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The Turda Salt Mine is one of the most fascinating underground attractions in Romania, with a history that dates back nearly 2,000 years to the Roman occupation of these lands. Although early records are scarce, salt mining in Transylvania is believed to have started in the 11th-13th centuries, becoming a major economic activity in the region.
For centuries, Turda Salt Mine was among the most important salt mines in Transylvania. However, its decline began in 1840, and by 1932, operations ceased entirely. In the 1950s, the mine was repurposed as a cheese storage facility, but its true transformation came in 1992, when it first opened to the public. A full-scale restoration took place in 2008, and in 2010, the mine was officially reopened as a tourist attraction and therapeutic wellness center, offering visitors a unique underground experience.
Just 13 km from Turda Salt Mine, you’ll find one of Romania’s most spectacular natural wonders—Turda Gorges (Cheile Turzii). Formed over 150 million years ago, these breathtaking limestone cliffs were carved by water erosion through the Jurassic limestone of the Trascău Mountains. The reserve spans 170 hectares, with towering rock walls stretching over 2 km, providing a habitat for more than 1,000 species of plants, animals, and insects. The area is perfect for hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife observation, offering an unforgettable nature experience.
We invite you to embark on a journey to two of Transylvania’s most remarkable sites. From exploring the otherworldly underground world of Turda Salt Mine to discovering the breathtaking landscapes of Turda Gorges, this tour offers the perfect mix of history, adventure, and nature.
Book your Turda Salt Mine & Turda Gorges Tour from Sibiu today and let’s explore these incredible destinations together!
Departure and arrival from/ to Sibiu but at your request, we can pick you up from/ drop you off in Cluj Napoca or Alba Iulia.
The departure hour and the length of the tour/ hike is set together with our guests.
Our journey begins with a scenic drive to the Turda Salt Mine, one of Transylvania’s most unique underground attractions. To explore this fascinating site, we’ll descend approximately 13 floors—a spectacular experience! You can either take the stairs for a more immersive journey or opt for the elevator for a smoother descent.
Inside, we’ll walk through the historic mining galleries, uncovering stories of salt extraction and labor in ancient times. The underground world of Turda Salt Mine is truly mesmerizing, with its vast halls, impressive formations, and a unique microclimate that has made it a renowned therapy center for respiratory conditions.
In the main hall, you’ll find an entertainment area, a Ferris wheel, and even a salt lake, where you can enjoy a relaxing boat ride in this surreal subterranean landscape. Due to its popularity as both a tourist attraction and treatment base, the mine can be quite lively, adding to its vibrant atmosphere.
After visiting the salt mine, we’ll take a short drive to Turda Gorges (Cheile Turzii), a stunning natural reserve formed over 150 million years ago. Here, we’ll embark on an enjoyable hike along the river, passing through dramatic limestone cliffs, lush forests, and diverse flora.
🛤️ Hiking options: We’ll decide together on the length of the hike, which can vary between 2 to 4 hours (easy to medium difficulty), ensuring the experience matches your comfort level and preferences.
On our way back to Sibiu, we’ll pass through Rimetea, a picturesque Transylvanian-Hungarian village known for its beautifully preserved whitewashed houses and scenic backdrop of Piatra Secuiului Mountain. This village has been recognized with the Europa Nostra Prize for restoration, making it one of the most charming and authentic stops in the region.
Join us for a perfect mix of history, adventure, and breathtaking landscapes on this unforgettable Sibiu – Turda Salt Mine – Turda Gorges Tour!
The visit is adapted to you (whether you want to climb down the stairs or take the elevator). We’ll decide together how much time to spend in the mine – you can enjoy some free time and inhale as much as possibly the healthy air.
You can enjoy a coffee or even have a snack in the town of Turda – close to the salt mine. It is a great occasion to have a walk through the old town, recently restored.
We’ll enjoy a lovely hike in the gorges – the hike can be from 2-4 hours, and the level is easy-medium. Hiking shoes are required.
On our way back to Sibiu, we’ll drive through two wonderful Transylvanian- Hungarian villages, Rimetea and Coltesti. Due to its old history and unique architecture, Rimetea village was awarded the Europa Nostra prize for restoration.
We’ll have a lovely walk through the two villages and enjoy the rocky fascinating Trascau Mountains. Depending on our time left, we can also have a short hike till the ruins of the Coltesti medieval castle.