Hours: Usually from 09:00 to 17:00 or 18:00 during summer. In winter, hours may be shorter.
Fees: The entrance fee is approximately 15–20 RON (3-4EUROs). Note that the ticket office is located near the top of the trail, before you begin the descent.
