Discovering Transylvania: Cluj and Beyond, a Tapestry of History, Nature, and Culture

Nestled in the heart of Transylvania, Cluj-Napoca not only boasts a vibrant urban atmosphere but also serves as a gateway to a region steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. As you plan your vacation to Cluj, set aside time to explore the enchanting surroundings that promise a diverse range of experiences.

1. Cluj-Napoca: The Urban Hub Begin your journey in Cluj-Napoca, the unofficial capital of Transylvania. This bustling city welcomes you with a blend of medieval and Baroque architecture, lively squares, and a cultural scene that rivals some of Europe’s most vibrant cities. Explore landmarks like St. Michael’s Church, Union Square, and the Central Park before venturing into the outskirts.

2. Turda Salt Mine: An Underground Wonderland A short drive from Cluj leads to the Turda Salt Mine, an underground marvel that combines history with modern entertainment. Descend into a subterranean world where salt mining history meets amusement park attractions. Boating on the underground lake and exploring the salt chambers create a unique and unforgettable experience.

The salt mine in Turda is a veritable history museum of salt mining. The excellent state of preservation of mining makes it an incredibly astonishing underground place, all dressed in salt, which additionally offers a series of indoors activities.

Salina Turda is split into various spaces, galleries and mines, among which Rudolf, Ghizela, Terezia and Iosif mines. As already mentioned, indoors one can find from playgrounds to tennis and basketball courts. The tourists are welcome even to spend the night in the underground town, accommodation being available upon request.

3. The Apuseni Mountains and Scarisoara Cave. Adventure awaits in the Apuseni Mountains, a haven for nature lovers. Hiking trails wind through dense forests, revealing hidden waterfalls, caves, and picturesque landscapes. For an adrenaline rush, try caving in the Scarisoara Ice Cave, home to one of the largest underground glaciers in Europe.

Famous for its impressive ice structures, including six meters high ice stalagmites, Scarisoara is located at an altitude of 1,165 meters above sea level.

More precisely, it is located in the Bihor Mountains, 90 miles southwest of Cluj-Napoca and has a volume of 2,649,000 cubic feet (75,000 cubic meters), making it the second largest European underground glacier, after the Eisriesenwelt ice cave in Austria.

The 3,500-year old glacier was first mentioned by the Austrian geographer Arnold Schmidl in 1863, but it was the Romanian scientist Emil Racovita who explored it between 1921-1923. Later on, Romanian speleologists established the ice cave was formed about 3,500 years ago during the glaciations.

4. Hoia-Baciu Forest, one of world’s most frightening places. The Hoia-Baciu Forest, presented by www.hoiabaciuforest.com as World’s Most Haunted Forest, is located  near Cluj-Napoca, covers an area of over 250 hectares and is often referred to as the Bermuda Triangle of the country. The forest was named after a shepherd who disappeared in the area together with his 200 sheep.

Why the reputation of being haunted? As many sources indicate, the forest has had a dense paranormal activity for decades. People have witnessed several strange events including ghost sightings, unexplained apparitions, faces appearing in photographs that were not visible with the naked eye, and in the 1970s UFO sightings. The most common weird phenomena in the forest are seeing mysterious lights, hearing female voices, giggling and cases of people being scratched. Visitors to the forest have reported a strong sense of anxiety and the feeling of being watched.

5. Romulus Vuia National Ethnographic Park. Also called the “Village Museum”, the National Ethnographic Park “Romulus Vuia” is located next to the Hoia Forest, one of the largest and richest forests in Cluj. It is the first open-air museum in Romania, established on June 1, 1929 with an initial area of 75 hectares. The park was designed by the ethnographer Romulus Vuia and among the objects of interest of the Ethnographic Park we can list the wooden Church from the village of Chirales – Bistrita-Năsăud county, the craft complexes from Preuteasa and Hărnicești, the lime kiln from Baba, the blacksmiths from Rimetea and Cabbage and any of the households.

6. Bánffy Castle- eclectic and electric. Located only 30 km from Cluj-Napoca, it is a building that perfectly represents the Transylvanian Baroque. The castle hides fascinating stories in its rooms, but also in the outdoor spaces – the huge garden and the secret path through the forest. The “electric” castle, as it is called today, has become even more famous recently, thanks to the Electric Castle festival.

Banffy Castle is also dubbed as one of the most creepiest in the world.

7. Blue Lagoon Lake. Although visitors may find the lake more appealing in the summer, it is also a sight for sore eyes in the winter, as well.

Only 30 kilometers from the City of Cluj-Napoca, one of the country’s most beautiful lakes lies hidden behind huge sand dunes: the Blue Lagoon Lake near Aghiresu parish. The lake became famous for its light blue water similar to the Mediterranean and it appeared relatively recently on a site which used to be a kaolin pit belonging to the Aghiresu Mining Exploitation.

The mine was flooded by the subterranean springs that infiltrated through the fragile phreatic bedding of the kaolin. At the same time, the hollow crater got filled up with rainwater, the surrounding sandy soil being the work of rainwater creeks. The water was dyed blue by the substances used for kaolin extraction which made the lake a unique place in Romania. This is how the wonderful Blue Lagoon was born.

8. Sâncraiu village: Embracing Tranquility in Transylvania’s Heart. Nestled in the picturesque embrace of the Apuseni Mountains, Sâncraiu Village emerges as a hidden gem in the Cluj region of Transylvania, Romania. This charming village, with its timeless beauty and authentic rural atmosphere, offers visitors a retreat into the heart of traditional Romanian life.

The village of Sâncraiu, awarded by the Delegation of the European Commission in Romania with the title of “European Village”, is located on the road to Lake Beliș, only 56 kilometers from Cluj-Napoca.

Surrounded by lush meadows, rolling hills, and the gentle flow of the Crisul Repede River, Sâncraiu is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The village serves as a gateway to the Apuseni Nature Park, offering hiking trails that reveal breathtaking landscapes and the diverse flora and fauna of the Carpathian Mountains.

Delve into the rich cultural heritage of Sâncraiu at the Ethnographic Museum. Housed in a traditional wooden barn, the museum showcases artifacts, tools, and exhibits that narrate the story of the village’s agricultural traditions, folk customs, and the unique way of life.

In conclusion, Cluj-Napoca and its surroundings offer a vacationer’s paradise, where urban sophistication seamlessly blends with historical grandeur and natural wonders. Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a history enthusiast, or a culinary explorer, this Transylvanian region invites you to create lasting memories in a land of diverse experiences.