Huda lui Papară Cave (Peștera Huda lui Papară) - Alba County: The Untamed Giant +video and views
Posted: Sat Jan 24, 2026 12:23 pm
Located in the heart of the Trascău Mountains, Huda lui Papară is a masterpiece of raw nature. It is not just a cave; it is a massive underground drainage system where the waters of the Ponor, Poiana, and Evantai streams unite to carve through the limestone mass of the Bedeleu Plateau.
Huda lui Papară: The Cave of the Bat Kings
1. The Sanctuary of the 100,000 Wings
The Legend: The Kingdom of the Bats.The Story: Inside this cave lives the largest colony of bats in Europe. During winter, over 100,000 bats of various species gather here to hibernate. Local legends say these aren't just animals, but the "guardians of the mountain's secrets." It is believed that the bats carry the souls of the ancient warriors who once hid in these caves, and their collective whispering at dusk is actually the mountain sharing its history.
2. The Great Flood and the Dragon’s Sneeze
The Legend: Why the cave "spits" water. The Story: Huda lui Papară is famous for its sudden, violent floods (viituri). Legend says that deep inside, in the "Labyrinth of Silence," lives a giant water dragon. When the dragon gets restless or "sneezes," the underground rivers overflow instantly, creating a wall of water that rushes out through the massive entrance. For locals, this was a sign of the mountain's anger, and even today, experienced cavers fear the "Dragon's Breath" (the sudden rise of water).
3. The Shelter of the Solomonari
The Legend: The school of wizards.The Story: Folklore tells that the Solomonari (the legendary Romanian weather-wizards) used Huda lui Papară as a place of study and refuge. It is said that the huge 37-meter-high entrance was carved by their magic so they could fly in and out on the backs of dragons. Even today, many locals believe the air around the cave entrance has a different "weight" because of the ancient spells cast there.
Location & Geography
The cave is situated near the village of Sub Piatră, in Sălciua commune, Alba County.
-The Portal: It features a monumental, Gothic-shaped entrance that is 37 meters high.
-Dimensions: The cave system is roughly 2,000 meters long.
-The Underground River: A powerful river flows through the cave, creating the "Cascada Evantai" (Fan Waterfall), a stunning 8-meter drop inside the mountain.
-The Record-Breaking Chamber: It houses the "Sala Minunilor" (Room of Wonders), which is 102 meters high—one of the largest underground halls in the Apuseni.
A video from inside Cave - Pestera Huda lui Papara - Alba County:
Highlights for Travelers
The Bat Sanctuary: Huda lui Papara hosts the largest bat colony in Europe, with over 80,000 individuals from nine different species hibernating here.
Legend of the Giants: The name "Huda lui Papară" is steeped in mystery. "Huda" means "hole" or "opening," and "Papară" is often linked to an old leader of a group of giants or a legendary local figure.
Sub Piatră Monastery: Just a few hundred meters from the cave entrance lies the peaceful Sub Piatră Monastery, a 14th-century wooden church that offers a spiritual contrast to the wild energy of the cave.
The Vanishing Stream: Nearby, you can see the Vanatarile Ponorului, a massive limestone wall where the river literally "disappears" into the ground through a series of sinkholes before emerging inside the cave.
Adventure Warning & Safety
-Access: The cave is not electrified and is considered a "wild" cave. Due to the high risk of flash floods (the water level can rise several meters in minutes during rain), entering the cave is dangerous and requires professional equipment, a guide, and a permit.
-Observation: Most tourists enjoy the view of the massive portal and the waterfall at the entrance, which are easily accessible via a marked trail from the village.
Fast Facts
Location: Sălciua, Alba County
Mountain Range: Trascău (Apuseni)
Key Attraction: Europe's largest bat colony
Difficulty: High / Professional only
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is Huda lui Papară the largest cave in Romania? While it is not the longest, it holds several records for the Apuseni region, including the tallest cave entrance (37 meters) and the largest underground chamber and waterfall in the Trascău Mountains.
2. Can I enter Huda lui Papară Cave without a guide? No. Entering the cave is extremely dangerous due to the risk of sudden flash floods and difficult terrain. It is a "wild" cave, meaning it has no lights or paved paths. Access is restricted to professional speleologists with proper permits and equipment.
3. Why is Huda lui Papara important for biodiversity? The cave is home to the largest bat colony in Europe. During winter, over 80,000 bats from various species find shelter here, making it a site of major ecological importance.
4. Where is the cave located? It is located in Alba County, near the village of Sub Piatră (Sălciua commune), nestled in the scenic Trascău Mountains.
5. Are there other attractions near Huda lui Papară? Yes! Visitors can explore the Sub Piatră Monastery (located right next to the cave path), the Vânătările Ponorului waterfall and sinkhole, and the traditional thatched-roof houses of the Apuseni villages.
