About Turda Gorge
At a glance: Gorges and canyons in Mihai Viteazu, Cluj County. The visit takes 2 – 2½ hours. Information verified on 11 October 2026.
The Turda Gorge (Cheile Turzii) was cut by the Hășdate river into Jurassic limestone on the edge of the Trascău Mountains, about 6 km west of Turda. The gorge is roughly 1.5 km long, and its almost vertical walls rise above 100 m in places. The nature reserve, of national interest, covers 324 ha and is held in custody by Cluj County Council; it belongs to the Natura 2000 network. Besides the rock, it holds over a thousand plant species, a few dozen small caves and traces of a Roman stone quarry from the days of the Potaissa fort.
The lower trail runs through the gorge over four footbridges across the Hășdate, numbered in the direction of the water's flow: the Caves Bridge, the Middle of the Gorge, Vizuina spălată and the Gorge Gate. In places it is narrow and damp, with a metal handrail. The gorge is also the most sought-after climbing site in the area, with more than 200 routes, and there is a via ferrata on its walls.
What you can see
The most used entrance is at the Cheile Turzii Chalet, on the plateau above the gorge, from where the asphalt road descends to the car park at the mouth of the gorge. From there the trail follows the stream, past the Cetățeaua Mare Cave, also called Balica's Cave, where the outlaw Nichita Balica is said to have hidden, and through the Strungă, the narrowest spot. The climbers on the walls, the rock towers and the ridges are seen best from the middle footbridges. Trails lead from the plateau to the Ciucaș Waterfall, the Turului Gorge and Turda, and the ridge circuit (red dot) runs along the slopes above the gorge.
Good to know
In August 2026 Bridge 3, in the middle of the gorge, was rebuilt with a metal structure. A climber died on the via ferrata on 14 June 2026; mountain rescuers then rechecked the route and found the equipment in order, asking people not to leave the cable. Stones come loose from the slopes: in July 2024 the path between bridges 2 and 3 was closed temporarily for clearing. The reserve is usually open until the end of October, and in winter, with ice on the path, Mountain Rescue has closed the route.
- The lower trail through the gorge, with its four footbridges over the Hășdate river and limestone walls on both sides.
- The Strungă, the narrowest stretch, between the first and second bridges.
- The Cetățeaua Mare Cave, also called Balica's Cave, next to the first bridge.
- The Peștera Ungurească, the climbing crag with about 60 routes re-equipped in 2025.
- The ridge circuit (trail 34, red dot), with views from above over the gorge and the Hășdate Valley.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: from Turda, take the DJ 107L towards Petreștii de Jos and Săndulești, then the DJ 103G and, at the roundabout at km 30+920, the DJ 103I to the Cheile Turzii Chalet (~12 km, ~15 minutes). From Cluj-Napoca, take the DN1 to Turda and continue on the same road (~38 km, ~45 minutes). You can also come from the DN75 (Turda–Câmpeni): from the village of Cheia, the DJ 103G climbs 3.5 km onto the plateau above the gorge. The roads are paved; the County Council repaired them in summer 2026.
Public transport: there is no confirmed regular service to the chalet. From Turda you can take a taxi or walk the Cheile Turzii Chalet – Dealul Hodiș trail (~8 km, 2–2.5 hours, according to Cluj County Council).
- Where to park
You park at the mouth of the gorge, down by the Cheile Turzii Chalet and the Salvamont base, in the paid car park; up on the plateau, before the asphalt road descends, there is extra room. On days off and summer weekends the car parks fill up, and at 1 May and Whitsun the local press has reported heavy crowds. Come in the morning.
- Fees & discounts
Entry to the trail is charged in season, at a small visitor rate collected by the reserve's staff at the checkpoint on the route. The reserve is in the custody of Cluj County Council, and Salvamont Cluj supervises it. The current rates are not published on an official website: the County Council's page on visiting fees is empty, so ask at the entrance. The car park at the mouth of the gorge is paid separately. The via ferrata requires your own equipment: harness, helmet and lanyards with a shock absorber.
- Rules
Stay on the marked path: stones can come loose from outside it. Wear shoes with a grooved sole, not a smooth one, because the path is often damp and slippery. Do not pick plants, leave litter or light fires: it is a nature reserve. The via ferrata is done only with full equipment and without unclipping from the cable. Climbing requires equipment and experience, and in an accident you call 112 or Mountain Rescue.
- Facilities
Chalet and food stalls at the entrance, in spring, summer and autumn · Salvamont base next to the car park · drinking water springs on the trail · tents and caravans on the lower plateau · weak mobile signal in the gorge · no access for pushchairs on the trail
Frequently asked questions about Turda Gorge
- How long does a visit to Turda Gorge take?
- A visit to Turda Gorge takes about 2 – 2½ hours (there and back through the gorge).
- Can you visit Turda Gorge with kids?
- Yes, Turda Gorge is suitable for children (damp path, narrow passages).
- Where can I park at Turda Gorge?
- There is paid parking at Turda Gorge (at the mouth of the gorge). You park at the mouth of the gorge, down by the Cheile Turzii Chalet and the Salvamont base, in the paid car park; up on the plateau, before the asphalt road descends, there is extra room. On days off and summer weekends the car parks fill up, and at 1 May and Whitsun the local press has reported heavy crowds. Come in the morning.
- How do I get to Turda Gorge?
- Turda Gorge is located at DJ 103I, at the Cheile Turzii Chalet, on the plateau above the gorge, Mihai Viteazu, Cluj County. By car: from Turda, take the DJ 107L towards Petreștii de Jos and Săndulești, then the DJ 103G and, at the roundabout at km 30+920, the DJ 103I to the Cheile Turzii Chalet (~12 km, ~15 minutes). From Cluj-Napoca, take the DN1 to Turda and continue on the same road (~38 km, ~45 minutes). You can also come from the DN75 (Turda–Câmpeni): from the village of Cheia, the DJ 103G climbs 3.5 km onto the plateau above the gorge. The roads are paved; the County Council repaired them in summer 2026. Public transport: there is no confirmed regular service to the chalet. From Turda you can take a taxi or walk the Cheile Turzii Chalet – Dealul Hodiș trail (~8 km, 2–2.5 hours, according to Cluj County Council).
- When is the best time to visit Turda Gorge?
- The best season for Turda Gorge: April – October (avoid July–August).
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