Turda Gorge (Cheile Turzii)

About 8 km west of Turda, the Cheile Turzii (Turda Gorge) is a spectacular natural canyon carved through white and grey limestone by the Hășdate stream. The gorge is roughly 3 km long and can be walked end to end in two to three hours; the path follows the river, crosses it several times on wooden footbridges, and passes through tight sections where the canyon walls close in dramatically overhead. Bats, hawks, and a variety of rare plants inhabit the cave mouths and ledges.

The gorge is a nature reserve and one of the finest natural sights in Cluj County. The car park at the western entrance has a small restaurant and picnic area. Entry is free. The gorge can be muddy after rain, and solid footwear is advisable. To get there from Turda, take a taxi or the occasional local bus to Mihai Viteazu village at the gorge entrance.

things to do sight
A story
The gorge was carved by the Hășdate stream over millions of years through the Jurassic limestone of the Apuseni Mountains. The walls in places reach 300 metres in height, and the canyon is so narrow in spots that you can almost touch both sides simultaneously. The combination of overhanging cliffs, deep caves, and dramatic natural arches has made it a favourite with rock climbers — there are over 120 documented climbing routes in the gorge.