Munții Apuseni: Padiș, Arieșeni, Scărișoara

The Apuseni Mountains are Romania's underground world: a limestone plateau riddled with caves, gorges, sinkholes and springs, where water has carved over millennia a landscape unlike anywhere else in the country. Padiș, Arieșeni and Scărișoara form the heart of this region — gentler in altitude than the Southern Carpathians, but far richer in geological surprises and the scattered hilltop villages of the moți.

Why it's worth it Here you descend into a glacier that doesn't melt even in summer, then climb the next day onto a hay-meadow ridge. Scărișoara Cave shelters an underground glacier thousands of years old, one of the largest in Europe (approximate), and Padiș is a true karst labyrinth. It's a region for curious explorers, protected within Apuseni Nature Park.

When to go Summer and autumn are ideal for caves, gorges and trails; in spring, the swollen waters make the springs spectacular. In winter, the area works as a ski area at Arieșeni–Vârtop, with options too at Băișoara. The forest roads towards Padiș can be tough — check the forecast and the state of the roads.

What to do Descend into Scărișoara Cave on the glacier trail and visit the spectacular Bears' Cave. In the heart of the plateau, set off towards the Ponor Citadels in Padiș, starting from Padiș Cabana. To the east, don't miss the Turda Gorges. Browse all the attractions and trails, plus themed experiences and itineraries.

Getting there The region is reached from Cluj, Oradea or Alba Iulia via the DN75 and county roads; Arieșeni is the main hub, and the last kilometres towards Padiș are forest road. See the mountain roads options.

Where to sleep & eat Accommodation is made up of moți guesthouses and cabanas; see accommodation and the restaurants serving Transylvanian cuisine.

Practical note: in the caves and on the Padiș plateau bring warm clothing, a headlamp and grippy footwear; signal is weak, and if needed call Salvamont mountain rescue.