Turda Gorge (Cheile Turzii): Transylvania’s Dramatic Natural Canyon +video and landscape
Posted: Thu Jan 22, 2026 6:46 am
Located just a stone's throw from the Turda Salt Mines (Click HERE to see more) , Cheile Turzii (Turda Gorge) is one of Romania's most spectacular natural monuments. Carved over millions of years by the Hășdate River into Jurassic limestone, this canyon offers breathtaking vertical cliffs, mysterious caves, and a biodiversity that is unique in Europe.
A 4k video presentation of Cheile Turzii:
Why You Can't Miss It
Cheile Turzii is a protected nature reserve, home to over 1,000 species of plants (including the rare Wild Garlic and Rock Onion) and 67 species of birds. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll or a challenging climb, the gorge provides a dramatic backdrop for every type of traveler.
Highlights:
The Suspension Bridges: Four scenic bridges cross the river, offering perfect photo opportunities.
Vertical Cliffs: Massive walls reaching heights of 200 meters, a magnet for professional climbers.
Caves & Grottoes: Explore small caverns like the Călugărului Cave (Monk's Cave), once used as hideouts during historical invasions.
Hiking & Activities
1. The Main Gorge Trail (Easy - Moderate)
Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours (round trip).
Difficulty: Low. Suitable for families and casual hikers.
The Path: Follows the river bank through the heart of the canyon. The path is well-marked but can be slippery when wet.
2. The Ridge Trail (Moderate - Difficult)
The Experience: For those who want a panoramic view, the trails on the upper rims (marked with Red Dot or Red Cross) offer a "bird's eye view" of the entire canyon.
Note: Requires good hiking boots and a bit more stamina.
3. Rock Climbing & Via Ferrata
Rock Climbing: One of Romania's premier climbing destinations with over 200 routes.
Via Ferrata "Sky Fly": A technical route for those seeking an adrenaline rush (requires specialized equipment and experience).
A video who presenting route for beginners in Cheile Turzii:
Essential Visitor Information
Location Cheia Village (approx. 15 km from Turda)
Entrance Fee Small maintenance fee (approx. 5-10 RON)(2 EUROS)
Best Time to Visit May to October (Avoid rainy days as the limestone becomes very slippery)
Equipment Sturdy walking shoes are a must; a light jacket even in summer.
How to Get There
By Car: Search for "Cheile Turzii" on GPS. There is a parking area at the main entrance (near the "Cabana Cheile Turzii").
From Cluj-Napoca It’s a 45-minute drive via the A10 motorway or the E81 road.
From Turda: Only 20 minutes by car or local taxi.
Pro Tips for Your Visit
The Double Sunrise: If you have time, head to the nearby Rimetea village at dawn to see the sun "rising twice" behind the Szekely’s Rock.
Safety First: Stay on the marked paths. The gorge is a nature reserve with steep drops and loose rocks.
Connectivity: Mobile signal can be weak inside the canyon—download your maps offline before entering.
Hydration: There are small kiosks at the entrance selling water and Kürtőskalács (traditional chimney cake), but no shops inside the gorge.
This is the perfect location for people who love nature, forest ,silence and spectacular landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cheile Turzii (Turda Gorges)
1. What are Cheile Turzii?
Cheile Turzii is a spectacular natural canyon carved by the Hășdate River into Jurassic limestone. It is a protected nature reserve known for its sheer 200-meter high cliffs, over 1,000 plant species, and about 60 caves.
2. How do I get there from Cluj-Napoca?
The Gorges are located about 35 km south of Cluj-Napoca (Click HERE to see more) .
-By Car: Drive towards Turda, then follow the signs for Mihai Viteazu and Cheia village. The drive takes around 45 minutes.
-By Bus: Take a bus from Cluj to Turda, and from Turda, you can take a local bus or a taxi to the village of Cheia or the entrance of the reserve.
3. Are the hiking trails difficult?
There are options for all fitness levels:
-The Main Gorge Path (Easy): A family-friendly trail that follows the river at the bottom of the canyon. It involves crossing four picturesque bridges and takes about 1.5 hours (round trip). It is mostly flat but can be slippery.
-The Ridge Trails (Moderate/Difficult): Marked with a red dot (●), these trails take you to the top of the cliffs for stunning panoramic views. They involve steep climbs and require proper hiking boots.
4. Can I go rock climbing or Via Ferrata?
Yes! Cheile Turzii is a mecca for climbers, with over 200 established routes.
-Via Ferrata: There is a famous Via Ferrata route called "Sky Fly" leading to the Grota lui Hili. It is spectacular but requires a harness, helmet, and lanyard. If you are not experienced, it is best to hire a local guide.
5. Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, there is a small maintenance fee for the nature reserve (usually around 5–10 RON [1-2 EUROs]). There is also a dedicated parking lot near the entrance where a small fee applies.
6. When is the best time to visit?Spring & Early Summer: When the vegetation is lush and the river flow is high.Autumn: For the incredible colors of the forest against the white limestone.Note: Avoid visiting during or immediately after heavy rain, as the river-level path can become muddy and the rocks very slippery.7. What should I pack for a trip to the Gorges?Footwear: At least sneakers with good grip, but hiking boots are preferred for the ridge.Water: There are no shops inside the canyon, so bring at least $1$ liter of water.Protection: Sunscreen and a hat, as the sun reflects strongly off the limestone walls.
