Peștera Muierilor

Muierilor Cave opens in the Galben gorges at Baia de Fier, on the southern edge of the Parâng Mountains — a wide, dry, comfortable gallery carved by water on several stacked levels. The name comes from an old story: the village women and children are said to have hidden here while the men were away at war, and the cave has been "the women's" ever since.

Behind that gentle appearance lies one of the most important prehistoric sites in Europe: human remains tens of thousands of years old were found here, alongside cave bear bones, and they have fed genetics studies cited around the world. The guided visit follows a lit, developed section with stalactites, calcite draperies and high chambers, at a steadily cool temperature.

Good to know Entry is by guided group only and the timetable shifts with the season — call ahead if you are coming from far away. Bring a warm layer whatever the heat outside, and shoes with grip: some stretches are damp. The cave pairs well with the drive up the Transalpina, a day at Rânca and the rest of the Parâng–Rânca region, and if caves are your thing, see Bears' Cave too. Check the weather before you travel.