Explore Huda lui Papară, home to Europe's largest bat colony.
Discover the 37m tall entrance, underground waterfalls, and the wild beauty of the Apuseni. This is in top caves of Europe.
Huda lui Papară Cave - Alba County, landscape
Huda lui Papară: The Cave of the Bat Kings1. The Sanctuary of the 100,000 Wings
The Legend: The Kingdom of the Bats.The Story: Inside this cave lives the largest colony of bats in Europe. During winter, over 100,000 bats of various species gather here to hibernate. Local legends say these aren't just animals, but the "guardians of the mountain's secrets." It is believed that the bats carry the souls of the ancient warriors who once hid in these caves, and their collective whispering at dusk is actually the mountain sharing its history.
2. The Great Flood and the Dragon’s Sneeze
The Legend: Why the cave "spits" water. The Story: Huda lui Papară is famous for its sudden, violent floods (viituri). Legend says that deep inside, in the "Labyrinth of Silence," lives a giant water dragon. When the dragon gets restless or "sneezes," the underground rivers overflow instantly, creating a wall of water that rushes out through the massive entrance. For locals, this was a sign of the mountain's anger, and even today, experienced cavers fear the "Dragon's Breath" (the sudden rise of water).
3. The Shelter of the Solomonari
The Legend: The school of wizards.The Story: Folklore tells that the Solomonari (the legendary Romanian weather-wizards) used Huda lui Papară as a place of study and refuge. It is said that the huge 37-meter-high entrance was carved by their magic so they could fly in and out on the backs of dragons. Even today, many locals believe the air around the cave entrance has a different "weight" because of the ancient spells cast there.
Location & GeographyThe cave is situated near the village of Sub Piatră, in Sălciua commune, Alba County.
-The Portal: It features a monumental, Gothic-shaped entrance that is 37 meters high.
-Dimensions: The cave system is roughly 2,000 meters long.
-The Underground River: A powerful river flows through the cave, creating the "Cascada Evantai" (Fan Waterfall), a stunning 8-meter drop inside the mountain.
-The Record-Breaking Chamber: It houses the "Sala Minunilor" (Room of Wonders), which is 102 meters high—one of the largest underground halls in the Apuseni.
A video from inside Cave - Pestera Huda lui Papara - Alba County:
Highlights for TravelersThe Bat Sanctuary: Huda lui Papara hosts the largest bat colony in Europe, with over 80,000 individuals from nine different species hibernating here.
Legend of the Giants: The name "Huda lui Papară" is steeped in mystery. "Huda" means "hole" or "opening," and "Papară" is often linked to an old leader of a group of giants or a legendary local figure.
Sub Piatră Monastery: Just a few hundred meters from the cave entrance lies the peaceful Sub Piatră Monastery, a 14th-century wooden church that offers a spiritual contrast to the wild energy of the cave.
The Vanishing Stream: Nearby, you can see the Vanatarile Ponorului, a massive limestone wall where the river literally "disappears" into the ground through a series of sinkholes before emerging inside the cave.
Adventure Warning & Safety-Access: The cave is not electrified and is considered a "wild" cave. Due to the high risk of flash floods (the water level can rise several meters in minutes during rain), entering the cave is dangerous and requires professional equipment, a guide, and a permit.
-Observation: Most tourists enjoy the view of the massive portal and the waterfall at the entrance, which are easily accessible via a marked trail from the village.
Fast FactsLocation: Sălciua, Alba County
Mountain Range: Trascău (Apuseni)
Key Attraction: Europe's largest bat colony
Difficulty: High / Professional only
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)1. Is Huda lui Papară the largest cave in Romania? While it is not the longest, it holds several records for the Apuseni region, including the tallest cave entrance (37 meters) and the largest underground chamber and waterfall in the Trascău Mountains.
2. Can I enter Huda lui Papară Cave without a guide? No. Entering the cave is extremely dangerous due to the risk of sudden flash floods and difficult terrain. It is a "wild" cave, meaning it has no lights or paved paths. Access is restricted to professional speleologists with proper permits and equipment.
3. Why is Huda lui Papara important for biodiversity? The cave is home to the largest bat colony in Europe. During winter, over 80,000 bats from various species find shelter here, making it a site of major ecological importance.
4. Where is the cave located? It is located in Alba County, near the village of Sub Piatră (Sălciua commune), nestled in the scenic Trascău Mountains.
5. Are there other attractions near Huda lui Papară? Yes! Visitors can explore the Sub Piatră Monastery (located right next to the cave path), the Vânătările Ponorului waterfall and sinkhole, and the traditional thatched-roof houses of the Apuseni villages.
Explore Huda lui Papară, home to Europe's largest bat colony.
Discover the 37m tall entrance, underground waterfalls, and the wild beauty of the Apuseni. This is in top caves of Europe.