Extra info:
Max Wall Height: 200 meters
Trail Length (Main): 1.3 km
Activities: Hiking, Rock Climbing, Via Ferrata, Birdwatching
Nearby: Salina Turda (15 min drive)
A 4k video presentation of Cheile Turzii:
Why You Can't Miss ItCheile Turzii is a protected nature reserve, home to over 1,000 species of plants (including the rare Wild Garlic and Rock Onion) and 67 species of birds. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing stroll or a challenging climb, the gorge provides a dramatic backdrop for every type of traveler.
Highlights:
The Suspension Bridges: Four scenic bridges cross the river, offering perfect photo opportunities.
Vertical Cliffs: Massive walls reaching heights of 200 meters, a magnet for professional climbers.
Caves & Grottoes: Explore small caverns like the Călugărului Cave (Monk's Cave), once used as hideouts during historical invasions.
Panoramic winter view of Cheile Turzii (Turda Gorge) in Romania, featuring massive snow-covered limestone cliffs, a frosted forest, and a winding road in the valley.
Hiking & Activities1. The Main Gorge Trail (Easy - Moderate)
Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours (round trip).
Difficulty: Low. Suitable for families and casual hikers.
The Path: Follows the river bank through the heart of the canyon. The path is well-marked but can be slippery when wet.
2. The Ridge Trail (Moderate - Difficult)
The Experience: For those who want a panoramic view, the trails on the upper rims (marked with Red Dot or Red Cross) offer a "bird's eye view" of the entire canyon.
Note: Requires good hiking boots and a bit more stamina.
3. Rock Climbing & Via Ferrata
Rock Climbing: One of Romania's premier climbing destinations with over 200 routes.
Via Ferrata "Sky Fly": A technical route for those seeking an adrenaline rush (requires specialized equipment and experience).
A video who presenting route for beginners in Cheile Turzii:
Essential Visitor InformationLocation Cheia Village (approx. 15 km from Turda)
Entrance Fee Small maintenance fee (approx. 5-10 RON)(2 EUROS)
Best Time to Visit May to October (Avoid rainy days as the limestone becomes very slippery)
Equipment Sturdy walking shoes are a must; a light jacket even in summer.
How to Get ThereBy Car: Search for "Cheile Turzii" on GPS. There is a parking area at the main entrance (near the "Cabana Cheile Turzii").
From Cluj-Napoca It’s a 45-minute drive via the A10 motorway or the E81 road.
From Turda: Only 20 minutes by car or local taxi.
Pro Tips for Your VisitThe Double Sunrise: If you have time, head to the nearby Rimetea village at dawn to see the sun "rising twice" behind the Szekely’s Rock.
Safety First: Stay on the marked paths. The gorge is a nature reserve with steep drops and loose rocks.
Connectivity: Mobile signal can be weak inside the canyon—download your maps offline before entering.
Hydration: There are small kiosks at the entrance selling water and Kürtőskalács (traditional chimney cake), but no shops inside the gorge.
This is the perfect location for people who love nature, forest ,silence and spectacular landscapes.
Frequently Asked Questions: Cheile Turzii (Turda Gorges)1. What are Cheile Turzii?
Cheile Turzii is a spectacular natural canyon carved by the Hășdate River into Jurassic limestone. It is a protected nature reserve known for its sheer 200-meter high cliffs, over 1,000 plant species, and about 60 caves.
2. How do I get there from Cluj-Napoca?
The Gorges are located about 35 km south of Cluj-Napoca (Click HERE to see more) .
-By Car: Drive towards Turda, then follow the signs for Mihai Viteazu and Cheia village. The drive takes around 45 minutes.
-By Bus: Take a bus from Cluj to Turda, and from Turda, you can take a local bus or a taxi to the village of Cheia or the entrance of the reserve.
3. Are the hiking trails difficult?
There are options for all fitness levels:
-The Main Gorge Path (Easy): A family-friendly trail that follows the river at the bottom of the canyon. It involves crossing four picturesque bridges and takes about 1.5 hours (round trip). It is mostly flat but can be slippery.
-The Ridge Trails (Moderate/Difficult): Marked with a red dot (●), these trails take you to the top of the cliffs for stunning panoramic views. They involve steep climbs and require proper hiking boots.
4. Can I go rock climbing or Via Ferrata?
Yes! Cheile Turzii is a mecca for climbers, with over 200 established routes.
-Via Ferrata: There is a famous Via Ferrata route called "Sky Fly" leading to the Grota lui Hili. It is spectacular but requires a harness, helmet, and lanyard. If you are not experienced, it is best to hire a local guide.
5. Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, there is a small maintenance fee for the nature reserve (usually around 5–10 RON [1-2 EUROs]). There is also a dedicated parking lot near the entrance where a small fee applies.
6. When is the best time to visit?Spring & Early Summer: When the vegetation is lush and the river flow is high.Autumn: For the incredible colors of the forest against the white limestone.Note: Avoid visiting during or immediately after heavy rain, as the river-level path can become muddy and the rocks very slippery.7. What should I pack for a trip to the Gorges?Footwear: At least sneakers with good grip, but hiking boots are preferred for the ridge.Water: There are no shops inside the canyon, so bring at least $1$ liter of water.Protection: Sunscreen and a hat, as the sun reflects strongly off the limestone walls.
Extra info:
Max Wall Height: 200 meters
Trail Length (Main): 1.3 km
Activities: Hiking, Rock Climbing, Via Ferrata, Birdwatching
Nearby: Salina Turda (15 min drive)