Cetatea Rădesei Cave
About Cetatea Rădesei Cave
Cetatea Rădesei Cave, also known as Cetățile Rădesei, is a hydrological bypass: the Rădeasa stream enters beneath a monumental portal about 15 m high and comes out 260 m later in a clearing. It lies in the northern part of the Padiș karst plateau, in the Bihor Mountains, in the commune of Budureasa, within Apuseni Natural Park. The floor of the first hall is covered with large boulders, between which the water squeezes through with a roar, forming rapids and small cascades.
It has no spectacular cave formations: its appeal is the crossing itself. The roof has collapsed in several places and light enters through openings above, so the route alternates between forest light and the darkness of narrow galleries. The cave is in the late stage of its development and will in time turn into a series of natural bridges and eventually into a gorge.
What you can see
Beyond the portal you reach the Great Hall, lit through four roof chimneys. Next comes a narrow, dark stretch, then the space beneath Window I, a shaft that pierces the limestone, and a tight lightless canyon with erosion potholes that ends in Rădesei Clearing. The underground route drops about 36 m; iron chains are fitted at steps higher than 2 m.
Good to know
This is not a show cave: there are no tickets, guides or opening hours, and the crossing is made on foot, downstream, through the water, with your own light. It is done only at low water: in torrential summer rain the stream's flow makes it almost impossible to pass the narrow sections. Cetățile Ponorului, another point of interest for hikers, also lies on the Padiș Plateau.
Information verified on 31 October 2026.
- The portal of about 15 m through which the Rădeasa stream enters the mountain.
- The Great Hall, lit through four roof chimneys, with a floor of boulders among which the water forms rapids.
- Window I, the shaft that pierces the limestone above the stream.
- The narrow, dark canyon with erosion potholes that ends in Rădesei Clearing.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: the starting point is Cabana Vărășoaia, on the DJ 763, ~4 km (~15 minutes) from Cabana Padiș. From Oradea it is ~108 km (~2 h 20 min), from Beiuș ~43 km (~1 h 10 min), towards the Padiș Plateau. From the chalet walk ~1 km along the forest road, then the trail marked with red climbs through the forest to a clearing and drops to the portal; the full loop takes around 2 hours.
Public transport: there is no scheduled service up to the Padiș Plateau.
- Where to park
Leave the car at Cabana Vărășoaia, where the forest road to the cave begins.
- Rules
The cave lies within Apuseni Natural Park: do not disturb the bats and take your rubbish with you. It is crossed at low water, downstream, because climbing up the chains is harder than going down; do not enter at high water or in torrential rain. You need your own light, water-resistant footwear, a helmet with a headlamp and gloves, and a wetsuit for the full crossing. The floor is slippery.
- Facilities
No facilities in the cave · starting point at Cabana Vărășoaia
Frequently asked questions about Cetatea Rădesei Cave
What are the opening hours of Cetatea Rădesei Cave?
Opening hours at Cetatea Rădesei Cave: daily open 24 hours. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Cetatea Rădesei Cave take?
A visit to Cetatea Rădesei Cave takes about 1½ – 2 hours (the loop from Cabana Vărășoaia).
Can you visit Cetatea Rădesei Cave with kids?
No, Cetatea Rădesei Cave is not recommended for visits with children (water, chains and rock steps).
How do I get to Cetatea Rădesei Cave?
Cetatea Rădesei Cave is located at Padiș Plateau, on the trail marked with red that starts at Cabana Vărășoaia, on the DJ 763, Bihor County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Cetatea Rădesei Cave?
The best season for Cetatea Rădesei Cave: June – September (only at low water).
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