Vadu Crișului Cave
About Vadu Crișului Cave
Vadu Crișului Cave lies in the Crișul Repede Gorge, in a side valley about 50 m from the river, on the northern slope of the Pădurea Craiului Mountains. In Hungarian it is called Zichy-barlang, after Count Zichy, the owner of the land. It was discovered on 10 November 1903, when Karl Handl, a railway worker, came across it and Czárán Gyula opened the entrance with dynamite; the first visitors went in in 1905.
The cave is about 1,510 m long, but only the 680 m of the developed route can be visited, at roughly 305 m above sea level. A stream runs through the main passage and comes out into the open as a small waterfall right by the entrance; the water that sinks into Peștera Bătrânului, 3 km away, reappears here.
What you can see
The route follows electrically lit stairs and walkways past stalactites, stalagmites and calcite columns. The cave is known for its cave fauna, with troglobiont species, some of them endemic, also studied by Emil Racoviță, and for a large bat colony that includes species protected at European level. Cave bear bones up to 27,000 years old have been found near the entrance.
Good to know
Entry is only with a guide, and the visit must be booked by phone at least 24 hours ahead. From the car park on the left bank of the Crișul Repede it is about 30 minutes on foot along the forest path, beside the stream with its small cascades. Inside it is around 10 °C. In the same gorge, about 14 km away by car, is Unguru Mare Cave.
Information verified on 31 October 2026.
- The stream that leaves the cave as a small waterfall by the entrance.
- The stalactites, stalagmites and columns along the 680 m developed route.
- The bat colony and the cave fauna, with endemic species studied as far back as Emil Racoviță.
- The 30-minute walk through the forest, on the path marked with a red dot, to the entrance.
Good to know before you go
- Getting there
By car: from Oradea it is about 55 km (~1 hour) on the E60 (DN 1) towards Cluj-Napoca as far as Vadu Crișului, and from Cluj-Napoca about 105 km (~2 hours) on the same road in the opposite direction. The last car park is at the entrance to the Crișul Repede Gorge, on the left bank; from there you follow the path marked with a red dot on foot, about 30 minutes.
Public transport: the Oradea – Cluj-Napoca line has a Peștera halt, from where you cross the river on foot and climb the side valley to the cave. You can also walk from Vadu Crișului (1.9 km) or from Șuncuiuș (2.6 km).
- Where to park
Leave the car in the last car park, at the entrance to the gorge on the left bank of the Crișul Repede; from there it is about 30 minutes on foot through the forest. Park only in the marked areas.
- Fees & discounts
Adults 20 lei; children, pupils, students and pensioners 10 lei. Accredited tour guides accompanying groups enter free.
- Rules
Entry is only with the guide, who leads groups in Romanian or Hungarian; book at least 24 hours ahead. No eating, drinking or smoking in the cave, and flash and phone torches are not used. Do not touch the formations or the walls, do not disturb the bats and do not take stones from the path. Pets are not allowed. Barbecues and camping are not allowed around the cave. Wear shoes with non-slip soles and clothes for about 10 °C.
Frequently asked questions about Vadu Crișului Cave
How much is a ticket to Vadu Crișului Cave?
A ticket to Vadu Crișului Cave costs 20 lei (concessions: children, seniors). More under “Fees & discounts”
What are the opening hours of Vadu Crișului Cave?
Opening hours at Vadu Crișului Cave: Monday closed, Tuesday–Sunday 09:00 – 17:00. More under “Opening hours”
How long does a visit to Vadu Crișului Cave take?
A visit to Vadu Crișului Cave takes about 45 min (guided tour, 30–60 min).
Can you visit Vadu Crișului Cave with kids?
Yes, Vadu Crișului Cave is suitable for children (stairs in the cave; 10 °C).
How do I get to Vadu Crișului Cave?
Vadu Crișului Cave is located at Crișul Repede Gorge, in the side valley by the Peștera halt: about 30 minutes on foot from the car park on the left bank, Vadu Crișului, Bihor County. More under “Getting there”
When is the best time to visit Vadu Crișului Cave?
The best season for Vadu Crișului Cave: All year round (all year, shorter hours in winter).
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