Things to do in Rimetea

Embark on an excursion from Cluj to visit three of Transylvania's notable sites. See an underground theme park that's nestled inside the Turda Salt Mine, go for a hike through the dramatic Turda Gorge, and encounter traditional rural life in a preserved Rimetea village. Start your experience with pickup and a short drive to the Turda Salt Mine. Take a guided tour and spend some time in its unique underground theme park. Try out the ferris wheel, play a round of minigolf, or ride a boat on its underground lake. Hop back in the vehicle and head for the Turda Gorge. Marvel at the 3-kilometer long canyon, with massive walls sculpted in weathered limestone. Hike through high cliffs with steep ridges, rock towers, caves, and lots of varieties of flora and fauna. Conclude your experience with a visit to Rimetea village. Enjoy strolling amongst traditional white houses with green windows. Get a feel for Transylvanian rural life in a preserved and beautiful location.

Depart from Cluj-Napoca and head to Turda, once the most important economic center of the region where salt, also known as “white gold,” has been extracted since the Roman age. Arrive at the Salina Turda salt mine and discover the history of salt mining in the town dating from the 17th century. Explore the site, including the Terezia mine, Rudolf hall, and the Franz Josef Gallery.  Afterwards, spend the afternoon in the Transylvanian western mountains in the village of Rimetea. The chalk-white houses and the harmonious structure of the village have earned it several distinctions. Considered to be one of the most beautiful village in Transylvania, it received the Europa Nostra Award for its architectural preservation.  Next up, take a 1-hour hike to the ruins of the Coltesti Fortress for an impressive view of the valley below. In the evening, head back to Cluj-Napoca where you’ll be dropped off at the starting point of your tour.

Operating days: Daily Route: Cluj-Turda Salt Mine – Cluj Departure hours: 10:00 o´clock 14:00 o´clock Day Itinerary Starting Point: Cluj • KFC, Piata Unirii Distance: About 30 km (18 miles) from Cluj-Napoca to Turda. Travel Time: Around 40-45 minutes by car or bus, depending on traffic 1. Turda - Salt Mine Turda is a historic city in Transylvania, Romania, best known for its remarkable Salt Mine, Turda Gorge, and rich heritage. It offers an impressive combination of natural beauty, historical sites, and cultural experiences. Main Attractions: • The Underground Amusement Park:A large, open space within the mine that houses an underground Ferris wheel, a mini-golf course, and a boating lake. This unique area is a blend of fun and exploration, making it one of the most popular parts of the mine. • The Salt Chambers:Majestic chambers like Crama Mare, Sala de Ecouri (Echo Chamber), and Sala Unirii (Unity Chamber) feature high ceilings and walls entirely covered in salt. The chambers are designed to create a therapeutic microclimate, making the air beneficial for people with respiratory conditions. • The Tunnels and Galleries:A network of tunnels and galleries where visitors can walk through and experience the mining heritage of the region. Some tunnels feature salt stalactites and unique geological formations. • The Salt Museum:The museum showcases the history of salt mining in the region, with exhibits on tools, the history of the mine, and the traditional methods of salt extraction. • The Panoramic Elevator:The modern elevator offers a breathtaking descent into the mine, providing a stunning view of the underground chambers as you make your way down. • The Chapel:A small chapel located underground, adding a unique spiritual dimension to the experience 2. Return to Cluj Following our visit, we’ll head back to Cluj-Napoca, filled with memories of an incredible day exploring the natural wonders and rich history of this beautiful region of Transylvania. This private half day tour from Cluj-Napoca is a unique and unforgettable experience. The tour offers a chance to explore the Turda Salt Mine, one of Europe’s most impressive underground sites, with its fascinating history, massive chambers, and even an underground amusement park. Enjoy the stunning landscapes of the Western Carpathians and Cheile Turzii Natural Park, offering breathtaking views and a peaceful escape from the city.

