Bat Cave at Moieciu
About Bat Cave at Moieciu
The Bat Cave at Moieciu (Peștera Liliecilor), also known as Peștera Mare or Peștera Badichii, opens in the Jurassic limestone on the north-western edge of the village of Peștera, in Moieciu commune, at about 950 m above sea level, on the Bran plateau in the Rucăr–Bran Pass. The village is named after it: locals sheltered in the cave in hard times. The cave is a natural monument and lies in the buffer zone of Piatra Craiului National Park.
The cave is 162 m long, with a main gallery and a few short side branches, and is home to colonies of several bat species, which give it its name. Archaeological digs in 1957–1958, led by C. S. Nicolăescu-Plopșor, found three Palaeolithic occupation levels in the main gallery (Mousterian, Aurignacian and Gravettian), and research in 2009 turned up flint and jasper tools and traces of hearths.
What you can see
The mouth of the cave in the limestone slope above the village, and the main gallery, which you enter without steps, walkways or lighting. The floor is clay, with a layer of guano left by the bats, and the walls and ceilings show limestone formations and different shades of colour. The bats hang alone or in groups from the ceiling and in niches. In the same day you can see Bran Castle, ~9 km away, Dâmbovicioara Cave, ~25 km away, and Râșnoavei Cave, near Râșnov.
Good to know
The cave is not fitted out and has no gate: you need a torch, boots and clothes that can get dirty with clay and guano. After wet spells water can flood the main gallery. The bats are protected and must not be disturbed; in winter, while they hibernate, the cave is not visited.
Information verified on 31 October 2026.
- The mouth of the cave, in the limestone slope on the north-western edge of the village of Peștera.
- The main gallery, 162 m long, with a clay floor and short side branches, explored by torchlight only.
- The bats of the colonies, hanging from the ceiling or huddled in niches, to be watched from a distance.
- The site of the 1957–1958 and 2009 digs, which found Palaeolithic occupation levels and traces of hearths.
- The village of Peștera, at ~1,050 m, which takes its name from the cave.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
On foot: a short path of about 10 minutes leads from the village of Peștera to the cave entrance.
By car: from the DN73 in Moieciu de Jos, a road climbs to the village of Peștera (~7 km, ~12 minutes). It is ~9 km (~15 minutes) from Bran, ~40 km (~50 minutes) from Brașov via Râșnov and Bran, and ~195 km (~3 hours 10 minutes) from Bucharest, on the DN1 to Predeal and then via Râșnov.
Public transport: buses from Brașov's Autogara 2 run to Bran and Moieciu; from Moieciu de Jos it is a ~7 km climb by road to the village of Peștera.
- Where to park
Leave the car in the village of Peștera and continue on foot along the path to the cave.
- Rules
Entry is free, without a guide. Bring a torch (ideally a spare too), boots and old clothes; a helmet is useful. Do not shine lights straight at the bats or touch them, keep your voice down and do not go in during winter, the hibernation period. The cave is a protected area: do not break the formations and do not leave rubbish.
- Facilities
Undeveloped cave, no lighting, walkways or signs · no facilities at the entrance · accommodation and food in the village of Peștera and in Moieciu · route not accessible with a pushchair or wheelchair
Frequently asked questions about Bat Cave at Moieciu
What are the opening hours of Bat Cave at Moieciu?
Opening hours at Bat Cave at Moieciu: daily open 24 hours. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Bat Cave at Moieciu take?
A visit to Bat Cave at Moieciu takes about 45 min (including the walk from the village).
Can you visit Bat Cave at Moieciu with kids?
Yes, Bat Cave at Moieciu is suitable for children (torch, boots, clay).
How do I get to Bat Cave at Moieciu?
Bat Cave at Moieciu is located at On the slope north-west of the village, ~10 minutes on foot, Peștera, Brașov County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Bat Cave at Moieciu?
The best season for Bat Cave at Moieciu: April – October (bats hibernate in winter).
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