Cave Scarisoara – A 3,000-Year-Old Glacier Distance: 17 km

Scărișoara Cave – The Ancient Glacier in the Heart of the Apuseni Mountains
Scărișoara Cave, also known as the Scărișoara Ice Cave, is one of the most spectacular and visited tourist attractions in the Apuseni Mountains and in all of Romania. Located at an altitude of about 1,150 m, in Gârda de Sus commune, Alba County, just 10–15 km from our rental cottages, this natural wonder shelters the largest underground glacier in Romania and one of the oldest in Europe – estimated to be over 3,000 years old. It is easily accessible by car, followed by a short walking trail (about 20 minutes).

What you can visit inside the cave:

The Great Hall – impressive for its size and the natural light entering through the sinkhole
The Ice Church – an area with ice stalagmites resembling a natural cathedral
The Small Hall and Coman Gallery – accessible with a guide, depending on the season

Why it’s worth a stop:

A symbol of the
Apuseni Mountains and a must-see tourist destination
Suitable for visitors of all ages, including families with children
A unique experience – cool in summer and spectacular in winter
Ideal for nature, photography, and adventure enthusiasts