Go in search of rare wildflowers, wonderful mushrooms, endemic plants and experience the pristine nature of the Apuseni Mountains on this tour from Cluj. Travel into the mountains to the village of Posaga de Sus, where you’ll begin an alpine hike through beech forest to Scarita peak, which sits at an altitude of 1384 meters (4541 feet). Due to the altitude and difficulty of the hike, participants require a moderate fitness level for this tour. Tour suited to those interested in flora and fauna, hiking, and photography Go at your own pace and ask all the questions you want on this private tour. The trip starts at 8 o'clock in the morning with a pickup from your accommodation in CLuj-Napoca. We will travel a distance of 79 km in 1 h and 30 min until we reach Posaga de Sus. Our hike started at Posaga de Sus village, followed by an abrupt path through a beech forest, which led to an alpine zone with an exquisite sight to the calcareous, white cliffs. We passed by some abandoned wood hovels, than climbed to the ridge, reaching the highest peak (Scarita) The views up here are worth it! The Scarita-Belioara is a botanical reserve. This natural wonder is home to a diversity of rare plants. Some of them have survived from the cold glacial periods: There are rare fauna elements, such as butterflies, but also the golden eagle, the largest raptor bird recorded in Romania nests on the abrupt cliffs. From there we could easily identify the valley of the Aries river, the Trascaului Mountains at the south, and the Muntele Mare plateau. On the hiking, route will be full of wildflowers and fungi which we will identify :) On our return if we have time left we will visit a beautiful waterfall that is called Sipote and Dumesti village in a remote location. In the evening we will take you back to your accommodation in Cluj-Napoca.

Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Cluj at 8:30 am, starting your day with a fascinating journey into the depths of Turda Salt Mine, renowned as the most stunning salt mine in Romania. This ancient site has served many purposes over the years: an antiaircraft shelter during WWII, a cheese maturation facility in the communist era, and now a unique underground amusement park in Transylvania. As you explore, you’ll witness the millions of chisel and hammer marks left by miners—a testament to their labor and craftsmanship. A visit to Salina Turda promises to be an unforgettable experience in the heart of Transylvania. Next, as you venture into the Apuseni Mountains, you’ll discover Rimetea, a beautifully preserved Hungarian village harmoniously nestled in nature. Once famous for its iron mines and skilled blacksmiths, Rimetea offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Transylvania. The final stop of the day is the historic Alba Carolina Fortress, a star-shaped Vauban masterpiece in Alba Iulia. This former imperial military town boasts a wealth of history, from ancient Roman ruins and Hungarian royal tombs housed in Transylvania’s oldest church to the site of Romania’s pivotal unification with Transylvania in the 20th century. By evening, you’ll return to Cluj, wrapping up the perfect mini-tour of Transylvania, filled with unforgettable sights and stories.

Start with pickup from Cluj at 8:30 AM, after which you will make your way to the salt mine of Turda. Learn about the history of the salt mine with your guide through the various galleries and exhibitions. Enjoy the various activities inside the underground amusement park. Some of the features include an underground lake that may be explored with paddles and rowboats, a Ferris wheel, mini-golf, table tennis and pool tables. After discovering the spectacular salt mine, journey through the Apuseni Mountains to arrive at Rimetea. This is a Hungarian village wonderfully preserved in harmony with nature. For centuries, Rimetea was famous throughout Transylvania for its iron mines as well as for the skills of its blacksmiths. You will also have the opportunity to stop for lunch if desired. Heading back to Cluj, stop for a 2-hour walk in the Turda Gorge nature reserve, which is one of Romania’s most important places for rock climbing. Cross the canyon and admire the 200m high crags. See a small fortified cave used by brigands as a refuge over two centuries ago before returning to Cluj in the late afternoon.

An enthralling trip through the wonderous meadous, peaks and secular forest of the Apuseni mountains, nature's best spots, great vantage pointe and easy treks. Starting from the Padis plateau and finishing on the same plateau, to gain more time in nature. Alternatively, starting from Oradea and including one 90 minute round trip. The routes take one through the undulating Onceasa valley, down to Glavoi stables, and continues on towards the highlight of the route, the Ponor (flooded) Plain. From there it climbs back up to Padis and it meanders up towards the vestigial Biserica Motului, for a scenic overview of the entire plateau. The entire route takes 3-4 hours for a reasonably fit person, with no more than 1000m of vertical gain. It's fairly light as it emphasizes connecting with nature rather than racing to see to many things at once. It's an introductory route design to open up one's appetite for hiking in one of Europe's last true wild areas. There is mobile phone reception all along the route, with 2 spots for eating, where one can pay cash. Loads of different local sirups, pies, mushroom soups are available should one omit to pack a sandwich. There's at least 2 different springs across the route so water access is covered. One may encounter shepherds with sheep and their protective dogs, these are usually gentle and accustomed to foreign humans.

You can expect to do a 9km long hike as well as you can expect a relaxing afternoon in a medieval city, a visit to the bear sanctuary or a visit to our friend Dracula. We have linked all these activities for you in order to understand what Transylvania means. This tour was built with the intention of making it the best you can choose. Tour has them all.  Turda Salt Mine Turda Gorge Rimetea Village Colteti Forteress Alba Iulia Transfagarasan Brasov Bear Sanctuary Dracula Castle Valea Cetatii cave Racos Volcano Viscri and Crit Biertan Sighisoara Cluj The excursion kicks off at 9 am with a pick-up from your accommodation in Cluj Napoca, setting the stage for a day of exploration and discovery. The first highlight of the day unfolds at the Turda Salt Mine, where you'll descend 120 meters underground into a surreal science fiction-themed park. Next on the agenda is Turda Gorges, a natural wonder that beckons with a 9-kilometer hike through and over the gorge. As the day unfolds, a visit to a Transylvanian village awaits, offering a glimpse into tradition and culture. Take time to explore the village and indulge in a lunch experience steeped in authenticity, savoring the flavors of traditional Transylvanian cuisine. The journey concludes with a visit to Coltesti Fortress, adding a historical touch to your day. As the sun sets, head to your accommodation in the enchanting Alba Iulia, It will be a blend of culture and nature on the second day of your journey, creating a unique and immersive experience that will linger in your memories. The day unfolds with a fascinating exploration of Alba Carolina Citadel, Following the cultural odyssey, the adventure takes a scenic turn as you traverse the Transfagarasan road. Ascend to new heights with a cable car ride, revealing the breathtaking panorama of Romania's most beautiful glacial lake, As the day unfolds, the journey continues to Brasov city, a captivating medieval gem. Explore the city's main attractions, letting the echoes of history guide you through its cobblestone streets. Begin your day with a sumptuous breakfast, setting the stage for an unforgettable exploration of Romania's rich cultural tapestry. Day.3 Visit to the Libearty Bear Sanctuary, a haven for 120 protected bears. Guided by a knowledgeable local guide, immerse yourself in the world of brown bears, gaining insight into their lives and the vital conservation efforts in place. Next, venture into the mystique of the famous Dracula Castle, retracing the footsteps of Count Vlad the Emperor. As the day progresses, the journey takes a nature-infused turn with a visit to the Valea Cetatii Cave. Prepare for an exhilarating hike through the rugged terrain of Racos Volcano, Final day of your immersive Transylvanian journey, a day designed for relaxation and reflection. Today unfolds as a leisurely exploration of cultural gems, weaving through 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 3 Saxon villages, and the Medieval City of Sighisoara.

Where: Trascău Mountains (Apuseni mountain range) Highlights: Village of Rimetea Piatra Secuiului (Rock of the Szeklers) The Student’s Cave Colţeşti Fortress (Optional) Description: It is said Rimetea is the place where the Sun rises twice. The village lays at the base of ‘Piatra Secuiului’ (Rock of the Szeklers), a gigantic natural rock wall, on top of which you will witness one of the most beautiful sceneries around. Iron ore used to be mined, from ancient days, out of the hills guarding Rimetea in the west. Nowadays, the natural resource still exploited in these parts is tourism. Thanks to the wonderful landscape the village is visited yearly by thousands of people. Silent and unchanging, just as a stoic giant, the Rock of the Szeklers (‘Piatra Secuiului’) stands just outside the village of Rimetea, guarding it from the east; this natural fortress wall, 600 meters (2,000 feet) tall, is said to have helped the villagers defended themselves against a Tatar barbarian invasion, in the 1300s. Nowadays, from its peak, spreads a one of the most relaxing, dream-like, unforgettable views you can witness. Somewhere half-way to the top lies the ‘Students’ Cave’, an interesting grotto, dug by wind and rain into the wall. Just like a giant-sized door, heading to some secret place ‘inside’, this cave has three entrances and a breathtaking view of the two villages: Colţeşti and Rimetea. The Fortress of Colţeşti is also a must-see of the region. It was built in the 1400s, by the Torockai, a noble Transylvanian family. The fortress ruins bear witness to centuries of conflict, and stories of bravery and rebellion. It is one of the best places to witness the double-sunrise. Recommended group size: 1 to 8 people Flexibility: The tour is flexible and can be altered on the spot, depending on the group request, weather condition, and your physical training.